Luxor tours can look a bit overwhelming at first. One minute you’re seeing a photo of huge temple columns, and the next you’re trying to work out how to fit tombs, boat rides, and travel time into a single day. The good news: you don’t need a perfect plan. You just need a simple one that matches the time you’ve got.

This Luxor tours guide gives you 9 easy ideas you can mix and match for 1, 2, or 3 days. It’s written for real travel days: early starts, hot afternoons, kids who get bored, and feet that need a break. If you’re coming from Hurghada for a day trip, you’ll find quick tips to keep the day smooth and not feel like a race.

Before we jump into the 9 ideas, here’s the one choice that makes everything easier: where you sleep.

If you stay on the East Bank, you’re close to Luxor Temple, the river walk, and lots of hotels and cafés. It keeps evening plans simple (sunset at Luxor Temple is a favourite for a reason). If you stay on the West Bank, mornings are quicker for the Valley of the Kings and the big memorial temples, and the vibe is quieter at night. There’s no wrong answer, but it helps to decide early so your days don’t turn into long back-and-forth drives.

A quick reality check on timing: most people underestimate how much walking there is in Luxor. Temples are big. Tombs have stairs. The sun can be strong even in winter. Keep water with you and plan shade breaks. So, for every idea in this Luxor tours guide, think in blocks:

  • One main site in the morning (when it’s cooler)

  • One main site after lunch

  • One short add-on late afternoon (or just rest)

That’s the secret to enjoying Luxor without feeling worn out: less rushing, more room to look around.

Next up, we’ll start with the 1-day options — the ones that give you the biggest “I can’t believe this is real” moments in a single day.

Luxor tours for 1 day (3 easy ideas)

If you’ve only got one day, your Luxor tours plan needs to be simple. The best 1-day setup is: start early, do the West Bank before it gets too hot, then finish on the East Bank when the light is nicer and you’ve got more energy for photos.

These 3 Luxor tours ideas are easy, realistic, and don’t assume you’ve got superhuman legs.

Idea 1: The “first-time” classic (best for most people)

This is the day most travellers picture when they think of Luxor tours. It hits the big names, but in a sensible order.

Morning (cooler hours)

  • Valley of the Kings first. It’s busy later, and you’ll enjoy it more before the heat builds up.

  • Quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way between sites (short, easy, good photos).

Midday

  • Lunch break somewhere with shade and toilets. Don’t skip this. A proper sit-down makes the rest of your Luxor tours day feel twice as easy.

Afternoon

  • Temple of Hatshepsut (big views, great for photos, not as cramped as tombs).

  • Cross to the East Bank for Karnak Temple (it’s massive, so don’t try to “do every corner”).

If you still have time and energy

  • Luxor Temple near sunset. It’s the nicest “last stop” because it’s central and feels different from Karnak.

 

Idea 2: The calmer one-day plan (best if you hate rushing)

Some Luxor tours feel like a checklist. This one keeps the same wow factor, but with fewer “big” stops.

Early morning

  • Karnak Temple first. You get the cooler air and softer light.

Late morning

  • Luxor Museum (or a quick indoor stop) to cool down and rest your feet.

Lunch

  • Keep it slow. Order something simple and drink more water than you think you need.

Afternoon

  • Valley of the Kings (pick a small number of tombs and take your time).

Sunset

  • A short felucca ride or riverside walk, then finish with Luxor Temple if you want one last highlight.

This style of Luxor tours works really well for families and anyone who gets temple fatigue fast. You still see the famous places, just with breathing space.

Idea 3: The “temples only” day (best if tombs aren’t your thing)

Not everyone enjoys tombs. They can feel tight, hot, and repetitive if you’re not into the details. So here’s a temple-heavy Luxor tours day that still feels big.

Morning

  • Karnak Temple (give it proper time, because it’s the largest site you’ll see).

Late morning

  • Luxor Temple (it’s closer, easier to walk, and brilliant for photos).

Lunch

  • Rest your feet. Even a 45-minute break helps.

Afternoon

  • Hatshepsut Temple on the West Bank (open space, strong views, and an easy layout to follow).

  • Optional quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back.

Luxor tours for 2 days (3 easy ideas)

Two days is the sweet spot for a lot of people. You get the famous sites, but you also get time to slow down a bit. If you’ve ever wondered how many days in Luxor you really need, this is the point where it stops feeling like a sprint and starts feeling like a proper trip.

Below are 3 simple Luxor tours plans for a Luxor itinerary 2 days. Pick the one that matches your energy level.

Idea 4: The balanced two-day classic (best all-round Luxor itinerary 2 days)

This one splits the West Bank and East Bank so you’re not crossing the river all day.

