Luxor in One Day: Explore the East and West Banks

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Begin your unforgettable journey with a comfortable pickup from your Luxor hotel or cruise. Meet your expert Egyptologist guide and start exploring Luxor’s remarkable East and West Banks, including its temples, tombs, and ancient treasures.

   30 min

2. The Colossi of Memnon are two colossal stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled the Eighteenth Dynasty (1550-1292 BC). Located in the Theban necropolis, the statues are about 20 meters high and represent a seated Amenhotep III. It is believed that the statue was built to commemorate the achievements of the pharaoh during his long reign. The statues are made of quartzite sandstone and have an inscription on their bases. The inscriptions clearly provide clues to the identity of the pharaoh and the purpose of the statues, but the inscriptions have been damaged over the centuries by weather, erosion, and vandalism. The Colossus of Memnon has been the subject of much speculation, with some claiming that they had supernatural powers. However, despite its enigmatic nature, it remains a testament to the greatness and accomplishments of Amenhotep III, who was one of the most powerful pharaohs in the history of Egypt.

   30 min

3. Located near the city of Luxor in Egypt, the Valley of the Kings is a historical site of immense archaeological importance. Once a tomb for the kings and nobles of ancient Egypt, this site is among the most visited archaeological sites in the world. The Tombs of the Valley of the Kings are known for their intricate artwork and hieroglyphs, and the site is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tombs of the Valley of the Kings cover a period of 500 years, from about the 16th century to the 11th century BC. During this time, the valley was home to the tombs of 62 Egyptian rulers, including King Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. Designed to protect mummies and other treasures, these tombs feature elaborate decorations and designs. Many of these tombs were decorated with scenes from the afterlife, such as gods and goddesses and their symbols. Today, the tombs and other archaeological finds can be seen in a museum in Luxor.

   2 h

4. The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari is one of the most impressive monuments of the ancient world. Located in the barren Theban hills near Luxor, the temple was constructed by Hatshepsut, the fifth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, to commemorate her reign and commemorate her ancestor, the god Amun-Re. On the east side of the temple is a rock-cut portico with a double staircase leading up to the sanctuary. The walls are adorned with paintings and inscriptions describing Hatshepsut's accomplishments. In the central court, two obelisks stand as symbols of royal power. Behind the court, a series of chambers and pillared halls lead to the sanctuary, which was dedicated to the gods Amun-Re and Hathor.

   1.5 h

5. Karnak Temple is an ancient complex located in Luxor, Egypt. It was built over a period of more than 2,000 years between the 16th century BC and the 31st century BC. The temple is the largest of its kind and is home to many structures and monuments, including the Great Hypostyle Hall, Great Court, and Sacred Lake. It was the most important place of worship in the ancient Egyptian religion and served as the main center for the cult of Amun. The complex consists of four main parts: the precinct of Amun-Ra, the court of death, the precinct of Montu, and the temple of Amenhotep. The Karnak Temple is a testament to the architectural and artistic skill of the ancient Egyptians, and it remains a popular tourist destination to this day.

   2 h

6. Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex located in the ancient city of Thebes, which is now Luxor, in Egypt. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples in Egypt, with a beautiful facade and many intricate hieroglyphs. The temple was built by Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC and dedicated to the Theban trinity: Amun-Ra, Mut and Khonsu. It was largely destroyed during the Roman period, but its ruins still stand today, giving visitors a glimpse into the past. The temple is divided into several sections, each dedicated to a different god or goddess. The Hypostyle Hall is the most impressive part of the temple, with its towering columns and intricate hieroglyphs. Other sections include the sacred lake, the delivery room, and the harem. Luxor Temple is a must-see for any history enthusiast, as it is a testament to the power and grandeur of ancient Egypt. Its statues and obelisks are a reminder of the wonderful and artistic culture of ancient peoples.

   2 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Luxor

• Its from-price is 33% below the median of the 4411 experiences we list in Luxor.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 956 of 4411.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Luxor

Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, with vast temples on the Nile's east bank and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings across the river.

On the east bank, the Karnak temple complex spreads across acres of pylons, obelisks and the forest of columns in its Great Hypostyle Hall. An avenue of sphinxes links it to Luxor Temple in the town centre, which is especially atmospheric when lit up in the evening. The Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum sit along the riverside corniche.

Top-ranked sights in Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut (at Deir el-Bahari), Colossi of Memnon.

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