Luxor holds some of the best-known ancient sites in Egypt. If your trip stays near Cairo, a night in Luxor may not fit. The flight day is a way to see it without changing hotels.
It is a long day, and we want you to choose it with open eyes. Here is how it runs and who it suits.
How the day runs
You are collected from your hotel in Cairo or Giza at about 04:00 and driven to Cairo Airport. The flight to Luxor takes about an hour. Your guide and driver meet you there, and the touring starts.
- Valley of the Kings – three tombs on the standard ticket
- Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Karnak Temple in the afternoon
You return to Luxor Airport, fly back in the evening and are driven to your hotel.
How booking works
You book online. We then check flight seats for your date and confirm the trip, with the final price. No payment is taken until we confirm, so you do not pay for something that cannot be done.
Flights, airport transfers, the private vehicle and guide in Luxor, the tickets and lunch are included. Extra-ticket tombs, such as Tutankhamun's, are not.
Who it suits
- Travelers based in Cairo who will not otherwise reach Upper Egypt
- People who want a taste of Luxor before planning a longer visit
- Anyone fit enough for a pre-dawn start and a late return
Who might say no
A 04:00 start is hard after several busy days. Families with small children, or anyone who dislikes airports and waiting, may find 16 hours too long. The tombs also involve steps, and Karnak is a large site to walk.
A fair test: if you would regret leaving Egypt without seeing Luxor, it is worth it. If you would simply like to, a few days in Luxor later would suit you better.
How to prepare
Keep your passport and confirmation easy to reach. You go through airport security twice, so pack light. A hat, sunscreen, a small water bottle and comfortable shoes are enough.
Go to bed early the night before. The day pays off if you arrive at the Valley of the Kings alert, before the heat builds.
Weather matters. Luxor is among the hottest places in Egypt in summer, and the tombs and temples are open ground. In the hottest months the early start is a help, since you see the Valley of the Kings before midday.
The tickets include three tombs in the Valley of the Kings on the standard ticket. Your guide will suggest which three give the best view of painted walls on the day.
If the dates you want are busy, say so when you book. We can suggest the day before or after if seats are tight.
Plan with us
Luxor from Cairo by flight: is it worth it?
Fly from Cairo to Luxor and back in a day for the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut and Karnak. An honest look at who it suits and how booking works.