Luxor tours

Things to do in Luxor

Imagine standing in the heart of Luxor, where the whispers of ancient pharaohs seem to echo through the mighty columns of Karnak Temple. This city is a living tapestry of history, where the Nile's gentle rhythm sets a timeless pace for life. With your local guide, Luxor tours transform into a journey through time, allowing you to peel back the layers of this mesmerizing city. Whether you're exploring the hidden tombs of the Valley of the Kings or savouring the spicy aromas of a vibrant food and wine tour in the bustling markets, your local guide ensures you skip the line and delve deeper. They know the stories behind every hieroglyph and the best spots to watch the sunset over the desert, making your experience as rich and captivating as Luxor itself. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Luxor. Explore Luxor your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Luxor tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Luxor for every interest, including: History tours: Explore the West Bank’s tombs in the Valley of the Kings, stepping into carvings in KV11 or KV62 with context on the scenes you’re seeing, then cross to Karnak to stand beneath the Hypostyle Hall’s carved columns. Many travellers like to finish at Luxor Temple as the lights come on. Layover tours: Picked up at the airport, you can fit Luxor Temple and Karnak into a 4–6 hour window, with a quick stop at the Luxor Museum or a short felucca ride if timing allows. Your guide monitors flight times, handles tickets, and returns you to the terminal with a cushion. Art and Culture tours: Study vivid wall paintings in the Tombs of the Nobles at Sheikh Abd el‑Qurna while your guide explains pigments and symbols, then visit a family‑run alabaster workshop to try carving your name as a cartouche. You can also browse the souq for hand‑woven scarves and spices or catch the Karnak sound‑and‑light show in the evening. Getting around: The area around the corniche, Luxor Temple, the museum, and the souq is walkable, and the public ferry links the East and West Banks. For the widely spaced temples and tombs, tours with private transportation or a chauffeured van make the day smoother and cooler. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Luxor inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Luxor with a private walking tour and dive into its rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. With a local guide, you'll navigate the city's lively streets and hidden gems, making your visit truly memorable. There's no better way to truly understand a place than with someone who knows it inside and out. - Karnak District: Perfect for history buffs and cultural tourists, this area houses the magnificent Karnak Temple. Walk among the ruins and feel the echoes of ancient Egypt. You might find yourself intrigued by the stories of pharaohs and gods that your guide shares. - Luxor City Center: Great for families and multi-generational groups, the city center is bustling with markets, eateries, and shops. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and discover local crafts and delicious Egyptian cuisine. It's a fantastic spot to experience the daily life of Luxor's residents. - West Bank: Known for the Valley of the Kings, this neighborhood is ideal for those seeking meaningful connections with ancient history. Your guide can help unveil the mysteries of the tombs and the tales of ancient rulers. It's an unforgettable journey into Egypt's past. Day trip ideas from Luxor Luxor puts major temples within a short drive, so use your day for nearby sites along the Nile that deliver deep history without long road time, with day trips or focused tours built around what you want to see most. - Dendera Temple Complex near Qena rewards you with vivid ceiling colours, rooftop views, and quiet side rooms, and it pairs well with a short walk through Qena’s market if you like local street life and simple photography. - Abydos and the Temple of Seti I bring detailed reliefs and the famous King List in a calm setting, which suits history fans who prefer fewer crowds and time to study the carving work. - Esna’s Temple of Khnum shows fresh colour as cleaning progresses, and the town adds weaving workshops and a look at the Nile lock, which fits if you want a shorter drive with extra time in a small city centre. - Edfu’s Temple of Horus stands almost complete, giving you towering pylons and clear reliefs in one place, and the route adds Nile farmland and small towns that round out the day beyond the stones. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Luxor most travellers miss.