Luxor Day Trip from Sharm El Sheikh by Plane: An Unforgettable Ancient Egypt Experience
Discover the unparalleled wonders of ancient Thebes on this comprehensive day trip from Sharm El Sheikh. Flying directly to Luxor allows you to maximize your time exploring the magnificent monuments of Upper Egypt, saving you the long overland journey. This guided tour ensures you witness the absolute highlights of Egypt’s historical capital in comfort and style.
Why Choose a Flight for Your Luxor Excursion?
While driving from Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor is possible, it takes approximately 10-12 hours one way. By opting for a short domestic flight, you transform a multi-day overland commitment into an accessible, enriching day trip, perfect for travelers short on time but rich in curiosity.
Trip Highlights: Unveiling Luxor’s Treasures
The West Bank: Necropolis of Thebes
Your journey begins on the West Bank, the traditional burial grounds for the pharaohs, where life transitions into eternity. These sites offer profound insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.
- Marvel at imposing size of the mammoth Memnon Colossi statues: Stand in awe before these two massive stone guardians, remnants of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, standing sentinel for millennia.
- Explore the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs and powerful nobles are buried: Descend into the richly decorated tombs of New Kingdom rulers, including Tutankhamun (entry to some tombs may require an additional ticket). Learn about the intricate hieroglyphs and vibrant colors preserved on the walls.
- Explore the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari): Admire the unique, terraced architecture of this stunning temple dedicated to one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Its modern design contrasts beautifully with the rugged Theban cliffs surrounding it.
The East Bank: Temples of the Living
The East Bank, the land of the rising sun, was home to the grand temples dedicated to the gods and the living pharaohs.
- Visit the famous and well-preserved Karnak Temple complex: Spend ample time wandering through the largest religious structure ever built. Don’t miss the Great Hypostyle Hall, featuring 134 towering columns that create a breathtaking forest of stone.
- Optional Add-on: Luxor Temple Illumination: Depending on the itinerary timing, you might witness Luxor Temple beautifully lit up at night, offering a completely different, magical perspective of the structure dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship.
What Your Guided Day Trip Includes
This package is designed for seamless travel, ensuring your focus remains entirely on the historical sites.
Logistics Covered:
- Round-trip domestic flights between Sharm El Sheikh (SSH) and Luxor (LXR).
- All necessary airport transfers in Luxor (air-conditioned vehicle).
- Expert, licensed Egyptologist guide providing in-depth historical context.
- Entrance fees to all specified sites (Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Hatshepsut’s Temple, Memnon).
- Lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant offering authentic Egyptian cuisine.
Important Information & Preparation for Your Visit
What to Bring (Essential Packing List)
Luxor can be significantly hotter than coastal Sharm El Sheikh, especially during midday. Preparation is key to enjoying the long day.
- Passport or ID card: Essential for airport check-in and security verification.
- Comfortable shoes: You will be walking considerable distances over uneven terrain, especially within the Valley of the Kings and the vast Karnak complex.
- Comfortable clothes: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is highly recommended. Consider layering for cooler early mornings/evenings.
- Sun Protection: A wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
- Water Bottle: Although water is provided, staying hydrated is crucial.
Tour Timings and Accessibility
This is an early start designed to beat the worst of the heat. Expect to depart Sharm El Sheikh very early in the morning (often before sunrise) and return late in the evening. Please note that due to the historical nature of the sites, accessibility for guests with mobility issues can be limited, particularly within the tombs.
Included/Excluded
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Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
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Domestic flights (Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor and return)
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Tour guide
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Lunch in a local Luxor restaurant
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All entrance fees according to listed program
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All services and local taxes
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Gratuities
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Personal expenses
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Nile river cruise (optional)
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Shopping in Luxor
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Visa fee collected by the Egyptian Government (must be paid on-site in cash)
Tour Plan
Saturday, Wednesday
Luxor
Experience Luxor in all of its splendor on this full-day guided trip from Sharm El Sheikh.
Enjoy the convenience of private van transportation and a round trip flight. Savor local flavors with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
After pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle, transfer to the airport to board your plane to Luxor.
Once you arrive, head to the Karnak Temple complex.
See the street of the Sphinxes, the hypostyle hallway with 134 gigantic pillars, and the obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tutomosis I.
Continue to the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of the Nile to see where the pharaohs were laid to rest.
Stroll through the Valley of the Kings where you can visit tombs from 3 different dynasties.
Admire a masterpiece of ancient architecture at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut.
Finally, visit the Memnon Colossi, which are two of the largest ancient statues in Egypt, which date back to the era of King Amenhotep III. At the end of the day, fly back to Sharm El Sheikh and your private driver will take you back to your hotel.