You’ve come for the Red Sea, but ancient Egypt is sitting four hours up the road. A Luxor day trip from Hurghada is the single most popular add-on to a Red Sea holiday — and one of the most asked-about. Here’s exactly what the day involves, what you’ll see, and our honest advice on whether it’s right for your group.
A quick word on who we are: we don’t sell hotels or flights. We plan your days. Tell us where you’re staying, who’s travelling, the ages in your group and your budget, and we’ll build an itinerary around you — booked ahead of your trip or arranged after you arrive. Trusted since 1998. Our word is our bond.
Is One Day in Luxor Worth It?
Genuinely, yes — with one honest caveat: it’s a long day. Expect a pre-dawn pick-up and a return to your hotel after dark. In between, you’ll stand in the Valley of the Kings, walk the great columned halls of Karnak and cross the Nile between the East and West Banks. Nobody comes back saying it wasn’t worth it; a few come back saying they wish they’d napped on the coach. Do both.
What the Day Looks Like, Hour by Hour
- Around 5:00 — pick-up from your Hurghada, Makadi or Sahl Hasheesh hotel. Breakfast box on board; sleep through the desert road.
- Around 9:00 — arrive on Luxor’s West Bank. Valley of the Kings: entry covers a selection of open tombs, with Tutankhamun’s tomb available as an optional extra ticket.
- Late morning — Temple of Hatshepsut, rising out of the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, and a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
- Lunch — a proper sit-down meal in Luxor, included on our organised days.
- Afternoon — Karnak Temple on the East Bank: the largest religious complex of the ancient world. Give it 90 minutes and it still won’t feel like enough.
- Around 15:30 — begin the drive back; hotel arrival roughly 19:30 to 20:00.
Organised Trip or Private Car?
Both exist, and we arrange both. A shared organised day is the best value and includes a licensed Egyptologist guide — worth their weight in gold at Karnak, where the difference between looking at columns and understanding them is entirely the guide. A private car with your own guide costs more but sets its own pace, which suits families with young children, photographers and anyone who hates being herded. Tell us your group and budget and we’ll tell you which we’d honestly pick for you.
Tips for Families
- The trip suits children of school age well; under-fives will find the day long. Consider a private car with a flexible schedule if you’re set on going.
- Take hats, sun cream and more water than you think you need — Luxor is noticeably hotter than the coast.
- Tombs involve stairs and can be close inside; anyone with mobility issues should tell us in advance so we choose the right tombs and pacing.
- Small change for the bathrooms and for tipping is genuinely useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Luxor from Hurghada?
Around 290 km — roughly four hours each way on a good modern road, with a rest stop en route.
Can I do Luxor overnight instead?
Yes, and it’s a lovely upgrade: two days of temples at a humane pace, an evening on the Corniche, and the option of Luxor Temple beautifully lit after dark. We arrange one-night and two-night versions, and full Nile cruises down to Aswan.
What should I wear?
Light, comfortable clothing and proper walking shoes. Shoulders and knees covered is respectful at the temple sites and keeps the sun off you anyway.
Do I need to book before my holiday?
No. Message us before you fly or once you’ve arrived — either works. No deposit, pay on arrival.
Already booked your hotel and flights?
Send South Coast Egypt Excursions your hotel name, preferred date and group details and we will explain the current Luxor excursion options available during your stay
Exact itineraries, departure arrangements and inclusions can vary between programmes, so we confirm the current details before you book
No deposit — Pay on the day
South Coast Egypt Excursions
Local team since 1998
Families and couples only
Our Word, Our Bond
No comment