Day 1: West Bank day (tombs + big views)

  • Early morning: Valley of the Kings (do this first while you feel fresh)

  • Late morning: Hatshepsut Temple (open air, great for photos)

  • Lunch: sit somewhere shady and take a proper break

  • Afternoon add-on: choose one extra West Bank stop:

    • Medinet Habu if you want a quieter temple that still feels huge

    • Valley of the Queens if your group prefers more tombs

    • Or just stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back and call it a day

  • Evening: relaxed dinner on the East Bank

Day 2: East Bank day (temples + easy walking)

  • Morning: Karnak Temple (go earlier, take it slow)

  • Lunch: near town so you don’t waste time travelling

  • Afternoon: Luxor Temple + the river walk (easy, central, not too much walking in the sun)

 

Idea 5: The history-lover’s two days (best if you want “more than the basics”)

Some people finish a 1-day Luxor tours run and think, “That was amazing… but I still don’t really get what I saw.” This plan is for you.

Day 1: The story of the pharaohs

  • Valley of the Kings in the morning

  • Short rest break (don’t skip it)

  • Hatshepsut Temple late morning / early afternoon

  • One extra temple on the West Bank after lunch (Medinet Habu works well here)

  • Back to town for a calmer evening

Day 2: The power and scale day

  • Karnak Temple in the morning (give it time, not just a quick look)

  • Luxor Museum (or another short indoor stop) after lunch so your brain can “lock in” what you’ve seen

  • Luxor Temple later in the day when it feels cooler

This Luxor itinerary 2 days is also great if you’re travelling with someone who likes history but doesn’t want to climb in and out of lots of tombs.

Idea 6: The slow, easy two-day plan (best for families and anyone who gets tired quickly)

If your group includes kids, grandparents, or anyone who melts in the heat, don’t plan a packed timetable. A “lighter” Luxor tours plan usually ends up being more fun.

Day 1: One big site + one simple extra

  • Morning: Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple (pick just one as your main win)

  • Lunch + rest: long break, shade, drinks, sit-down time

  • Afternoon: one short, low-effort add-on:

    • Colossi of Memnon

    • Luxor Temple (easy walks and great photos)

    • A short Nile felucca ride if your group wants a break from stones and steps

Day 2: The other big site + sunset finish

  • If you did the Valley on Day 1, do Karnak on Day 2 (or the other way round).

  • Keep the afternoon flexible: museum, café stop, or just a slower wander.

  • Finish with Luxor Temple near sunset if you didn’t do it on Day 1.

Luxor tours for 3 days (3 easy ideas)

Three days in Luxor is where things get really enjoyable. You still get the big, famous sights, but you also get time for one “extra” experience that makes the trip feel personal, not just a checklist. If you’re the kind of traveller who wants photos, history, and a bit of breathing space, these Luxor tours ideas are made for you.

Idea 7: The “wow + calm” 3-day plan (best for most people)

This is the easiest 3-day Luxor plan to follow. It keeps each day focused, so you’re not bouncing back and forth too much.

Day 1: West Bank heavy-hitters

  • Valley of the Kings early (cooler, less crowded)

  • Hatshepsut Temple late morning (great views, easy layout)

  • Lunch + rest (shade is part of the plan, not a bonus)

  • One extra West Bank stop in the afternoon:

    • Medinet Habu if you want another temple that feels massive

    • Or Colossi of Memnon if your group is tired and wants something quick

Day 2: East Bank temples day

  • Karnak Temple in the morning (take it slow, it’s huge)

  • Lunch in town

  • Luxor Temple later in the day (it’s a lovely late-afternoon site)

Day 3: Your “make it special” day
Choose one:

  • Hot air balloon morning (early start, but it’s the biggest “wow” feeling)

  • Felucca sail on the Nile + relaxed cafés (perfect if you want a slower day)

  • Museum + easy stroll if you want to understand what you’ve seen, without more climbing and steps

Idea 8: The “deep history” 3-day plan (best if you love details)

Some people want more than “I saw the famous places.” They want to actually understand Luxor. This plan gives you that, without making every hour busy.

Day 1: Kings and queens day

  • Valley of the Kings early

  • If your group still has energy, add one extra tomb area (not loads, just one more stop)

  • Long lunch break and an easy evening

Day 2: Temples and meaning

  • Karnak Temple in the morning (give it proper time)

  • Luxor Museum after lunch (it helps the whole trip make sense)

  • Luxor Temple later in the day

Day 3: Quieter sites + real-life Luxor
Pick a calmer mix:

  • A smaller temple on the West Bank

  • A short river ride

  • A gentle walk in town for snacks, postcards, and people-watching

This type of Luxor tours plan works really well if you’re travelling with someone who likes history, but doesn’t want to rush or “power-walk” all day.

