Luxor: Sightseeing Tours

Nestled on the eastern banks of the Nile River in Egypt, Luxor is a city steeped in history and culture, boasting of breathtaking monuments and ancient architecture that tell riveting stories of past eras. This mystical city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with its world-renowned temple complexes, tombs of pharaohs, and mesmerizing landscapes that have captured the hearts of visitors from around the globe.

From the Valley of the Kings, The Karnak Temple Complex, The Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon to the bustling streets and vibrant markets, Luxor Egypt is a city that never fails to leave a lasting impression. Don't miss the opportunity to explore one of the world's most fascinating destinations, where history, culture, and adventure collide.

With so many options available, navigating the city can be overwhelming. This is where sightseeing tours in Luxor come in. These tours offer a hassle-free way to experience the best of this underrated Middle-Eastern city, with knowledgeable guides leading the way and providing fascinating insights into each location along the way. Get ready to indulge in a world of wonder and adventure as we discover what Luxor has to offer!

West Bank

While Luxor is technically based on the eastern banks of the Nile River, the West Bank is where some of its most popular attractions can be found — namely, the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon and the Temple of Hatshepsut. There are several sightseeing tours available that focus on this area – both small-group, suited to social travelers, and private, for a more intimate experience – each giving you a chance to explore the tombs of pharaohs and learn about Egypt's colorful past.

The majority of West Bank tours include hotel pickup and drop-off (from either bank), transport to and from the attractions, a friendly and knowledgeable guide who'll be with you every step of the way to share insights into the city's rich past and plenty more.

While the specifics may vary from tour to tour, you can expect West Bank-only trips to last about 4 or 5 hours. If you prefer a more comprehensive experience, you have several combination tour options that visit the West Bank in addition to a hot air balloon ride, an East Bank tour, or a Nile River Cruise.

East Bank

The East Bank of Luxor is where the modern city lies, with bustling streets, vibrant markets, and ancient temples that are still in use to this day. A sightseeing tour of the East Bank usually includes a visit to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest temple complexes in the world, and the Luxor Temple, a magnificent piece of architecture dating supposedly back to the 14th century BC, that was once home to the historic Opet Festival.

The Karnak Temple Complex, on the other hand, is a vast open-air museum consisting of several temples, obelisks, and statues that tell the story of Egypt's rich history – and it's also home to the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the Great Hypostyle Hall, a structure that contains 134 massive columns.

Depending on your specific tour, you might also visit the Luxor Museum, where you'll find artifacts from King Tutankhamun's tomb. Round-trip hotel transfers are included, likewise a friendly, local guide to show you around.

When it comes to East Bank tours, choose between half-day or full-day options, as well as private or small group tours. You'll find several East Bank tours that also venture to the West Bank, providing a comprehensive overview of the city.

City Tours

For travelers who want to see the best of Luxor's urban landscapes, a city tour is a great option. These tours often involve a mix of visits to ancient temples and monuments, as well as a chance to see modern-day Luxor – built upon the ancient city of Thebes. You'll explore colorful local markets, try authentic Egyptian food, and learn about the city's rich cultural heritage.

Choose from horse-drawn carriage tours, adventure-focused tours, or combination tours. The horse-drawn tours head to the outskirts of the city and typically also visit a neighboring village, while adventure-focused tours include things like a hot air balloon ride or a Felucca sailing experience. Finally, combination tours check off the main attractions in the city and the East and West banks beyond.

Walking Tours

Usually lasting around 2-3 hours, walking tours of Luxor provide the opportunity to uncover the historically significant nooks and crannies in this open-air museum that you might otherwise miss on a bus or horse-drawn tour.

A great way to burn a few calories too, this type of tour typically involves a knowledgeable guide taking you on a stroll through the city's most historic and charming neighborhoods, pointing out interesting sights and sharing stories about the area's past and present along the way.

Expect to see the Luxor Temple, the Karnak Temple Complex, local markets, charming restaurants and cafés, street art, and so much more. Walking tours are a great opportunity to check out places to get a taste of local food in Luxor.

Free walking tours

Budget-conscious travelers need not fret, as they can join free walking tours of Luxor that let you experience the city's fascinating history and architecture without spending a dime. These tours are often led by locals who love their city and are eager to show it off to visitors.

Depending on the tour, you might walk the 3-kilometer stretch between the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple along the Avenue of the Sphinx, or visit the Medinet Habu Temple on the West Bank instead – every tour is slightly different but equally exciting and educational.

While free walking tours may not cover as much ground as other paid options, they do offer a unique perspective of the city that visitors might otherwise miss. Keep in mind that tips (gratuities) are expended at the end of the tour, commensurate with how much you enjoyed the tour, so carry a few Egyptian pounds with you.