Hurghada For You
Luxor, ancient Thebes, is often described as the world's largest open-air museum. Monumental temples, pharaohs' tombs decorated with paintings thousands of years old: it is the cultural trip not to miss from Hurghada.
Luxor or Cairo?
Luxor is closer to Hurghada (about 4 hours by road) than Cairo. If you can only do one big cultural trip, the Pyramids are iconic, but Luxor has an exceptional density of sites. Many of our travellers do both. See also the Cairo trip.
What you visit
East bank
- The Temple of Karnak: a huge religious complex, famous for its hypostyle hall and giant columns.
West bank
- The Valley of the Kings: tombs cut into the mountain, decorated with paintings whose colours are still vivid.
- The Temple of Hatshepsut, set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
- The Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues facing the Nile.
The options
By bus
The Luxor 1 Day By Bus (from 65€) runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from about 4 am to 9 pm. You travel in a large multinational group: the cheapest option.
By mini van
The Luxor 1 Day Mini Van (from 80€): small group, more comfortable.
By private car
The Luxor 1 Day Private Car (from 125€): you, your family or friends and your guide, at your own pace.
In 2 days
The Luxor 2 days 1 night stay lets you see everything without rushing, with a night on site and a hot-air balloon flight over the west bank (price shown for 2 people).
Already in Luxor?
The Private Luxor tour departing from Luxor picks you up directly at your hotel.
Extend with a Nile cruise
Luxor is the starting point of the Nile Cruise to Aswan. All about the cruise.
Our tips
- The sites are very sunny: a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water are essential.
- Wear comfortable shoes: there is a lot of walking.
- Keep cash for tips and extras.
- Plan a rest day afterwards.
The hot-air balloon in Luxor
Flying over the west bank at sunrise, above the temples, fields and the Nile, is one of the most beautiful experiences in Egypt. It is included in the Luxor 2 days 1 night stay and in the Nile Cruise.
How many tombs can you see in the Valley of the Kings?
The standard ticket gives access to several tombs open that day (they rotate for conservation). Some famous tombs, such as Tutankhamun's, require an extra ticket bought on site.
Luxor in summer
In summer the heat in Luxor is intense. The very early start lets you visit the west bank before the hottest hours. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water, a hat and light clothes covering the shoulders.