Idea 9: The “easy pace” 3-day plan (best for families and heat-sensitive travellers)

If you struggle with heat, or you’re travelling with kids, the trick is simple: do one big thing per day, and treat rest as a real activity.

Day 1: One big West Bank site + one quick extra

  • Valley of the Kings (main win)

  • Colossi of Memnon (quick photo stop)

  • Back early enough for a proper rest

Day 2: One big East Bank site

  • Karnak Temple in the morning

  • Long lunch and a slow afternoon

  • Optional: Luxor Temple late, when it feels cooler

Day 3: Choose-your-own mini day
Pick what your group will actually enjoy:

  • Boat ride (best “break day”)

  • Museum (best “cool-down day”)

  • A short temple visit (best “one last wow”)

Practical tips + mini FAQ (so your Luxor tours feel easy)

Luxor looks calm on a map, but your Luxor tours day can get tiring fast if you don’t plan the basics. These tips are the difference between “We saw loads” and “We survived it”.

The easiest way to plan your days

Think in blocks, not minutes:

  • Early morning: your biggest site (cooler, fewer people)

  • Midday: lunch + shade + a proper sit-down

  • Afternoon: one main site (or one short add-on)

  • Evening: something light (Luxor Temple, a river walk, or just dinner)

If you try to stack too many “big” stops, you’ll end up rushing and forgetting what you saw.

What to pack for Luxor tours

Bring these even if you’re “not a planner”:

  • Comfy closed shoes (tombs + temple floors are hard on feet)

  • A hat and sun cream

  • Water (more than you think)

  • Small notes (tips, toilets, small buys)

  • A light layer if you’re doing an early start (dawn can feel cool)

  • Snacks if you’re travelling from Hurghada or with kids

  • A power bank (photos drain your phone fast)

East Bank vs West Bank (quick and simple)

  • East Bank: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, museums, most hotels and cafés.

  • West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and more desert-edge sites.

A really common mistake is zig-zagging. Try to keep one bank as your main focus for that day.

Getting around without stress

For most travellers, these are the realistic options:

  • Private driver / private tour: easiest, most time-efficient, least hassle.

  • Taxis: handy for short hops, but agree the price before you get in.

  • River crossing: useful if you’re switching banks (and it breaks up the day nicely).

If you’re doing Luxor as a long day out from Hurghada, build in extra “buffer time”. Roads, stops, and queues can stretch a plan.

Tickets and “extras” (no surprises)

Luxor sites often have separate tickets and some tombs need extra entry on top of the main Valley ticket. Don’t let that catch you mid-visit.

A simple rule: if there’s one “special” thing you really want to see, do it first. That way you don’t miss it because time ran out.

Best start times for Luxor tours

If you can do an early start, do it.

  • West Bank first is usually the best move, especially for tombs.

  • Late afternoon / sunset is lovely for Luxor Temple and riverside walks.

Family and comfort tips

If you’re travelling with kids, grandparents, or anyone who hates heat:

  • Choose one main site per day and call it a win.

  • Pick temples over tombs if tight spaces bother your group.

  • Plan a cool-down break (museum, café, hotel rest, or a calm boat ride).

You’ll remember the day more if everyone feels okay.

FAQ: Luxor tours and itineraries

Is 1 day in Luxor enough?

Yes, if you keep it focused. A 1-day plan can cover one West Bank highlight (like the Valley of the Kings) plus one East Bank temple (like Karnak), with a quick extra if time allows.

How many days in Luxor is ideal?

Most people are happiest with 2 days. It gives you the main sites without racing. 3 days is ideal if you want one lighter day for a balloon, museum, or river time.

Should I do Luxor as a day trip from Hurghada or stay overnight?

If you hate early starts and long travel days, an overnight stay makes everything easier. If your schedule is tight, a day trip still works — just keep expectations realistic and don’t try to do “everything”.

Are Luxor tours better with a guide?

If you want the stories, the meanings, and the context, a guide helps a lot. If you’re mainly there for the views and photos, you can still enjoy Luxor on a simple route.

What’s the easiest order for first-timers?

Most first-timers find this easiest:

  • West Bank in the morning

  • Rest at midday

  • East Bank in the afternoon

  • Luxor Temple late

Do I need to book in advance?

For standard temple visits, you can often decide as you go. For anything that depends on timing (like an early-morning experience), booking ahead is the safer choice.