Overview

Luxor Day Trip Cairo – Karnak, Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Private

This luxor day trip cairo flies you from Cairo to Luxor and back in a single day, covering six of the greatest ancient monuments on earth: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings (including Tutankhamun’s tomb), the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and a traditional felucca ride on the Nile. Guided by a licensed Egyptologist from door to door, this is the most efficient and rewarding day trip available from Cairo.

Luxor Day Trip Cairo — Why Fly?

Luxor is 670 km south of Cairo — 9-10 hours by train or car each way. Flying takes 1 hour and transforms what would be an exhausting 2-day journey into a comfortable full-day luxor day trip cairo. We book early morning flights (departing 6-7am) to maximise your time at the monuments, and evening return flights to bring you home after sunset. Round-trip domestic flights are included in the tour price.

Luxor Day Trip Cairo — East Bank

Karnak Temple Complex

The largest religious building ever constructed — a 200-acre complex of temples, pylons, obelisks, and sacred lakes built and expanded over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs. The Hypostyle Hall alone (134 columns, the tallest 23 metres) is one of the most overwhelming spaces in all of ancient architecture. Begin your luxor day trip cairo here at opening time to experience it before the crowds.

Luxor Temple

Built by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramesses II, Luxor Temple sits at the edge of the Nile in the centre of modern Luxor city. The avenue of sphinxes connecting it to Karnak was recently excavated and is now fully restored — one of the most dramatic archaeological discoveries of the 21st century. Entrance is included in your luxor day trip cairo.

Luxor Day Trip Cairo — West Bank

Valley of the Kings

The royal necropolis of New Kingdom pharaohs — 63 decorated tombs cut deep into the limestone cliffs of the Theban hills. Your guide selects the best currently open tombs based on which are least crowded. Tutankhamun’s tomb (optional, ~$20 extra) contains the boy king’s mummy and original wall paintings. Allow 1.5-2 hours on the West Bank during your luxor day trip cairo.

Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir El Bahari)

Queen Hatshepsut was one of ancient Egypt’s most successful rulers — a female pharaoh who ruled for 22 years. Her mortuary temple, carved into the face of the Theban cliffs in three colonnaded terraces, is architecturally breathtaking and historically extraordinary. One of the undisputed highlights of any luxor day trip cairo.

Colossi of Memnon

Two massive 18-metre quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III guard the entrance to his now-vanished mortuary temple. The largest ancient statues in Egypt outside of Abu Simbel — a quick but essential stop on the West Bank route.

What’s Included

• Round-trip domestic flights Cairo–Luxor–Cairo
• Private licensed Egyptologist guide (full day)
• All entrance fees: Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi
• Private air-conditioned vehicle in Luxor
• Lunch at a Nile-view restaurant in Luxor
• All airport transfers (Cairo and Luxor)
• Bottled water throughout

What’s Not Included

• Tutankhamun’s tomb entry (optional, ~$20)
• Personal spending and gratuities

Practical Information

Departure from Cairo Airport at approximately 6:30am. Return to Cairo by 9:00pm. The luxor day trip cairo runs daily subject to flight availability — book at least 3 days in advance. Best season: October through April. Summer is very hot in Luxor (40°C+) but manageable with early starts and air-conditioned transport.

Why Book With Elias Tours Egypt

Elias Tours Egypt is a professional licensed tour operator. This luxor day trip cairo is fully private — your guide, your pace, no groups. Explore our Egypt Tour Packages, browse Egypt Activities, read about Egyptian Culture, or contact us via our contact page. More at Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions — Luxor Day Trip Cairo

How long is the luxor day trip cairo?

Approximately 14-15 hours door-to-door from your Cairo hotel. You spend 7-8 hours in Luxor visiting the monuments.

Is it worth doing Luxor as a day trip?

Yes — Luxor’s main monuments are compact and accessible. A single full day covers everything most visitors want to see. Those wanting to explore more (Medinet Habu, Dendera, Abydos) should consider our 2-day Luxor option.

Are the flights reliable?

EgyptAir domestic flights are reliable and fly multiple times daily between Cairo and Luxor. We monitor flights and have contingency plans for delays.

Can I see Tutankhamun’s mummy in Luxor?

Yes — Tutankhamun’s mummy remains in his tomb in the Valley of the Kings. His gold funerary mask and burial treasures are at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.