Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada by Bus

This full-day trip takes you from your hotel in Hurghada to Luxor by air-conditioned bus. Luxor lies about 290 km south of Hurghada, and the drive of about 4 hours each way crosses the Eastern Desert and the Nile Valley. A professional guide leads the visits on both banks of the Nile, and a buffet lunch at a Luxor restaurant is included.

Luxor, ancient Thebes

Luxor, often called the world's greatest open-air museum, stands on the site of ancient Thebes, Egypt's capital during the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC) and the center of the worship of Amun-Ra. The East Bank holds the temples of the living, Karnak and Luxor Temple. The West Bank holds the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Karnak Temple

Karnak is the largest religious complex ever built. Its construction spanned more than 2,000 years, and its Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns. Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, was used for royal ceremonies and festivals and is best seen in the late-afternoon light.

Valley of the Kings

The royal tombs were cut into the desert mountains to protect them from robbers. The valley was used during the 18th to 20th Dynasties, and more than 60 tombs have been discovered so far. Their walls show the sun god Ra's journey through the underworld, with texts from the Book of the Dead, the Amduat and the Book of Gates, in colors more than 3,000 years old. The standard ticket usually covers 3 tombs, chosen daily, such as those of Ramses III, Ramses IV, Ramses IX and Merenptah. Tutankhamun's tomb, found intact in 1922 with his mummy still inside, requires an extra ticket.

Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon

The terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, built for Egypt's female pharaoh, is carved into the limestone cliffs. The Colossi of Memnon are two seated statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded a large temple complex.

Lunch and the Nile

Lunch is served at a local restaurant. A felucca sail on the Nile is optional and costs extra; ask for it in advance.