Explore ancient Egypt with a day trip tour from El Gouna to Luxor
Updated: Apr 8
We take a full day trip to Luxor to visit the ancient Egyptian sites such as Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple, as well as visiting a traditional alabaster shop. We stop for lunch at the Africa Restaurant overlooking the Nile before enjoying a boat tour along the Nile including a stop off at the fascinating Banana Island. The 16 hour day was capped off with some Asab, a local sugar cane drink, on the way back to El Gouna.
Luxor is a city located in the southern part of Egypt, along the Nile River. It is renowned for its ancient historical and archaeological sites, which attract thousands of tourists each year. Luxor was once known as Thebes, the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period, and it contains many well-preserved temples, tombs, and other ancient structures.
Visitors to Luxor can explore many of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, as well as other incredible sites such as the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Colossi of Memnon, and the amazing Temple of Hatshepsut. These attractions offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt.
So let's check out our itinerary of the day, so you can plan your trip here! Also be sure to check out our YouTube video at the end of the post, for a visual taste of what there is in store in the spectacular historical city of Luxor.
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Luxor Private Day Tours from El Gouna
Our trip to El Gouna was one of the best we have ever taken. Egypt had a special place in our hearts long before the day we stepped foot on its soil. We harboured dreams of sand and desert, stunning waters, mysterious ruins and magnificent temples and pyramids.
When we booked this tour, we were in no doubt that we were about to embark on a day that would change us forever. It absolutely did, and not just for the social media photos! No, it profoundly touched us and left an imprint deep in our hearts. We would strongly recommend this tour, and have compiled a list of its highlights for you to enjoy.
Luxor private day tours from El Gouna are offered with a private car and personal guide, or as a group tour. We opted for the private tour, who turned out to be wonderfully kind, professional and full of information about the glorious history of what some feel was the dawn of civilization. The day is long, enduring, yet constantly alluring and the comfort of the car is only interrupted by a cruise on the Nile. You will get to see the city of Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings (the burial place of Egypt's most powerful kings), The Queen Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak Temple. Lunch is also provided (and exquisite too).
We paid $130 USD per person for our tour and arranged it through our hotel. We were told it was more secure (and often slightly cheaper) if you book this way. It is also helpful as you can ask the hotel to give you a wake up call. They provide breakfast packs and dinner options too so you needn't worry about food.
Valley of the Kings
Our first stop was at the Valley of the Kings, which is located on the west bank of the Nile River, just outside the city of Luxor. It was the burial site of many pharaohs and powerful nobles during the New Kingdom period, which lasted from around 1550 to 1070 BCE. The valley contains more than 60 tombs, many of which are adorned with intricate wall paintings and hieroglyphs.
We were taken aback by just how well some of them were preserved, wild in imagination about just how magnificent they would have looked when they were first built. This was an absolute dream come true for us both, given our fascination with Egyptian history. We were so excited to finally get to see it and it most certainly did not disappoint.
Some of the most famous tombs in the Valley of the Kings include the tomb of Tutankhamun, which was discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter, and the tomb of Ramses VI, which is one of the largest and most elaborately decorated tombs in the valley.
The tombs at the Valley of the Kings were designed to protect the bodies of the pharaohs and their treasures in the afterlife, and they were often filled with valuable objects such as jewelry, furniture, and other artifacts. Over not just decades but centuries, these incredible feats of humankind and history have sadly been looted, plundered and in some cases de-faced. Now they are heavily protected and continue to amaze past and future generations.
Hatshepsut Temple
Hatshepsut Temple, also known as the Temple of Deir el-Bahri, is an ancient temple complex located in the western bank of the Nile river in Luxor, Egypt. It was built during the 15th century BC for the worship of the pharaoh Queen Hatshepsut, who was one of the most powerful and successful rulers in ancient Egypt.
The temple is known for its impressive architecture and design, which blends in with the natural surroundings. The temple was designed by Egyptian architect Senemut and features three levels, terraces, and colonnades that are carved into the cliffs of the Theban mountain range. The temple's main building is called the Djeser-Djeseru, which means "the holiest of holies."
Queen Hatshepsut was an inspiration to her people and left Egypt as she reigned upon it; more prosperous and powerful than it had ever been. To this day her temple is perhaps the most magnificent mausoleum that has ever been built, apart from maybe the Great Pyramid of Giza. We both felt her energy here, felt the awe, the power, the warmth and the protection here. Every inch of the site tells the story of her life, and is in incredible condition, despite some tragically botched laissez-faire restoration attempts in the past, alongside several historical periods of vandalism owing to religious changes, and even grudges, defacing reliefs and writings.
