West Bank: Tours and Guided Visits

Luxor in Egypt was once the ancient city of Thebes where pharaohs ruled the land for centuries. The historic destination is marked by the West Bank and East Bank of the Nile River, where modern society meets historical phenomenon. The West Bank specifically is where the Egyptians buried their dead in a necropolis of tombs and mortuary temples.

On a West Bank tour in Luxor, you'll learn about the fascinating ancient Egyptian culture and its intricate customs preserved for thousands of years.

Here's all you need to know about the West Bank, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Luxor.

What are the best West Bank tours in Luxor?

Private half-day tour to the West Bank in Luxor

This half-day excursion focuses on the West Bank of the Nile River in the city of Luxor. The 5-hour tour provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of ancient Egypt and the people that lived there.

You’ll begin with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle where you’ll head on an exciting adventure along the West Bank. Stop at three of the city’s most important historical landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon.

You’ll benefit from the undivided attention of an expert guide and the luxury of travel at your own pace as your peruse the ancient monuments. Enjoy an optional lunch before heading back to the hotel for drop-off.

Are there any combos available with West Bank tours in Luxor?

Private tour to West Bank plus hot air balloon ride

This tour combines the intrigue of the West Bank in Luxor with the exhilarating experience of a hot air balloon ride over the desert. You’ll begin with a morning hotel pickup from where you’ll head to the hot air balloon lift-off site. After boarding your balloon, you’ll sail up to 1,500 meters above the ground for jaw-dropping views of the Luxor monuments. Fly for around 45 minutes before landing and continuing along the West Bank.  

You’ll visit the famous Habu Temple, known as one of the most important religious monuments in Luxor and the burial site of Ramsses III. From there, you’ll head to the Tombs of the Nobles where over 500 members of the Egyptian aristocracy were laid to rest.

You’ll have the unique opportunity to enter the tombs to admire the intricate decoration preserved for thousands of years. Finish with a visit to the ancient village of Deir el-Medina where the village artisans lived in antiquity before lunch at a local restaurant and drop-off at your hotel.

Full-day West and East Bank tour in Luxor

Choose this tour to visit both the West Bank and East Bank of the Nile River while in Luxor. This full-day adventure starts with a hotel pickup from where you’ll travel to some of the most iconic landmarks in Egyptian history. First, you’ll stop in the Valley of the Kings where you’ll see the tombs of some of the most important rulers of ancient Egypt. You’ll examine the burial site of King Tutmosis I, Tutmosis III, Tutankhamun, King Ramssess VI, King Merneptah and Amenhotep II as you learn fascinating details of their time in power.

Afterward, you’ll visit the tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and King Tutankhamun, who are considered pivotal rulers in Egyptian history. Your guide will inform you all about the country's former governing systems while you discover monuments such as the Colossi of Memnon, the Luxor Temple and the Temple of Karnak. Indulge in a delicious lunch included in your ticket price before heading back to your hotel for drop-off.

East and West Bank tour plus hot air balloon ride and felucca sail

Choose this adventurous combination tour that visits the major sites along the banks of the Nile River. This exciting excursion includes a stunning hot air balloon ride and a traditional felucca boat trip. Your tour will start with hotel pickup from where you’ll make your way to the hot air balloon take-off spot. Sail high into the sky for up to 80 minutes as you take in awe-inspiring views from above the ground. Marvel at the centuries-old historical monuments way below as you cruise with an expert guide. After you return to the ground, you’ll venture onto the West Bank.

Continue on with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a tour of the Colossi of Memnon and a look at the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before taking a break for lunch. Afterward, you’ll climb aboard a traditional felucca sailboat for a thrilling ride up the Nile River. Enjoy a delicious beverage as you take in the views of Luxor and beyond. You’ll close out your tour with a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples before you head back to the city for hotel drop-off.

2-Day East and West Bank tour of Luxor

For a less rushed experience along the banks of the Nile River, choose a 2-day tour that visits the most famous places in the ancient city of Luxor. This experience provides the opportunity to personalize your trip and to travel at your own pace as you learn about Egyptian history.

Day one begins with a hotel pickup from where you’ll head first to the East Bank with the help of a professional guide. Upon arrival, you’ll stop by several ancient temples and historic structures including the Luxor and Karnak Temples.

