Karnak and Luxor Temple TourThe Great Temples of the East Bank
Karnak and Luxor Temple, the two great temples of the East Bank, with your own Egyptologist.
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Your party
- Private, 2-8 guests
- Starts
- Your hotel in Luxor
The Karnak and Luxor Temple Tour explores the religious heart of ancient Thebes, where pharaohs built and rebuilt for nearly two thousand years.
Karnak is the largest temple complex of the ancient world. Your Egyptologist walks you through its pylons and courts into the Great Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 giant columns still carved with royal scenes. You see the obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut, the Sacred Lake where priests purified themselves, and the scarab of Amun.
From Karnak you follow the Avenue of Sphinxes, once used for the great Opet festival, to Luxor Temple. Built mainly by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, it still has one of its two obelisks; the other now stands in Paris. Inside, a medieval mosque sits above the ancient courtyard, showing how the site has been used ever since.
Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple
Your Egyptologist collects you from your hotel and drives you to Karnak Temple. Explore the Great Hypostyle Hall, the obelisks of Thutmose I and Hatshepsut, and the Sacred Lake. Continue to Luxor Temple, entering past the colossal statues of Ramesses II and the remaining obelisk, and walk through the courts of Amenhotep III. The tour can be timed for late afternoon, when the temple lights come on, before you return to your hotel.
- 1
Karnak Temple
The largest temple complex of the ancient world and its 134 columns.
- 2
Luxor Temple
Built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
Included
- Private hotel pickup and return in Luxor
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to the sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water on board
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Before you go
How long is the Karnak and Luxor Temple Tour?
About five hours, with around two and a half hours at Karnak and an hour and a half at Luxor Temple.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning for Karnak, when it is cooler and quieter, or late afternoon so you see Luxor Temple lit up after sunset.
Can we add the Karnak Sound and Light Show?
Yes. It can be added in the evening on the same day.
