Luxor and the Valley of the Queens from Hurghada

Excursion program

• Early hotel departure. The transfer usually arrives around 04:00–05:00. The exact time is confirmed the day before.
• The drive to Luxor. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Rest and restroom stops are included along the way.
• Karnak Temple Complex. The Avenue of Sphinxes, the Sacred Lake, the scarab beetle statue, and the hypostyle hall with its giant columns.
• Crossing the Nile. A short boat ride from the east to the west bank.
• Lunch. A buffet at a cafe or restaurant on the banks of the Nile.
• The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. A visit to the famous terraced mortuary temple at the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
• The Colossi of Memnon. Viewing the two monumental statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
• The Valley of the Queens. A visit to several tombs open to the public, usually two or three with a standard ticket.
• Additional Stop. A brief visit to an alabaster or oils factory, with no obligation to buy.
• Return. Departure from Luxor at approximately 17:00, arriving at Hurghada hotels around 22:00–23:00.

Karnak Temple

Karnak is the largest temple complex in ancient Egypt and a true open-air museum. It was built and expanded by different pharaohs, so pylons, courtyards, obelisks, sanctuaries, and the Sacred Lake survive here.

The hypostyle hall makes a special impression, with dozens of massive columns covered in reliefs and hieroglyphs. The guide will talk about the complex's construction and its significance to ancient Egyptian religion.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut's mortuary temple sits at the foot of sheer cliffs on the west bank of the Nile. Three terraces, colonnades, and long ramps create the recognizable look of one of Luxor's most unusual temples.

During the visit you'll learn about the story of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, her reign, and the expedition to the land of Punt depicted in the temple's reliefs.

The Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens was the burial place for wives, daughters, and princes of the New Kingdom era. Inside the tombs, colorful frescoes survive depicting gods, scenes of the afterlife judgment, and fragments of ancient religious texts.

The standard ticket usually includes a visit to two or three open tombs. The list may change. The tomb of Nefertari, known for its especially well-preserved paintings, is visited for an extra fee, subject to permit and ticket availability.

What is included in the price

• Round-trip transfer from Hurghada.
• Travel by tour bus with air conditioning, a restroom, two drivers, and security.
• A Russian-speaking Egyptologist guide.
• Entrance tickets for the main program.
• Visit to the Karnak Temple Complex.
• A boat crossing of the Nile.
• Visit to the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
• A visit to two or three tombs in the Valley of the Queens with the standard ticket.
• Buffet-style lunch.

What is paid separately

• Drinks during lunch.
• The tomb of Nefertari and other tombs not included in the standard ticket.
• Paid restrooms at stops and near the sites — approximately 10–20 Egyptian pounds.
• Souvenirs and purchases during additional stops.
• Personal expenses.

Transfer and Surcharges

Round-trip transfer from Hurghada hotels is included. For El Gouna and Sahl Hasheesh, a surcharge of +$10 round trip.

The surcharge is per booking, round trip, for a group of up to 6 people. The transfer may be shared. For other remote areas, confirm the price before booking.

Practical Tips

• Comfortable shoes. There are lots of uneven stones, sand, and steps at the temples and in the Valley of the Queens.
• Sun Protection. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• A Light Sweater or Shawl. It's cooler in the tombs, and the bus's air conditioning can run strong.
• Water and a Snack. These come in especially handy on the way back.
• Cash. You'll need it for drinks, restrooms, souvenirs, and extra tickets.
• Original passport. Be sure to bring it with you: documents are checked at checkpoints, and a photo or a copy will not be accepted.
• Power bank. The excursion is long, so an extra charge will come in handy.