Afterward, you’ll head to the Nile River for a riveting traditional felucca ride and a delicious Egyptian lunch before retiring back to the hotel in the early afternoon. When the evening arrives, your guide and transport will return to the hotel and escort your group to an optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. This mystical experience uses lights, music and historical information to explain the significance of the Karnak Temple in ancient Egyptian religion.

Day two begins in the morning with a tour of the West Bank of the Nile, hitting iconic destinations such as the Valley of the Kings where the temples and tombs of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs lie. Afterward, you’ll board a hot air balloon for a jaw-dropping ride for a birds-eye view of the monuments far below. Indulge in one last lunch before heading back to the hotel for your final drop-off of the tour.

Which places are visited?

Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon is a wonder of Egyptian history as it marks the largest temple ever created in the Theban Necropolis. The monument is the burial site of the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, decorated with two massive stone statues representing the pharaoh during his rule.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is the burial site of many of Egypt’s most prominent pharaohs, including the tombs of  King Tutmosis I, Tutmosis III, Tutankhamun, King Ramssess VI, King Merneptah and Amenhotep II. The structure was constructed during the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties.

Habu Temple

Habu Temple is considered one of the most important and well-preserved religious monuments in Luxor. The massive monument contains the burial site of Ramsses III, boasting a huge statue of the former pharaoh himself.

How much do West Bank tours in Luxor cost?

Half and full-day tours that visit the banks of the Nile River vary in price based on the locations visited and the length of the excursion. For any tour to the West Bank in Luxor, you can choose any combination of the following to be included in the price: car transport, professional tour guide, entry fees to exhibits and lunch.

Private half-day tour tickets that include all four listed above cost US$65 per adult ages 12 and over, and US$30 per child between the ages of 6 and 11. For private car transport to the West Bank including just a driver for the journey, you can expect to pay US$15 per adult and US$5 per child. A car transport plus an experienced tour guide and all exhibit entry fees included costs US$55 per adult and US$25 per child. A car ride plus a professional guide without any entrance fees included costs US$30 per adult and US$10 per child.

A private tour of the West Bank that features a fun hot air balloon ride, a professional guide, all transportation and a catered lunch will cost US$123 per person for all ages.

For a full-day West and East Bank tour from Luxor, you can expect to pay US$95 per adult and US$50 per child for car transportation, a professional tour guide, all entry fees and lunch. For a car with the driver only, tickets cost US$25 per adult and US$5 per child. A car ride plus a guide and all entry fees are priced at US$85 per adult and US$45 per child, while a car plus just a guide costs US$50 per adult and US$15 per child.

A West and East Bank tour that features a hot air balloon ride and a felucca sail costs US$110 per person for all ages and includes car transportation, a professional tour guide and lunch in the price. For a 2-day West and East Bank tour with car, guide, hot air balloon and lunch included, expect to pay US$70 per person for all ages.

What is included?

West Bank tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, and most include an expert guide to lead the journey. Full-day tours provide air-conditioned vehicles for transportation and water for refreshments. Private excursions usually include all entrance fees unless otherwise stated, as well as rides on a hot air balloon and a Felucca sailboat. Two-day tours typically include a traditional Egyptian lunch.

Where does it start?

West Bank tours begin with a pickup at your hotel in Luxor.

How long does it last?

You can book a West Bank tour for as short as 5 hours to as long as 2 days depending on your desired itinerary.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most tours along the West Bank are wheelchair friendly, although some landmarks may not offer modern accessibility options so check with your tour company before booking.

When is the best time for a West Bank tour in Luxor?

The best time to visit the West Bank is during the cooler months, from October to April. During this period, temperatures are more moderate, generally ranging from the mid to high twenties (Celsius), making it more comfortable to spend time outside exploring the various sites.

Travel tips

• Egypt can be very hot, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking, often on uneven ground.
• Don't forget your sun protection and use a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Getting to the sites early not only helps beat the heat, but also the crowds.
• Carry plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, especially if you're visiting during the hotter months.
• The West Bank of Luxor is a significant historical area. Please respect the sites by not touching the carvings or paintings, not littering, and following any other rules set out by the site management.