The offers compared
| Excursion | Format | GetYourGuide rating | Worth knowing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small group with Tutankhamun tomb | small group | 4.8 (about 5,343 reviews) | our pick; the most proven | See |
| Full-day sightseeing tour | group | 4.7 (about 124 reviews) | lower transport score (4.1) | See |
| Private day with temple tickets | private | 4.9 (only 7 reviews) | free pace, tickets included according to the listing; few reviews | See |
| Temples and hot-air balloon | group or private guide | 4.5 (about 246 reviews) | sunrise flight, very early start | See |
Ratings and review counts seen in October 2026; they change. Prices vary with the number of travellers and the season: we give none, check them on the listing.
What the day includes
All these formats follow the same principle: a very early hotel pickup (one listing states 5 am), about four to five hours on the road each way via Qena, then a visit to the west bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon) and the east bank (Karnak, sometimes Luxor Temple). For each site, see Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
Group, private or two days
- Small group: the best balance of price and comfort. You must accept the group's programme and schedule.
- Private: more expensive, but you choose the stops and the length. Travellers praise the driver and guide; one review still mentions more than nine hours of driving.
- Two days: a two-day offer with the Valley of the Kings and Medinet Habu splits the road in two and leaves more time at the sites; we did not note its rating.
- Hot-air balloon: adds a short night and a very early start, but the view is unforgettable; the flight depends on the weather.
What to check before booking
- Entrance fees: sometimes included, sometimes paid separately. A guide from August 2026 gives, for adult foreigners, about 600 EGP for Karnak, 750 EGP for the Valley of the Kings and 440 EGP for Hatshepsut; these figures do not come from an official source, so confirm them.
- Nile crossing, lunch, tips: often optional; bring small change (see money and tipping).
- Pace: the day is long (one listing cites 12 to 18 hours for a comparable format); with young children, prefer two days.
- Cheaper alternative on the way: Dendera, which is closer.
To place this day in your stay, see Hurghada in 3 days.
FAQ
Can you do Luxor in one day from Hurghada? Yes, but the day is long: about 12 hours or more, most of it in a minibus.
Is it better to sleep in Luxor? If you want to see Karnak and the west bank without rushing, yes: two days are more restful.
Are entrance tickets included? It depends on the offer: read the "included" section of the listing.
