EAST AND WEST
BANKS OF
LUXOR
Between Heaven and
the Underworld
Cross the Nile to explore both sides of ancient Thebes — the East Bank, where grand temples celebrated the gods, and the West Bank, where the pharaohs prepared for eternity. Wander through the monumental Karnak and Luxor Temples, marveling at their colossal columns and sacred reliefs that once echoed with prayers to Amun-Ra. Then journey west to the Valley of the Kings, the eternal resting place of Egypt’s great rulers, the elegant Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the timeless Colossi of Memnon standing guard over the desert plain.
ITINERARY
Morning Pickup — Luxor Hotel or Nile Cruise
Your private Egyptologist and driver will meet you at your hotel or Nile cruise for a full-day journey through the sacred landscapes of Luxor.
THE WEST BANK OF NILE
The land of the dead, where the sun set and the afterlife began.
Stop 1 — The Valley of the Kings
Ancient royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in richly decorated tombs carved into desert cliffs. Each tomb offers a glimpse into royal eternity — from celestial art and sacred texts to architectural mastery hidden beneath the sands. Your standard entry ticket allows access to 3 tombs from the standard list.
Notable tombs often open to visitors include those of
Ramses IV
Ramses III
Merenptah
Additional optional tombs available for visit
Tutankhamun
Ramesses V & VI
Seti I
Ay
Stop 2 — Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, this terraced masterpiece, dedicated to the sun god Amun, honors Egypt’s most powerful female ruler and depicts her divine birth and her famed trade expedition to the Land of Punt.
Stop 3 — Colossi of Memnon
Two 18-meter statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Once guarding the entrance to his lost mortuary temple, these colossal figures have stood watch over the Theban plain for more than 3,400 years — silent witnesses to Egypt’s ancient grandeur.
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration.
THE EAST BANK OF NILE
The land of the living, where ancient Egyptians built temples to honor the gods and celebrate life.
Stop 4 — Karnak Temple Complex
Dedicated to the Theban triad — Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu — Karnak is the largest religious complex in Egypt and one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements. Monumental pylons, sacred lakes, and the vast Hypostyle Hall lined with 134 colossal columns still radiate the force of ancient devotion, creating an immense architectural landscape — a forest of towering pillars and thousand-year-old reliefs shaped across dynasties.
Stop 5 — Luxor Temple
Linked to Karnak by the ancient Avenue of the Sphinxes. Built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, this temple beautifully reflects the harmony of religion and royalty in ancient Egypt.
Return Transfer — Luxor Hotel or Nile Cruise
After your visit, relax as your private driver takes you back to your hotel or Nile cruise, carrying with you the echoes of Luxor’s ancient grandeur.
INCLUSIONS
Pickup and return in a private vehicle from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor
All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
Private English-Speaking Egyptologist Guide
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Lunch at a local restaurant
Bottled water during the tour
All taxes and service charges
EXCLUSIONS
Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary