Full-day East and West Bank tour with lunch from Luxor

If you’re planning a trip to Luxor, you’ll quickly realize it’s a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian sites. For travelers seeking a comprehensive, budget-friendly way to see the highlights, a full-day tour of both the East and West Banks offers an excellent solution. This guided experience, offered by Egypt Holiday Makers Travel, promises to bring these storied monuments to life with a knowledgeable Egyptologist leading the way.

What we love about this tour is its value for money—at just $12.86 per person, it packs in enough adventure and history to satisfy even the most curious travelers. Plus, the convenient hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to relax and focus on soaking in the sights. On the flip side, the tour’s flexibility regarding site visits and optional entry fees might mean some sites are viewed from the outside unless you decide to pay separately. Still, for a well-rounded day, it hits many of the essential highlights.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time in Luxor without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-time visitor, or someone eager to see Egypt’s most iconic monuments, this tour offers an authentic experience with a friendly, professional guide.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At just $12.86, this is one of the most budget-friendly full-day tours in Luxor.
• Expert Guide: An Egyptologist enhances the experience with context and stories, making the history come alive.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: From the Valley of the Kings to Karnak, you see both sides of the Nile and major sites.
• Convenient Logistics: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and included lunch streamline the day.
• Flexible & Social: Small group sizes and optional site visits offer a personalized feel.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy local cuisine during lunch and explore key monuments with minimal hassle.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: Seamless Pickup and Arrival

The tour kicks off with a timely hotel pickup, which is a real plus in Luxor. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, or on a cruise, the tour operator picks you up, setting the tone for a hassle-free day. The pickup time is generally around 8:00 AM, providing ample opportunity to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

You’ll travel comfortably in a group that typically doesn’t exceed 50 travelers, creating a friendly environment without feeling crowded. The transportation is included, so you don’t have to worry about navigating the busy streets or figuring out your own way to each site.

Exploring the West Bank: Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple

The highlight for many is the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs await. While the tour notes that admission tickets are not included, the chance to walk through these ancient corridors with an Egyptologist explaining their significance makes this a memorable experience. Expect to spend roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes here, absorbing the stories behind these royal tombs.

Next, the tour visits Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari. This striking mortuary temple stands out for its terraces and the story of Egypt’s first female pharaoh. The guides often share fascinating insights into her reign and architectural innovations during this 2-hour stop.

The Colossi of Memnon: A Brief but Impressive Photo Opportunity

Just 15 minutes at the Colossi of Memnon offers a chance for a quick photo of these enormous statues, which are all that remain of what once was a grand mortuary temple. Visitors often find these statues striking in their size and the sense of history they evoke. They’re free to view, with no admission fee, making it an easy addition to the itinerary.

Lunch Break: Tasting Local Flavors

Midday, the tour pauses for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy famous Egyptian dishes such as falafel or kosheri. This breaks up the day nicely and immerses you in the local dining scene. The tour includes two bottles of water, which help keep you hydrated in the Egyptian sun. You also have the freedom to choose whether to stay within the recommended sites or request to visit other temples, depending on your interests.

The East Bank: Karnak and Luxor Temples

Post-lunch, the journey continues to Karnak Temple, one of Egypt’s most impressive religious complexes. Spanning over 100 hectares, it’s easy to get lost in the scale of the ruins. The guide will help you focus on the highlights, such as the Great Hypostyle Hall with its massive columns. Expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes here, soaking in the grandeur of ancient worship.

Finally, your day wraps up with a visit to Luxor Temple, a combination of monuments built over centuries by different pharaohs. Its location at the heart of modern Luxor makes it particularly atmospheric, especially as you walk along the sphinx-lined approach—an iconic image of Egypt.

Ending the Day: Convenience and Comfort

After exploring Luxor Temple, you’ll be transported back to your hotel or cruise. The tour’s included drop-off means no fuss, just a relaxing ride after a full day of sightseeing.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

The reviews reflect what many find appealing about this tour. One traveler praised the knowledgeable guides, highlighting Hany’s patience and respectfulness: “He was an amazing guide! He was patient, knowledgeable, and kind.” Others appreciated the supportive attitude of the team, noting that they were ready to assist and make adjustments if needed.

Several reviewers mentioned the delicious local food, emphasizing that lunch was a highlight—an opportunity to experience authentic Egyptian cuisine in a casual setting. The timely pickup and friendly driver also garnered praise, with one reviewer describing their driver as “a truly humble person,” making the whole experience feel welcoming and genuine.

Practical Details and Considerations

This tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers. It’s suitable for those who want to see the major sights with minimal hassle. The cost of $12.86 per person represents remarkable value, especially considering the guide, transportation, and lunch are included. However, note that admission fees are optional and not included in the price, so if you’re eager to go inside certain tombs or temples, you should prepare for additional costs.

The tour is most suitable for travelers who can participate in a full day of walking and standing. It’s near public transportation, but given the design of the itinerary, most travelers will prefer the convenience of the included transport.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This full-day tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Luxor’s most famous sites at a very affordable price, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want to see the highlights without the fuss of independent planning. With expert guides bringing Egypt’s history to life, you’ll gain insights that make the monuments more meaningful.

If you’re short on time but eager to experience both the West and East Banks, this tour hits all the major spots. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors or those who want a guided overview that balances storytelling with sightseeing. The inclusion of local lunch and hotel pickup makes it convenient and simple to enjoy.

While some sites require optional entry fees, the overall experience is designed to maximize your understanding and enjoyment of Luxor’s vast archaeological landscape. Be prepared for a full day of walking and exploring, and don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient past.

FAQ

Are admission tickets included in the tour?
No, the tour price does not include entrance fees. You may need to pay separately if you want to go inside certain tombs or temples.

What is the typical group size?
The tour can have up to 50 travelers, but reviews suggest it’s often a smaller, more personable group, especially with guided support.

Does the tour include lunch?
Yes, a local meal is included, offering a taste of Egyptian cuisine such as falafel or kosheri.

What time does the tour start?
Pickup is scheduled around 8:00 AM, with the day generally ending after the Luxor Temple visit, around early evening.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation throughout the day is included, with comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles.

Can I customize the sites I visit?
The itinerary is flexible in terms of optional visits, allowing you to choose which temples or sites to focus on, depending on your interests and extra fees.

In essence, this Luxor full-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of major sights, expert guidance, and local flavors—perfect for those wanting a thorough, affordable introduction to Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites.