A full-day tour from Hurghada to Luxor by bus is one of the most enriching and unforgettable experiences for any traveler to Egypt. It combines adventure, culture, and history in a way that leaves a lasting impression. The journey starts early in the morning—usually around 4:00 AM—as tourists board air-conditioned buses for a 4 to 5-hour drive through the Eastern Desert, heading westward to the ancient city of Luxor, often referred to as the “world’s greatest open-air museum.” This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the most iconic monuments of ancient Egypt all in one day, providing a compact yet comprehensive glimpse into the glory of the Pharaohs.
Luxor stands on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. Historically known as Thebes, it was once the capital of the New Kingdom and a thriving cultural and religious center for over 1,500 years. Ancient Egyptians believed that the east bank of the Nile—where the sun rises—was for the living, and the west bank—where the sun sets—was for the dead. As a result, temples and residences were built on the east side, while tombs and mortuary temples were placed on the west. This division is still visible today and plays a major role in the layout of the full-day tour.
After arriving in Luxor, the first major stop is usually Karnak Temple, located on the east bank. Karnak is not a single temple but a vast complex of sanctuaries, pylons, obelisks, and chapels built by various pharaohs over a span of more than 2,000 years. The temple complex is dedicated mainly to Amun-Ra, the sun god, but it also honors other deities like Mut and Khonsu. Walking through the Avenue of Sphinxes, tourists are transported into a different era, marveling at the towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, each intricately carved with hieroglyphs and divine imagery. Karnak represents the peak of ancient Egyptian architectural innovation and religious devotion.
Before crossing to the west bank, most tours include a short cultural break at local shops. These stops, while seemingly commercial, offer an interesting look into modern Egyptian craftsmanship that still echoes ancient traditions. At a papyrus institute, visitors see demonstrations of how the ancient Egyptians made paper from the papyrus plant. Similarly, perfume factories allow guests to experience the scents and oils that were once used for rituals, offerings, and even mummification. These stops serve as a brief and informative rest before the next part of the tour.
The journey continues across the Nile River to the west bank, the land of the dead. This side is home to the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. As the bus crosses the river, guides often explain the symbolic importance of this journey in ancient Egyptian belief: to live again, one must pass through death. This philosophy underpins the grandeur and complexity of the tombs and temples that await.
Perhaps the highlight of the entire tour is the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of many New Kingdom pharaohs, including the legendary Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I. Hidden among rugged cliffs, the valley was chosen for its secluded location, helping protect royal tombs from grave robbers. Although over 60 tombs have been discovered here, only a few are open to visitors at a time to preserve them.
Inside the tombs, walls are vividly decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead, illustrating the pharaoh’s journey through the underworld. These texts and illustrations served as a guide for the deceased, helping them reach the afterlife successfully. The intricate carvings and preserved colors offer a hauntingly beautiful insight into ancient religious beliefs and burial practices.
Another unforgettable stop is the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Built into the cliffs of the Theban mountain, the temple is a stunning example of classical Egyptian architecture with its colonnaded terraces and harmonious design. Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs, ruled Egypt in the 15th century BCE and is known for her peaceful reign and ambitious building projects. Her temple, dedicated to Amun and herself, also honors the god Osiris, signifying her divine status and eternal presence.
What makes this temple unique is not only its beauty but also its story. For centuries, Hatshepsut’s legacy was nearly erased by her successors. Her statues were defaced, her name scratched off, and her achievements buried. Yet her temple remains—a testament to her resilience and power.
Before heading back, the tour includes a quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon—two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that once stood at the entrance of his mortuary temple, now mostly destroyed. These 18-meter-tall statues have stood the test of time for over 3,000 years, even surviving earthquakes and floods. Ancient Greeks believed the statues sang at dawn, a phenomenon likely caused by temperature changes and cracks in the stone. This mystery turned them into a popular tourist attraction even in Roman times.
Around midday, tourists enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, often with views of the Nile. The meal typically includes traditional Egyptian dishes such as kofta, rice, grilled chicken, tahini, and fresh vegetables. This break offers a chance to rest and absorb the magnitude of what has been seen so far. Conversations at the table often revolve around the marvels of ancient engineering, the scale of the monuments, and the mystical aura of the tombs and temples.
After lunch and some free time for photos or shopping, the tour begins its journey back to Hurghada. Most travelers are understandably tired, having spent a full day walking through temples and tombs under the Egyptian sun. The ride back through the desert is quiet, and many fall asleep or gaze out the window at the vast landscape. Though the day is long—often lasting 16 to 18 hours from departure to return—it is filled with rich memories and awe-inspiring sights.
