Start bright and early, as your day begins with an early-morning pick-up from the hotel in Aswan and takes you, with the private guide and driver, on the scenic drive to Luxor. It takes around three hours to get there. View the beautiful surroundings of the Nile River and the surrounding desert landscapes. Upon arrival in Luxor, your tour starts with a visit to an uplifting place where the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple stands. This huge temple complex is one of the largest and most impressive in Egypt. You'll see the great columns of the Hypostyle Hall and the sacred lake while your guide experiences sharing mesmerizing histories about this splendid structure honoring the gods of ancient Egypt.
From there, you will go to the Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile. The temple shines beautifully at night, and it presents an exceptional insight into ancient Egyptian architecture and religion. Walk past the grand entrance, dominated by colossal statues and towering obelisks, and learn about the temple's role in Luxor's religious life. Later, you will take some time to enjoy a delicious local lunch at a restaurant overlooking the Nile – a perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing your explorations.
In the afternoon, cross to the West Bank of Luxor for a visit to the Valley of the Kings where tombs of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, have been carved into the cliffs. Explore the opulent tombs and learn tales of the afterlife. Next on the itinerary is the Temple of Hatshepsut, built into the cliffs as a sublime tribute to the female pharaoh. The day will round off with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues that used to stand guard at the entrance of Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. After this, you will return by road to Aswan to round off this unforgettable day in Luxor.
Meals: Lunch