Luxor Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh by Flight

Duration: 12–14 hours
Style: Private Tour
From, per person: $280

See the great monuments of ancient Thebes without spending a night away from Sharm El Sheikh. A short flight takes you to Luxor in the morning, and you are home the same evening after visiting Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Luxor holds a large share of Egypt's surviving temples and royal tombs, and a private Egyptologist guide helps you see the best of them in one long day. Karnak stands on the east bank of the Nile, where the pharaohs honored the god Amun for around two thousand years. The west bank is where kings were buried in the desert cliffs.

A driver meets you at your hotel, takes you to the airport and is waiting for you again in Luxor, so the ground arrangements are handled for you. The flights are not in the tour price; we can book them for you at the current fare. The day is long and the Upper Egypt sun is strong, so it suits fit, curious travelers who prefer one big day to a change of hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, and you are back at your Sharm El Sheikh hotel in the evening.

A group of tourists at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor

Your itinerary

01

Flight to Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

After pick-up from your Sharm El Sheikh hotel you transfer to the airport and fly to Luxor. Your Egyptologist guide meets you on arrival and starts with Karnak Temple, spending a good part of the morning among its great gateways, the forest of columns in the hypostyle hall and the sacred lake.

Cross the Nile to the west bank for the Valley of the Kings, where you enter a few of the royal tombs with their painted walls. Next comes the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set against the cliffs, and a short stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III.

A late lunch at a local restaurant fits in along the way. Then you return to Luxor airport for the flight back and a transfer to your hotel.
Lunch

A visitor in front of the Colossi of Memnon

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Sharm El Sheikh
All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle, including airport transfers
Private Egyptologist guide in your language
Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
Lunch at a local restaurant
Bottled water during the visits
All service charges and taxes

Not included

Drinks with meals
Tipping (recommended)
Tomb of Tutankhamun and other special tombs (extra ticket, on request)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Domestic flights (we can book them for you at the current fare)

Good to know

We confirm your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before the trip.
Private trip: the day is for your group only. Vehicle: a car for up to 3 to 4 guests, a minivan for up to 7 to 8, and two vehicles for larger groups.
A long day with an early flight and walking at the sites. Suitable for most ages; young children may find the day tiring.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and modest clothing for temples and religious sites. Bring your passport for the flight.
Runs all year. October to April is the most comfortable.
The price shown is the starting price per person. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel area, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you book.
Children: under 6 travel free, ages 6 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the full price.
A 25% deposit confirms the booking. Free cancellation up to 7 days before arrival; after that the deposit is not refundable.

Questions

Do I need my passport for the flight?

Yes. Bring your passport (or the ID document you checked in with) for the airport checks in both Sharm El Sheikh and Luxor. The flights are not in the tour price; we can book them for you at the current fare.

Is one day enough for Luxor?

It is enough for the highlights: Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. If you would like more time, ask us about staying overnight in Luxor instead.

How much walking is involved?

A fair amount. Karnak is a very large site, and the Valley of the Kings involves short walks and some steps into the tombs. Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen make the day much easier.

What will the weather be like?

Luxor is hotter and drier than Sharm El Sheikh, especially from May to September. In summer your guide plans the open-air sites around the cooler hours and uses the air-conditioned vehicle between stops.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a late lunch at a local restaurant is part of the price. Drinks with the meal are extra, and you can tell us in advance if you have dietary requirements.