Walk the legendary Avenue of Sphinxes at Karnak Temple
Explore the majestic courtyards of Luxor Temple
Admire towering statues guarding the ancient sanctuary
Visit the famous Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank
Discover colorful tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Explore the vast temple complex of ancient Karnak
The magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Marvel at the spectacular Temple of Hatshepsut beneath the cliffs
Step inside beautifully preserved royal tombs
Comfortable A/C bus transport from Marsa Alam to Luxor & back (approx. 5‑6 hours each way)
Visit the magnificent Karnak Temple – the world’s largest ancient religious site
Explore Luxor Temple with its grand colonnade and statues of Ramses II
Discover the stunning mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari
See the Colossi of Memnon – two massive stone sentinels
Delicious lunch at a quality local restaurant (drinks included)
Expert Egyptologist guide providing commentary throughout
Hotel pickup & drop‑off from Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, El Quseir, or surrounding areas
🏛️ Travel back in time to ancient Thebes on this unforgettable day trip from Marsa Alam to Luxor – the world’s greatest open‑air museum. This overland journey takes you across the Eastern Desert to the banks of the Nile, where you’ll explore the monumental legacy of Egypt’s pharaohs. You’ll visit the colossal Karnak Temple, a vast complex of pylons, chapels, and the famous Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns. Then, walk through the grand avenue of sphinxes to Luxor Temple, beautifully dedicated to the god Amun. After an authentic Egyptian lunch, cross to the west bank to see the spectacular terraced Temple of Hatshepsut, built for Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. Finally, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that have guarded the Theban necropolis for over 3,400 years. With an expert Egyptologist guide, all entrance fees, lunch, and comfortable bus transfers, this is the most comprehensive and affordable way to experience Luxor’s wonders from Marsa Alam.
$98 adult | $50 child (5‑11) | Free for children under 5
Duration: ~18‑20 hours | Pickup: ~3:00‑4:00 AM (depending on hotel location) | Return: ~11:00 PM
Complimentary hotel pickup & drop‑off from Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, Coraya Bay, El Quseir, and surrounding areas (extra charge for Berenice or Ababda)
All entrance fees to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple included | Lunch & soft drinks included
Water & snacks provided on the bus; rest stops every 2‑3 hours
Note: Very early departure to maximize sightseeing time. Bring sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, and a copy of your passport.
🏛️ Karnak Temple – The Ultimate Sanctuary of Amun
Karnak is not a single temple but a vast complex of temples, chapels, pylons, and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The highlight is the Hypostyle Hall, an awe‑inspiring forest of 134 massive sandstone columns, some reaching 21 meters high. Your guide will lead you through the Great Court, the Obelisk of Hatshepsut, and the Sacred Lake. Allow about 1.5‑2 hours to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site.
🛕 Luxor Temple – The Heart of Ancient Thebes
Located in the center of modern Luxor, this temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship and the Opet festival. Built primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, it features a grand colonnade, colossal statues of Ramses II, and a beautiful granite mosque (Abu el-Hagag) built into its walls. The temple is especially atmospheric during the day with its open courtyards and towering pylons.
👑 Temple of Hatshepsut – A Monument to Egypt’s Female Pharaoh
Carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is one of Egypt’s most striking architectural masterpieces. Its three terraced levels, colonnades, and reliefs tell the story of her divine birth and famous expedition to the land of Punt. The temple blends harmoniously with the surrounding limestone cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight.
🗿 Colossi of Memnon – The Singing Statues
These two massive quartzite statues (each 18 meters tall) once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple. In Roman times, one statue produced a mysterious sound at dawn – believed to be the voice of Memnon, a Greek hero. Though the “singing” no longer occurs, the colossi remain an iconic photo stop and a testament to ancient engineering.
📅 Detailed Itinerary – Luxor from Marsa Alam
3:00‑4:00 AM: Hotel Pickup
Your driver collects you from your Marsa Alam area hotel. The bus departs and heads northwest across the Eastern Desert towards Luxor (approx. 5‑6 hours).
