Day Tours

Luxor & Karnak Temple Private East Bank Tour

1 days$110from / per person
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Tour Facts

Explore the magnificent East Bank of Luxor on a private tour of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Discover the monumental temples, ancient inscriptions and fascinating history of Egypt's legendary open-air museum.

Tour Name
Luxor & Karnak Temple Private East Bank Tour
Duration
1 day
Tour Type
History
Start Location
Nile Cruise
End Location
Nile Cruise
Guide Type
English speaking Guide
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
Accommodation Category
See the accommodation details for each pricing option
Price from
110 USD per person

Destinations

Package starting prices

Essentials
110 USD per person
Signature
140 USD per person
Luxury
185 USD per person
Compare packages and room rates
Explore the Ancient City of Thebes and the Magnificent Temples of Luxor Discover the extraordinary history of Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum, on a private full-day sightseeing tour featuring the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex and the spectacular Luxor Temple. Once known as Thebes, Luxor was the religious and political capital of ancient Egypt for much of the New Kingdom. The city flourished under powerful pharaohs who built enormous temples, monuments and sacred complexes along the Nile. On this private Luxor tour, explore the monumental temples of the East Bank with your private Egyptologist. Walk among gigantic columns, ancient statues, decorated walls and sacred courtyards while learning about the gods, pharaohs and religious ceremonies that shaped ancient Egyptian civilization. This tour is ideal for travelers staying in Luxor who want to experience the city's most important East Bank monuments in one comfortable and informative private excursion.
Book Your Private Luxor & Karnak Temple TourStep into the heart of ancient Thebes and discover two of Egypt's greatest temples. Walk beneath the enormous columns of Karnak, learn about the powerful god Amun-Ra, explore the magnificent Great Hypostyle Hall, then continue to Luxor Temple and discover its royal monuments, statues and ancient religious traditions. Book your private Luxor and Karnak Temple tour today and experience the magnificent temples of ancient Thebes with your own Egyptologist.

Tour Overview

Country

Egypt

Duration

1 days

Starts

Nile Cruise

Ends

Nile Cruise

Age Range

6+

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Tour Guide

English speaking Guide

Hotel Rating

Meals Included

Optional Lunch

Tour Style

Tour Style

History

Trip Type

Private

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Pace2/5
Physical Rating3/5

Best For

  • First-time visitors to Luxor
  • Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
  • Visitors who want a private guided experience
  • Travelers with limited time
  • Photography enthusiasts
  • Couples, Families & History lovers

Explore the Journey

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Itinerary stops

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Tour Highlights

• Explore the enormous Karnak Temple Complex • Discover the Great Temple of Amun-Ra • Walk through the spectacular Great Hypostyle Hall • See the massive temple columns and ancient inscriptions • Learn about the sacred religious traditions of ancient Thebes • Visit magnificent Luxor Temple • See monumental statues of ancient pharaohs • Discover the Avenue of Sphinxes • Learn about the ancient Opet Festival • Enjoy a private Egyptologist and private transportation • Experience Luxor's most important East Bank monuments

Itinerary

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  1. Private Day Tour to Luxor & Karnak Temple from Luxor
    Tour OverviewSpend a full day exploring the most famous temples of Luxor with a private Egyptologist and private air-conditioned transportation. The tour focuses on the spectacular Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, two monuments that were closely connected in ancient times by the famous Avenue of Sphinxes.
    Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Luxor • Destination: Luxor East Bank • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Pickup: Luxor hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation • Meals: Optional lunch • Return: Luxor hotel or cruise ship • Suitable For: Couples, families, history lovers and first-time visitors to Luxor
    Detailed ItineraryMorning – Pickup from Your Luxor Hotel Your private Egyptologist and driver will meet you at your hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation in Luxor. Begin your private sightseeing journey through the ancient city of Thebes. Your guide will introduce you to the history of Luxor and explain why the city became one of the most important religious centers of ancient Egypt.
    Karnak Temple Complex Explore One of Ancient Egypt's Greatest Religious Centers Your first major visit is the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex. Karnak is not simply a single temple. It is an enormous collection of temples, chapels, pylons, courtyards and sacred structures that were developed over many centuries by successive Egyptian rulers. The complex was primarily dedicated to the Theban god Amun-Ra, one of the most important gods in ancient Egypt. As you walk through the site, your Egyptologist will explain how different pharaohs expanded and modified the complex over generations.
    The Great Temple of Amun-Ra Enter the monumental temple area dedicated to Amun-Ra. The scale of Karnak gives visitors an extraordinary impression of the power and wealth of ancient Egypt. Your guide will explain the importance of Amun-Ra and the role of Karnak as a major religious center. The temple complex was connected to the religious life of ancient Thebes and played an important role in royal ceremonies and festivals.
    Great Hypostyle Hall Walk Among the Giant Columns One of Karnak's most spectacular features is the Great Hypostyle Hall. The hall contains a forest of enormous stone columns decorated with hieroglyphs and reliefs. The central columns are particularly impressive because of their monumental scale. Your Egyptologist will explain the architectural design and the stories represented on the walls. Look closely at the inscriptions and reliefs to discover representations of ancient Egyptian kings, gods, offerings and religious ceremonies. This is one of the most memorable locations for photography during the tour.
    Sacred Lake Continue toward the Sacred Lake, an important feature of the Karnak complex. Ancient priests used the sacred lake for ritual purification. Your guide will explain the religious significance of water within ancient Egyptian temple complexes and how priests followed strict purification practices before performing religious duties.
    Obelisks and Monumental Statues Karnak contains several impressive obelisks and statues. Your guide will explain the symbolism of the obelisk and its connection with the sun and divine power. You will also see monumental representations of ancient rulers and gods throughout the complex.
    Avenue of Sphinxes After exploring Karnak, learn about the famous Avenue of Sphinxes, the ancient ceremonial route connecting Karnak with Luxor Temple. The avenue was lined with sphinx statues and formed an important processional route during religious celebrations. The route demonstrates how the two major temple complexes were connected as part of the religious landscape of ancient Thebes.
    Optional Lunch After your Karnak visit, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. You can choose from Egyptian, oriental, international or vegetarian dishes according to your preference. Your guide can recommend a suitable restaurant based on your interests.
    Luxor Temple Discover the Temple of Kings and Gods Continue to Luxor Temple, one of the most beautiful monuments on the East Bank of Luxor. Unlike Karnak, which developed primarily as a major religious complex, Luxor Temple was closely associated with royal ceremonies and the rejuvenation of kingship. The temple was particularly connected with the ancient Opet Festival, during which religious processions traveled between Karnak and Luxor Temple.
    The Avenue of Sphinxes and Temple Entrance Approach the temple through the historic area associated with the Avenue of Sphinxes. At the entrance, your Egyptologist will explain the monumental architecture and the role of the temple within ancient Thebes. The scale of the entrance immediately demonstrates the power of the pharaohs who commissioned the monument.
    Colossal Statues of Ramesses II Inside the temple complex, discover enormous statues associated with Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt's most famous pharaohs. Your guide will explain the long reign of Ramesses II and his extensive building program throughout Egypt. The statues and reliefs provide an opportunity to learn about royal representation and the relationship between the pharaoh and the gods.
    The Courtyards and Colonnades Explore the temple's courtyards and impressive colonnades. The monumental columns and decorated walls reveal the artistic and architectural sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization. Your Egyptologist will point out important inscriptions and explain the religious stories represented throughout the temple.
    The Birth Room and Ancient Religious Traditions Depending on the accessible areas of the temple, your guide can explain the scenes associated with the divine birth of the king and the ancient Egyptian concept of divine kingship. The reliefs demonstrate how Egyptian rulers were presented as having a special relationship with the gods.
    Luxor Temple at Sunset Optional Evening Experience If your schedule allows, consider returning to Luxor Temple later in the day. The monument takes on a completely different atmosphere when illuminated after sunset. An evening visit can be arranged as an optional experience depending on opening hours and current availability. This is particularly attractive for photographers and travelers who want to experience Luxor's ancient monuments after the daytime crowds have left.
    Optional ServicesEnhance your Luxor East Bank experience with: • Traditional Egyptian lunch • Luxor Temple evening visit • Sound & Light Show, when operating • Guide in another language • Professional photography assistance • Private vehicle upgrade • Additional Luxor sightseeing • Felucca sailing on the Nile • Horse carriage experience, subject to availability
    Return to Your Hotel or Nile Cruise After completing your sightseeing, your private driver will transfer you back to your Luxor hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation. Your Egyptologist will be available to answer final questions and provide recommendations for additional Luxor experiences.
    Luxor – The Ancient City of Thebes Why Is Luxor So Important? Modern Luxor occupies the area of ancient Thebes, one of Egypt's most important cities. During the New Kingdom, Thebes became a major political and religious center. Powerful pharaohs built enormous monuments here, while royal tombs were constructed on the West Bank. This is why Luxor is often described as one of the world's greatest open-air museums. The city is divided naturally by the Nile: East Bank The East Bank was associated primarily with temples, religious ceremonies and city life. Major monuments include: • Karnak Temple • Luxor Temple • Avenue of Sphinxes West Bank The West Bank became associated with royal and funerary monuments. Major attractions include: • Valley of the Kings • Temple of Hatshepsut • Colossi of Memnon • Valley of the Queens • Medinet Habu • Ramesseum This tour focuses on the spectacular East Bank.
    Suggested Tour SchedulA typical schedule may look like: 09:00 – Pick-up from your hotel 09:15 – Visit Karnak Temple Complex 11:30 – Transfer to Luxor Temple (short 5-10 minute drive) 12:00 – Visit Luxor Temple 01:15 – Return transfer to your hotel in Luxor 01:30 – Arrival back at hotel or optional lunch stop
    Overnight:
    Your Hotel, Nile Cruise
    Meals:
    Optional Lunch
    Visit:
    Karnak temple Luxor temple
    Entrance Fees:
    $40