Colossi of Memnon
The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues that stand on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. They are located at the entrance to the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, amongst one of the largest and most impressive temples of the ancient Egyptian world.
Each statue stands about 18 meters tall and is carved from a single block of quartzite stone. They depict Amenhotep III sitting on a throne with his hands resting on his knees and wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. We did not get up close to this part of the site, and settled for a quick photo from a view area as far away as the camera suggests. It was a great fly-by though and we were still able to get a feel for their colossal height; we totally get the 'colossi' part that's for sure!
The statues are known as the Colossi of Memnon because of a legend that developed during the Roman period. According to the story, the statues would sing at dawn, and the sound was said to be the voice of Memnon, a mythical Ethiopian king and son of Eos, the goddess of dawn. The legend was likely created by the sound of the statues creaking as they were warmed by the rising sun.
Today, the Colossi of Memnon are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Luxor, and visitors are still able to see the inscriptions on the statues left by ancient visitors who believed in the singing legend.
Sekhmet 3 Alabaster Tradition Shop, Luxor
Having worked in reclamation, and with old school stonemasons, Leon has worked with stone and is always baffled as to how, just how, these ancient master-builders were able to carve and chisel stone so hard that we can barely replicate it today, with modern equipment. Countless conversations have gone into that very question down the years, albeit more centered on how the stones were moved.
Intriguingly this stop off was one spot we were able to see the carving techniques, passed down through the generations, and not only that but we also had a great sing-song and laugh too. There are many alabaster stores and workshops along this road, but we believe this is the main stop off because of the carvers and welcome spot outside.
Alabaster is a highly popular material used in Egyptian crafts and can be found in many shops in Luxor. Sekhmet is also an important deity in ancient Egyptian religion, often depicted as a lioness-headed goddess associated with war and healing. The Sekhmet 3 Alabaster Tradition Shop in Luxor sells handcrafted alabaster statues, figurines, and other decorative items featuring images of Sekhmet and other prominent Egyptian figures and symbols.
It is a little bit of a tourist-grab, but whether you purchase anything or not, it is a great break from the heat, and the shop is nicely presented too. It almost felt like an art museum of sorts! Add that to the workshop outside, getting to see the work in action, and it all felt wonderfully traditional and fun. We learnt and laughed here, so thanks for the memories Sekhmet 3.
A spectacular ATV tour of the epic El Gouna desert including a visit to a Bedouin village & one of the best sunset moments we have ever had!
Africa Restaurant, Luxor
Africa Restaurant is located on the west bank with fantastic views of the Nile. It is also just a short walking distance to the ferry, motorboat and tour coach interchange, so if you get the timing right you will have a good opportunity to relax and enjoy some traditional African cuisine while enjoying stunning views of the east bank of the Nile. That includes a glimpse of Luxor Temple and the Winter Palace!
This restaurant was included in our tour, so we are unable to give an indication of price. We would say it is a mid range spot, and is cash only, so be prepared for that if you are thinking of visiting outside of a tour.
The atmosphere was great and was complimented by some very tasty food which we thoroughly enjoyed. The decor in particular was vibrant and colorful, showcasing traditional African design. We would definitely recommend the Africa Restaurant.
Social: facebook.com/africarestrauant
River Nile Private Boat Tour
We can assure you, taking a private Felucca boat tour on the River Nile in Luxor is an unforgettable experience! The tour typically starts at the Luxor marina, where you will be greeted by your boat captain. If you are outside of a tour, you will also be offered a guide to accompany you. The boat is usually a traditional wooden felucca, a type of sailing vessel that has been used on the Nile for centuries. All of the boats are beautifully decorated, have plenty of space, and come equipped with speakers for music to create the perfect vibe on the water.
As you set sail on the tranquil waters of the Nile, you'll immediately feel a sense of calm and relaxation. The views of the lush green banks of the river and the ancient monuments that line its shores are breathtaking. Your guide will provide insightful commentary on the history and culture of the area as you pass by famous landmarks such as the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
Along the way, you may also see local fishermen casting their nets, farmers tending to their crops, and children playing along the riverbanks. You'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos and soak in the scenery. You may even catch a few waves from the locals as you pass by!