Morning Drive – Rest Stop
Comfortable air‑conditioned bus with restroom. A rest stop around 6‑7 AM for refreshments and stretch.
9:00‑9:30 AM: Arrival Luxor – Briefing
Meet your Egyptologist guide. Quick orientation before starting the tour.
9:30‑11:30 AM: Karnak Temple
Explore the vast Karnak complex – the largest religious site ever built. See the Hypostyle Hall, obelisks, and the Sacred Lake.
11:45 AM‑12:45 PM: Luxor Temple
Visit the beautiful Luxor Temple, with its grand colonnade and statues of Ramses II.
1:00‑2:00 PM: Lunch at Local Restaurant
Authentic Egyptian meal (grilled chicken or kofta, rice, salads, bread, soft drinks). Vegetarian option available upon request.
2:15‑3:30 PM: Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari)
Visit the stunning terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set against the dramatic limestone cliffs.
3:45‑4:15 PM: Colossi of Memnon
Photo stop at the two massive statues that once guarded Amenhotep III’s temple.
4:30 PM: Depart Luxor – Return Drive
Board the bus for the return journey to Marsa Alam, with a rest stop along the way.
10:00‑11:00 PM: Hotel Drop‑off
Arrive back at your Marsa Alam area hotel.
Insider Tips: Wear comfortable walking shoes – you’ll cover a lot of ground. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and high‑SPF sunscreen. Carry a power bank for your camera/phone. Small denominations of Egyptian pounds are useful for rest stop snacks or restroom fees. Because of the long drive, we recommend bringing a neck pillow and entertainment (headphones, tablet).
✅ Included / ❌ Excluded
- Hotel pickup & drop‑off (Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib, Coraya Bay, El Quseir)
- Air‑conditioned bus with restroom
- Professional Egyptologist guide (English‑speaking)
- Entrance fees to Karnak Temple
- Entrance fees to Luxor Temple
- Entrance fees to Hatshepsut Temple
- Stop at Colossi of Memnon (free)
- Lunch at a quality local restaurant + soft drink
- Bottled water during the tour
- All taxes & service charges
- Breakfast (available at rest stop for purchase)
- Entry inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun or Valley of the Kings (not included in this itinerary)
- Nile felucca ride (optional extra)
- Personal purchases & souvenirs
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Pickup from Berenice or Ababda (extra $20 per person)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⏳ How long is the bus ride?
About 5‑6 hours each way, with a rest stop midway. The total day is long (18‑20 hours), but the sights are absolutely worth it. Bring a neck pillow and entertainment for the drive.
🏛️ Is Valley of the Kings included?
No, this tour focuses on the major temples (Karnak, Luxor, Hatshepsut) and the Colossi. If you wish to visit the Valley of the Kings, please ask about our extended Luxor tour option.
📸 Can I take photos inside the temples?
Yes, photography without flash is allowed in all outdoor areas and most temple interiors (some restricted rooms may have signs). Your guide will advise.
🛂 What documents do I need?
A valid passport is required for all guests for police checkpoints along the desert road. A copy is generally accepted, but the original is better.
🍽️ Is lunch suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
Yes. The restaurant offers vegetarian options (grilled vegetables, rice, salads, beans). Please indicate any dietary requirements in the special request field.
🚐 What is the exact pickup time?
Pickup times vary by hotel location: Marsa Alam city ~3:30‑4:00 AM, Port Ghalib ~3:00‑3:30 AM, El Quseir ~4:00‑4:30 AM. Exact time confirmed via WhatsApp/email 24 hours before.
💵 What extra money should I bring?
Recommended: around $15‑20 per person for tips (guide/driver), optional souvenir purchases (papyrus, statues, etc.), and any extra drinks. Egyptian pounds or USD accepted.
♿ Is this tour accessible?
The bus can accommodate foldable wheelchairs. The temple sites have paved paths but may include uneven areas. Please contact us to discuss specific mobility needs.
Advance booking essential – This tour requires a minimum of 6 participants to operate. Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure.
