King Tut Tomb

Luxor East and West Bank Tour: Karnak & Valley of the Kings

Duration
Approx. 6-7 Hours
Route
Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut
Style
Private Full Day Tour
Schedule
Available daily

Overview

Unveil the secrets of the world’s greatest open-air museum with our comprehensive Luxor East and West Bank Tour. This journey bridges the gap between the rising and setting sun, taking you across the majestic Nile River. On the East bank, the City of the Living, you will walk among the gigantic columns of the Karnak Temples and the graceful Luxor Temple. Then, cross to the West Bank, the City of the Dead, to explore the hidden tombs in The Valley of the Kings, the architectural marvel of the Hatshepsut Temple, and the stoic Colossi of Memnon. Experience the grandeur of the Pharaohs in one unforgettable day.

Highlights

Karnak Temples
Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings
Hatshepsut Temple
Colossi of Memnon

Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary
Your journey into history begins when our Nile Empire representative and expert Egyptologist guide pick you up from your hotel in Luxor. Your Luxor East and West Bank Tour starts on the East Bank, dedicated to the living and the sun god Amun. First, you will visit the massive Karnak Temple Complex. Spanning over 2,000 years of construction history from the 18th dynasty to the Roman era, it is the largest religious building ever constructed. If you enjoy the magical atmosphere of these temples, we highly recommend returning in the evening for the Luxor Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. Next, proceed to the Luxor Temple, built largely by King Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II. It features one of the tallest obelisks in the world and sits right in the heart of the modern city. For those arriving from the capital to see these sights, our Day Tour to Luxor from Cairo by Air is the perfect option. We then drive across the Nile to the West Bank. Here lies the famous Valley of the Kings, the burial ground of pharaohs such as Thutmose I, Thutmose III, Ramses VI, and the famous Tutankhamun. The intricate hieroglyphics here are preserved in vibrant colors. If this history fascinates you, you might want to extend your trip with a Full Day Tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples to see even more preserved art. Continue to the unique Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahari. Ruling as a pharaoh for about 21 years (1490-1469 B.C.), she was the only woman to reign with such power in ancient Egypt, and her terraced temple reflects her greatness. Finally, make a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues representing Amenhotep III. At the end of your tour, you will be driven back to your hotel comfortably. If you are planning to continue your journey south, consider booking our Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for a relaxing sail, or let us arrange your Luxor Airport Transfers for a smooth departure. Step into history today! Book your Luxor East and West Bank Tour and walk in the footsteps of Pharaohs.

Experience Highlights: East vs. West Bank

FeatureEast Bank (City of the Living)West Bank (City of the Dead)
SymbolismSunrise, Life, WorshipSunset, Afterlife, Resurrection
Key SitesKarnak & Luxor TemplesValley of Kings & Hatshepsut
ArchitectureMassive Columns & PylonsHidden Tombs & Rock-Cut Temples

What’s Included

Included

  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Pick up services from your hotel & return.
  • Private Egyptologist guide.
  • Bottled water during your trip.
  • All taxes & service charges.

Not Included

  • Any Optional Tours not mentioned.
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.
  • Tipping.
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the East and West Bank in Luxor?
In ancient Egyptian belief, the East Bank (where the sun rises) was for the living, housing the temples of the gods like Karnak and Luxor Temple. The West Bank (where the sun sets) was for the dead, housing the mortuary temples and tombs like the Valley of the Kings.
Does the tour include entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb?
The standard admission ticket to the Valley of the Kings includes entry to three tombs. However, the tomb of King Tutankhamun usually requires an extra ticket that can be purchased on-site. Your guide can assist you with this if you wish to enter.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
This is a full-day tour involving a moderate amount of walking, especially at the Karnak Temple complex and the Valley of the Kings. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing sun protection.
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees to the historical sites are listed under exclusions. You will need to purchase tickets at the gate of each site, and they can typically be paid for by credit card.
How much are the entrance fees to the sightseeing listed in the itinerary ?
Entrance fees in Egypt generally range from EGP 200 to EGP 1500 (4 USD to 30 USD), depending on the site, and all major attractions accept credit card payments or online booking. You can learn more details by reading the following article: Egypt Attractions Entrance Fees Guide.
Can I customize this tour?
Yes, since this is a private tour, we can adjust the itinerary to suit your needs. If you have already seen some sites or want to add others like the Valley of the Queens, please let us know in advance.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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From
$125 /pp