Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada: How to Plan It and What You'll See

The temples and tombs of Luxor – ancient Thebes – are among the greatest sights on Earth, and they're within reach of a Red Sea beach holiday. A day trip from Hurghada is long but very doable. Here's what to expect, how to plan the day and when it's worth staying overnight instead.

How the day works

Most trips pick you up from your hotel between 4am and 6am and drive through the Eastern Desert to Luxor, arriving mid-morning. You'll visit the West Bank and the East Bank with a guide, have lunch, and start the drive back in the late afternoon, arriving in Hurghada in the evening. Private trips let you set the pace and choose what to see.

What you'll see

1. Karnak Temple

The largest temple complex ever built. Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes and the vast Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 giant columns covered in carvings.

2. The Valley of the Kings

On the West Bank, the pharaohs' tombs are cut deep into the desert hills, their walls still bright with paint. The standard ticket includes several tombs; Tutankhamun's tomb needs an extra ticket.

3. The Temple of Hatshepsut

The terraced mortuary temple of Egypt's most famous female pharaoh rises against a dramatic cliff at Deir el-Bahari.

4. The Colossi of Memnon

Two giant seated statues of Amenhotep III are a quick photo stop on the way to or from the West Bank.

5. Luxor Temple

If you have time – or stay overnight – visit Luxor Temple in the evening, when it's beautifully lit.

6. A felucca on the Nile

Some trips include a short sail or motorboat ride on the Nile, a relaxing break between temples.

Day trip or overnight?

A day trip suits travellers short on time who mainly want to see Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. An overnight trip lets you add Luxor Temple at night, a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank and a less rushed pace – highly recommended for families with children.

Tips for the trip

• Choose a licensed Egyptologist guide – they make the sites come alive and save time at the ticket offices.
• Check what's included: entrance fees, lunch, the Tutankhamun tomb and the balloon are often extra.
• Dress for the heat: light, long clothing, a hat and good shoes. Bring plenty of water.
• Carry small notes for tips, drinks and toilets.

Want more of ancient Egypt? See our 10-day Egypt itinerary and our guide to Nile cruises, or head back to our Hurghada travel guide.