Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourLuxor

Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple – East Bank Half-Day Tour

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

East Bank - Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple is a 1-day guided excursion covering Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history
  • Photography

Snapshot

Good to know

Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are typically October through April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are generally milder and easier for walking between monuments. From May to September, temperatures can be very high by late morning and midday, so an early departure is usually preferable. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, opening patterns and crowd levels can vary, so timing should be confirmed in advance.

02Overview

A first look

A private East Bank half-day tour in Luxor, approximately 3–4 hours including transfers and guiding. Transfers between Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple take about a 10-minute drive; both sites require walking on uneven ancient stone.

Background

The facts

Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are the two principal temple complexes on Luxor’s East Bank and are commonly visited together because they are only a short drive apart along the Nile. Karnak lies roughly 2.5 km north of Luxor Temple, and the transfer between them is typically completed in a few minutes by vehicle.

Karnak was developed over many centuries, with major construction phases from the Middle Kingdom through the Ptolemaic period. Its best-known features include the Great Hypostyle Hall, completed largely under Seti I and Ramses II in the 19th Dynasty, and the Avenue of Sphinxes, which once linked Karnak to Luxor Temple for ceremonial processions.

Luxor Temple was begun during the New Kingdom, especially under Amenhotep III and Ramses II, and later expanded by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, and Roman-era rulers. The site contains colonnades, courtyards, sanctuaries, and the seated statue of Ramses II, and it is notable for its central location within modern Luxor city.

A guided visit usually starts at Karnak because it is larger and requires more walking, then continues to Luxor Temple after the transfer. Standard entrance fees are included in this excursion; however, access to any restricted interiors or special add-ons would depend on the site rules and are not part of the standard inclusion unless stated separately.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion is suitable for first-time visitors to Luxor, history-focused travelers, and adults who want a structured introduction to New Kingdom temple architecture and religious symbolism. It also works well for visitors who prefer a moderate walking pace, short transfer times, and detailed explanation from a licensed Egyptologist.

What lingers

  • 01Guided tour of Karnak Temple with our Egyptologist, including the Hypostyle Hall with 134 columns and Amun-Re precinct.
  • 02Two hours at Karnak – more time than cruise ship shore excursions, enabling study of reliefs and column inscriptions.
  • 03Luxor Temple visit centered on Amenhotep III and Ramesses II's monuments, plus the restored Avenue of Sphinxes approach.
  • 04Entrance fees to Karnak and Luxor Temples included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs remain excluded under standard rules.
  • 05We avoid large coach groups – private car transfers and our Egyptologist remain with parties throughout the East Bank visit.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Guided tour with a licensed Egyptologist
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Luxor city limits or agreed meeting point
  • Entrance fees to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
  • Transfer between sites in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water, local taxes and service charges

Not included

  • Gratuities for your Egyptologist and driver
  • Optional extras such as sound-and-light shows, private photography permits, or museum visits
  • Meals unless specifically stated in your booking
  • Any premium-experience fees not listed in inclusions

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long does the East Bank - Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple day tour take?
    Duration varies; we run this as a daytime excursion lasting several hours depending on pickup and traffic. We confirm a precise hotel pickup time when you book. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide a private Egyptologist and vehicle rather than large coach groups.
  2. 02What is included in the tour price?
    Our price includes a private Egyptologist, private vehicle, and standard entrance fees to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. We arrange hotel pickup and drop-off within Luxor city and cover local taxes. Gratuities and optional extras, such as the Karnak Sound and Light performance or special photography permits, are not included.
  3. 03How much walking and stairs are there at Karnak and Luxor Temples?
    Expect moderate walking on uneven ancient stone, with stair sections and long colonnaded avenues at both sites. Shade is limited in places and surfaces can be slippery after rain; benches and shaded spots are intermittent. Wheelchair access is limited–we can shorten the route and position the vehicle near entrances on request.
  4. 04Are cameras and drones allowed at Karnak and Luxor Temples?
    Still photography with handheld cameras is generally permitted at Karnak and Luxor Temples; drone and commercial filming require permits. Tripods and professional lighting are often restricted without prior permission from authorities. We can apply for commercial or special-permit filming in advance, but personal drones are effectively prohibited and enforced by local police.
  5. 05Can children or elderly travelers do this tour?
    Yes; children and elderly travelers can join but should be prepared for uneven surfaces, sun exposure, and stairs. Young children may need a stroller only on flat sections; many older guests prefer to take frequent rests and use the vehicle as a short-term base. If mobility is limited, tell us when booking so we can adapt the route and timing.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Karnak and Luxor Temple visit?
    Wear comfortable closed shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple sites. Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, a small daypack, and cash for tips and souvenirs; cameras and spare batteries are useful. During Ramadan or local holidays opening hours and food-service options can change, and we will confirm any adjustments before travel.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: EXC-LUX-454376

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