Luxor Excursions from Hurghada

What to Expect on a Luxor Excursion from Hurghada

A day trip to Luxor from Hurghada is far more than an ordinary sightseeing excursion. It is a journey through time to the era of the pharaohs, into a world of monumental temples, royal burial chambers, and millennia-old mysteries. Luxor, the ancient Thebes, was once the most powerful city in the world and the capital of the Egyptian empire. To this day, the colossal structures on the east and west banks of the Nile testify to the unparalleled grandeur of this ancient civilization.

From Hurghada, you can reach Luxor comfortably in about four hours by air-conditioned coach or in just 30 minutes by domestic flight. Our English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the entire day, bringing Egypt's history to life with expert explanations and fascinating anecdotes. The Luxor excursion is one of the absolute highlights of any Egypt holiday and an experience you will remember for a lifetime.

Whether you choose the bus or flight option, the excursion covers the most significant attractions on both banks of the Nile. The west bank, revered by the ancient Egyptians as the realm of the dead, is home to the famous Valley of the Kings, the Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. On the east bank, the side of the living, the magnificent Karnak Temple and the elegant Luxor Temple await you.

Schedule & Program

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is undoubtedly the most emotionally powerful highlight of your Luxor excursion. In this barren rock desert on the west bank of the Nile, pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried over a period of 500 years. A total of 63 tombs have been discovered here, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, which Howard Carter found virtually untouched in 1922. With your standard ticket, you can visit three tombs that are open on a rotation basis. The wall paintings in the burial chambers are remarkably well preserved, depicting scenes from the Book of the Dead and life in the afterworld. The colors still glow brilliantly after more than 3,000 years. Your guide will explain the symbolism of the artwork and the burial rituals of the pharaohs.

Hatshepsut Temple

The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el-Bahari, is an architectural masterpiece that rises in three elegant terraces against the cliff face. Hatshepsut was one of the few women to rule Egypt as pharaoh, and her temple reflects her claim to power and visionary statecraft. The reliefs on the terrace walls tell of her legendary trading expedition to the Land of Punt and of her divine birth. The view from the upper terrace across the Theban plain is breathtaking.

Colossi of Memnon

On the way to the Valley of the Kings, you pass the two colossal seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, better known as the Colossi of Memnon. Each statue stands approximately 18 meters tall and weighs an estimated 720 tons. In antiquity, one of the statues was famous for emitting a mournful sound at sunrise, which Greek and Roman travelers interpreted as the voice of the mythical Memnon. Today, the Colossi are an impressive photo opportunity and a powerful prelude to your west bank explorations.

Nile Crossing and Karnak Temple

Crossing the Nile by traditional ferry or motorboat is an experience in itself. On the water, you feel the timeless significance of the river that has been the lifeline of Egypt for millennia. Upon reaching the east bank, you visit Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in the world. The complex covers an area of approximately 200 hectares and was built and expanded by over 30 pharaohs across a span of 2,000 years. The centerpiece is the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic columns rising up to 23 meters high. Standing among these columns and gazing upward, you understand why Egyptologists speak of the eighth wonder of the ancient world. The Avenue of Sphinxes, the Sacred Lake, and the numerous obelisks complete this awe-inspiring panorama.

Luxor Temple

In the late afternoon, you visit Luxor Temple, once connected to Karnak Temple by a 2.7-kilometer Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple was primarily built under Pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramesses II and served as the venue for the annual Opet Festival. Particularly impressive are the colossal statues of Ramesses II at the entrance and the grand courtyard. In the evening twilight, the illuminated temple radiates a very special magic.

Lunch and Leisure

Around midday, you enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a selected restaurant in Luxor. The meal is included in the excursion price and features typical dishes such as koshary, grilled meats, fresh salads, and Egyptian flatbread. After lunch, depending on the excursion version, there is time for a short stroll through the Luxor souk where you can find souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Prices & Booking

The Luxor day trip from Hurghada by bus is available from 45 euros per person. This price includes air-conditioned transfer from your hotel in Hurghada, El Gouna, Makadi Bay, or Sahl Hasheesh, all entrance fees for Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), an English-speaking guide, and lunch. The bus version departs around 4:00 AM and returns by approximately 9:00 PM.

For travelers who prefer to avoid the long bus journey, we offer the Luxor excursion with domestic flight from 220 euros per person. The flight from Hurghada to Luxor takes only about 30 minutes, giving you more time for sightseeing. Private excursions with a dedicated vehicle and personal guide are also available and ideal for families or small groups who want a customized experience.

Children between 6 and 12 years receive a 50 percent discount. For children under 6, we recommend the flight transfer option due to the long travel time and high temperatures at the sites. Book your Luxor excursion a few days in advance, as places fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Tips & Advice

The best time for a Luxor excursion is from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant. In summer, temperatures in Luxor can exceed 45 degrees Celsius, making temple and tomb visits extremely strenuous. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as you will walk a great deal. The ground in the Valley of the Kings is rocky and uneven. Light, breathable clothing and a sun hat are essential.

Bring plenty of water, although your guide also provides water. Sunscreen with a high SPF is a must. Photography is allowed at most locations; however, in the Valley of the Kings, an additional photo ticket is required inside the tombs. Smartphone photos are permitted without extra charge. Do not forget your camera, as the photo opportunities in Luxor are absolutely unique.

For the bus version, we recommend going to bed early the night before, as departure is very early in the morning. Bring a small pillow for the bus ride and make sure your phone is fully charged. During the drive, the bus stops at a rest area where you can buy breakfast and coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Luxor Excursion

Is the Luxor day trip from Hurghada worth it?

The Luxor excursion is one of the most popular and most booked excursions from Hurghada, and for good reason. Luxor is home to approximately one third of all ancient monuments in the world. No other place in Egypt offers such a concentration of pharaonic sights. Especially for first-time visitors to Egypt, this day trip is an essential experience that elevates your holiday to an entirely new level. Even though the bus journey starts early, the effort is more than rewarded by the overwhelming impressions you take away.

Is the Luxor excursion suitable for children?

The Luxor excursion is possible for families with children, though you should consider that the day is very long and temperatures at the sights can be high, particularly in summer. For children under six, we recommend the flight option as the bus journey can be very tiring for little ones. Older children are often fascinated by the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the massive temple complexes. Bring enough snacks and water for your children, along with a small toy or book for the bus ride.

What is the difference between the bus and flight excursion?

On the bus excursion, you depart around 4 AM and drive approximately four hours through the desert to Luxor. The drive itself is already an experience, as you cross the barren but impressive desert landscape and watch the mountains of the Arabian Desert bathed in golden light at sunrise. The flight excursion is considerably more expensive but offers more comfort and more sightseeing time on location. You depart later in the morning and fly to Luxor in just thirty minutes, making the day considerably more relaxed.

Why Choose Ra Reisen?

Ra Reisen has been organizing Luxor excursions from Hurghada for many years and knows the region like few other operators. Our English-speaking guides are trained Egyptologists or experienced excursion leaders with deep expertise. We value small group sizes so you can enjoy the sights in peace and have enough time for your questions. Our buses are modern, air-conditioned, and comfortably equipped.

What sets us apart from other providers: we do not rush from one sight to the next but plan ample time at each location. We also avoid unwanted stops at souvenir shops, which are common with many budget operators. At Ra Reisen, your experience is the priority. We also offer 24-hour customer service in English and flexible cancellation policies. Book your Luxor excursion now and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of ancient Egypt.