Hotels near Luxor Day Trip

Luxor sits roughly 280 km west of Hurghada (about 3.5-4 hours by road) and holds the greatest concentration of ancient Egyptian monuments anywhere in the country. A typical day trip covers the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank - where the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922 - followed by the Temple of Hatshepsut carved into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, and the colossal Karnak Temple complex on the East Bank. Some tours also include a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon.

Organised day trips from Hurghada cost EUR 60-90 per person and include air-conditioned minibus transport, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, and lunch. Departure is early - typically 05:00 to 05:30 - with return around 21:00. The drive crosses the Eastern Desert via a well-maintained highway. Independent visits are possible by renting a car or hiring a private driver (around EUR 100-120 for the round trip), which gives you more flexibility with timing.

Pro Tip: Pay the extra EGP 300 (EUR 6) for a photography pass inside the Valley of the Kings tombs - photos are not allowed without one, and the painted murals in the tomb of Ramesses VI (KV9) are worth every pound. Arrive at the Valley before 08:00 to beat the tour bus crowds.