The boat tour typically lasts for around two hours, and refreshments are provided on board. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee as you watch the sunset over the river, creating a magical and romantic ambiance. We had limited time as part of our day schedule and so after stopping at Banana Island we made our way directly to Karnak Temple, via the avenue of the Sphynxes (which runs for 2 miles, connecting Karnak and Luxor Temples).
Overall, we feel that a private boat tour on the River Nile in Luxor is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Egypt. It's a chance to see the famous landmarks of Luxor from a different perspective, and to connect with the ancient history and modern culture of this fascinating city.
Banana Island, Luxor
Banana Island located in the Nile River near Aswan, which is about 230 kilometers south of Luxor. Banana Island, also known as Gezirat El-Mozh, is a small island in the Nile River that is home to a banana plantation and a number of other fruit trees. Visitors can take a felucca (like we did) to the island to explore the plantation and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Most River Nile tours include this as standard. The island also has a small restaurant where visitors can try local Egyptian dishes, as well as a playground for children.
We had a wonderful time here, wandering between the banana trees under the sun and meeting the locals of the island. We had the opportunity to meet a monkey, hold a baby alligator and ride a camel here too! It is a little staged, with the animal encounters carefully positioned to catch you as you walk through.
All of the animals did look well cared for though and despite our reservations we did not feel like there was any mistreatment happening. The locals work with these animals to make a living and any money spent or given here makes a real difference to them.
We would love to know about your experience if you visit here, and how you feel about the use of animals by the locals. Drop a comment at the end of the post if you would like to share with us.
Karnak Temple, Luxor
The Karnak Temple is one of the most impressive and well-known ancient Egyptian temples, located in the city of Luxor on the east bank of the Nile River. It is a vast complex of buildings and structures that was astonishingly constructed over a period of more than 2,000 years, from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period. It is over 4,000 years old and is one of the largest religious structures ever built by mankind. It was a dream come true for us both to visit this magnificent temple, and we were both absolutely blown away by the gigantic columns and incredibly well-preserved carvings and symbols.
The temple is dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, who was considered the most important deity in the Egyptian pantheon during the New Kingdom period. The temple was designed to be a center of religious and political power, and it was the site of many important rituals and ceremonies.
One of the most notable features of the temple is the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is a vast hall filled with 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. The columns are decorated with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics, and some of them stand over 80 feet tall. We really felt like we were walking amongst a hall of giants; it is hard to fathom the sheer size just from photos. You literally have to be there!
Another important part of the temple is the Avenue of Sphinxes, which is a long row of sphinxes that leads from the temple's entrance to the first pylon. Luxor is connected to Karnak by this processional Avenue, which was built in the 4th century BC. The pathway, which is also known as the Road of the Rams, is flanked by hundreds of ram and human-headed sphinxes. After numerous attempts its restoration was finally completed in 2022. The pylon is a massive gateway that was built by Ramesses II, and it is decorated with scenes of his military victories.
Other notable features of the temple include the Sacred Lake, which was used for purification rituals, and the obelisks that were erected by Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. Overall, the Karnak Temple is a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian culture, worship, architecture and engineering, and it continues to be an important and prominent historical site to this very day.
Karnak Temple is open from 6am to 6pm, with last entry at 5.30pm.
Tasting Asab Sugar Cane Drink
Asab is a traditional Egyptian drink made from sugar cane juice. The sugar cane stalks are crushed in a machine to extract the sweet juice, which is then mixed with water and sometimes lime juice to create a refreshing and sweet-tasting beverage.
The juice is usually sold by street vendors who operate small carts or stands, often found in busy marketplaces or along busy streets. The juice is typically served in a tall glass with ice and a straw, and sometimes garnished with a slice of lime. We knew nothing about this drink, but after such a long day, when our driver suggested stopping off for it on the way back, we jumped at the opportunity.
It really was delicious and we can totally see why it is so popular! Asab is a popular drink during the hot summer months in Egypt, as it helps to cool down and quench thirst. It certainly does that! It is also known for its health benefits, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It cost $1 USD for two drinks which was an excellent price too. Be sure to try asab, when you are here. You will not regret it!
The taste of asab is sweet and slightly tangy, with a hint of earthy flavor from the sugar cane. It is a great alternative to soft drinks and sugary beverages, and a must-try for anyone visiting Egypt.
Watch our day trip to Luxor on YouTube
Sit back, relax, and explore the wonders of this epic Luxor day tour on YouTube! We show you everything you have seen in this post in stunning 4k detail, in a way that photos simply cannot do enough justice to!
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