A full-day trip from Hurghada to Luxor may sound exhausting, but it’s an essential experience for anyone visiting Egypt. It condenses thousands of years of history into one powerful day. From the majestic temples of Karnak to the hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings, every moment is steeped in wonder. You are walking in the footsteps of pharaohs, priests, and architects who shaped one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
The journey also offers a lesson in contrasts: between the living and the dead, between the east and the west, between modern Egypt and its ancient soul. The tour guides, many of whom are professional Egyptologists, provide passionate and informative commentary, helping visitors see beyond the stones and into the stories behind them.
For those considering this tour, there are a few things to keep in mind. Comfortable clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential, as the heat can be intense, especially between April and October. Carrying water and snacks for the road is also recommended, even though lunch is included. Visitors should also bring some cash for entrance tickets to the optional tombs, souvenirs, or tips.
Photography is allowed in most locations, but flash is often forbidden inside the tombs to preserve the delicate artwork. It’s also good to ask your guide about which tombs are open during your visit, as availability can change depending on restoration schedules.
The full-day tour from Hurghada to Luxor by bus is more than just sightseeing—it’s an immersion into the soul of ancient Egypt. You experience the genius of its architects, the devotion of its people, and the grandeur of a civilization that has captivated the world for millennia. Despite the early start and long hours, it is an unforgettable adventure that leaves you feeling humbled and inspired.
Whether you’re a history lover, a curious traveler, or someone looking to check the great wonders of Egypt off your bucket list, this tour delivers an experience that’s as educational as it is magical. As the bus returns to Hurghada and the sun sets behind the desert hills, you carry with you not just photos and souvenirs, but a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human history woven along the banks of the Nile.
Hurghada is a coastal city that serves as the largest city and capital of the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. Hurghada has grown from a small fishing village to one of the largest resort destinations along the Red Sea coast, stretching close to 40 km.
We will pick you up from your hotel the early morning by air-conditioned Bus to Luxor. It takes about 4 hours driving along the red sea mountains and the Nile in Upper Egypt, of course you’ll take break for a while, if you need to use toilet or even relax a little bit. start your visit in the West bank where you can see the Valley of the Kings was created and used from approximately 1539 BC to 1075 BC. It contains some 60 tombs, starting with Thutmose I and ending with Ramses X or XI. The official name of the site was The Great and Majestic Necropolis of the Millions of Years of the Pharaoh, Life, Strength, Health in The West of Thebes, or more usually, the Great Field. The most famous tomb is KV62, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb was made by Howard Carter in 1922, Tutankhamun’s tomb was the first royal tomb to be discovered that was still largely intact
Then you will continue the tour to visit the Hatshepsut temple at El Deir El Bahary, this impressive temple was dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut the only female pharaoh. It rises out of the desert in a series of terraces and merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it.
Proceed to the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, Colossi of Memnon are the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. For 3,400 years they have sat in the Theban necropolis, across the River Nile from the city of Luxor. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep’s memorial temple or mortuary temple Moving to East Bank
The Karnak Temple, the largest place of worship ever built. In ancient Egypt, the power of the god Amun of Thebes gradually increased during the early New Kingdom, and after the short persecution led by Akhenaten, it rose to its apex. In the reign of Ramesses III, more than two thirds of the property owned by the temples belonged to Amun, evidenced by the stupendous buildings at Karnak. Although badly ruined, no site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak. It is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders. The Temple of Karnak is actually three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples located about three kilometers north of Luxor, Egypt situated on 100 ha (247 acres) of land. Karnak is actually the sites modern name. Its ancient name was Ipet-isut, meaning “The Most Select (or Sacred) of Places”. Then move to Luxor Temple. It was built by Amunhotep III in 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom, and it was completed by Ramesses II during the 19th Dynasty. King Ramses II was the most famous king in the 19th Dynasty. He ruled Egypt for about 67 years. It was dedicated to the great god Amun-Ra, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu together representing the Theban triad. Enjoy visiting Obelisk of Ramses II in front of the 1st Pylon. It was called “Ipet resyt”, which means the Southern Opet or the Place of the Seclusion of Amun-Re. It was directly connected to the temple of Karnak, the main cult center of Amun-Re or Amun-Min, the sky god or the ithyphallic fertility god. The temple of Luxor has, since its inception, always been a sacred site. After Egypt’s pagan period, a Christian church and monastery was located here, and after that, a mosque (13th century Mosque of Abu el-Haggag) was built that continues to be used today and then you will be driven back to your hotel in Hurghada.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 100 $ |
| 2 -3 | 100 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 100 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 100 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 100 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