    Arrival flight for Day 1

    Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.

    → CAI · pick your date

Your Daily Details

Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Luxor & Karnak Temple Private East Bank Tour, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.

Pricing

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Essentials

$110 / per person

$70 per child

  • Group departure
Most popular

Signature

$140 / per person

$90 per child

  • Small group (max 8)

Luxury

$185 / per person

$120 per child

  • Private Guide & Driver

How much pay for Entrance Fees

Cost & Entrance Fees

  • Karnak Temple
    EGP
    600
    US$
    12
  • Luxor Temple
    EGP
    500
    US$
    10
Total entrance fees per person1,100 EGP22 US$

Guest Brief

Important Entrance Fee Information

Prices and update date

Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.

Visitor categories

Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.

Student discounts

Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.

Optional tombs and attractions

Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.

What the fee covers

Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.

Payment and currency

Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.

USD conversions

Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.

Opening hours and access

Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.

Best Time to Visit

Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.

Recommended travel period
October to March

Luxor

Best: October to March

Tap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).

PlaceDaily max temperature (°C)Monthly rainfall (mm)
Luxor28°C (82°F)0

Averages across the recommended months for each place.

Before You Travel to Egypt

A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.

Choose the season that suits you

October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.

Check entry rules before you fly

Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.

Carry Egyptian Pounds

Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.

Use sealed bottled water

Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.

Dress for heat and local customs

Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.

Know when to bargain

Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.

Check Egypt’s official e-Visa portal

Distances from Cairo

How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.

DestinationKm
Giza Pyramids25 km / 16 mi
Luxor660 km / 410 mi

Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.

Select a city

Giza Pyramids

25 km / 16 mi

About 45 min by road

Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.

Visa Requirements for Egypt

Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.

No visa needed (7)

Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau

e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)

Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania

Special rules (1)

Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.

UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.

Israel

Embassy visa required (17)

Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.

Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam

How to apply for an e-Visa

  1. Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
  2. Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
  3. Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
  4. Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Official Egypt e-Visa portal

Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.

Daily Budget

Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).

ExpenseUSDEGP
Street food meal (koshary, falafel)$2–$495–195 EGP
Sit-down restaurant meal$8–$20390–970 EGP
Bottled water & soft drinks (per day)$2–$495–195 EGP
Coffee or fresh juice$1.5–$475–195 EGP
Uber / taxi within the city$3–$8145–390 EGP
Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day)$5–$10245–485 EGP
Souvenirs & small extras$5–$20245–970 EGP
Estimated daily total$26.5–$701,285–3,395 EGP

Tips for saving money

  • Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
  • Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
  • Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
  • Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
  • Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
  • Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
  • Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.

Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.

Nights You Will Stay

Extended your tour stay If you wish to enjoy more time at your destination, extending your hotel stay or add hotel in Luxor or Aswan is easy. Notify Us Early. Inform us so we can check availability and secure your room for the additional nights with extra payment.

Meals

Optional Egyptian Lunch Between your sightseeing, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from traditional Egyptian and oriental cuisine, international dishes or vegetarian options. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences. You can sample traditional dishes such as: • Koshari • Grilled meats • Falafel • Egyptian salads • Fresh bread • Traditional desserts Vegetarian meals can also be arranged. Lunch is optional unless specifically included in your selected package

Included

  • Lunch: Optional as request

Why Choose This Tour?

Karnak Temple vs. Luxor Temple Although both monuments are connected, they offer different experiences. Karnak Temple → Karnak is enormous and developed over many generations. It functioned as one of ancient Egypt's most important religious complexes. Luxor Temple → Luxor Temple is more compact and was closely associated with royal ceremonies and the Opet Festival. Visiting both provides a much better understanding of the religious landscape of ancient Thebes.

Top Attractions

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What's included & what's not

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Included (3/3)

What's Not Included

Additional Extras

Sound and light show

in Egypt are night events held at famous historical sites like the Giza Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and Philae Island

Visit the Souk

Explore the vibrant souk at your own pace, immersing yourself in the rich scents and vivid colors of exotic spices and perfumes. Wander through stalls filled with beautiful scarves, handcrafted baskets.

An optional lunch buffet

Usually features local or traditional dishes, side items, and fruits, though specialized diets (like strict vegan or allergen-free)

Good To Know

Can I visit Karnak and Luxor Temple in one tour?+
Yes. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are the two principal attractions on Luxor's East Bank and can easily be combined.
How long does the East Bank tour take?+
A typical visit takes approximately 3–5 hours depending on the sightseeing pace and transportation.
Is a private Egyptologist included?+
A private Egyptologist is included when specified in the selected tour package.
What are the highlights of Karnak Temple?+
Highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall, monumental pylons, columns, obelisks, statues and the sacred lake.
Can I visit Luxor Temple at night?+
Evening visits may be possible depending on opening hours and the tour schedule.
Is hotel pickup included?+
Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when included in the selected tour package.
How long is the Luxor East Bank Tour?
+
Approximately 4–6 hours, including hotel pickup, temple visits, lunch, and return.
What is included in a full-day Luxor East Bank tour?
+
Hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off, private transportation, licensed Egyptologist guide, BUT entrance fees to Karnak and Luxor Temples, lunch, and guided exploration are excludes.
Is a full-day Luxor East Bank tour worth it?
+
Yes, it provides an in-depth exploration of Karnak and Luxor Temples, ideal for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian religion and architecture without a multi-day commitment.

Which temples are included in the Luxor East Bank tour?
+
Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the two main religious sites on Luxor’s East Bank.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors?
+
Yes, it offers a structured itinerary with expert guidance, perfect for those new to ancient Egyptian history.

When is the best time to take the tour?
+
October to April for cooler weather; summer tours are possible with early starts and shaded breaks inside temples.
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Yes, it is the best financial investment you can make for your trip. An official International Student Identity Card (ISIC) grants you a 50% discount on almost every single monument, temple, and museum entrance fee in Egypt. If you are under 30 and eligible, this card will literally save you hundreds of dollars over your trip.

Book Now — Pay Now

Signature package

$140 / per person · $90 / Children Under 12

$140 per adult

Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.

Secure payment via PayPal

Travelers
adults (12+)
2
children (2–11)
0

$140 / adults · $90 / children

Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).

2 × $140 (adults (12+))$280
Total$280

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About this tour

Additional information

Confirmation

You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.

Documents

A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.

Pick-up

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.

Group size

Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.

Accessibility

Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.

Children

Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.

Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.

Cancellation & refund policy

30 days or more before departure

100% refund

15 – 29 days before departure

50% refund

14 days or less before departure

No refund

  • • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
  • • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
  • • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
  • • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
  • • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.

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