East Bank: Tours and Guided Visits

Luxor, Egypt was formerly the ancient domain of Thebes which reigned as the capital city from 1570 to 1079 B.C. The area was significant to people who believed it to be the center of worship for the god Amun.

The Nile River splits the city into two parts, East Bank and West Bank. Take an East Bank tour in Luxor to explore fascinating historical monuments, landmarks and the beauty of ancient Egypt.

Here's all you need to know about the East Bank, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Luxor.

What are the best East Bank tours in Luxor?

Half-day tour of the East Bank in Luxor

This 4-hour excursion focuses on the East Bank of the Nile River in Luxor. You’ll begin your day with either hotel pickup or a meetup with your guide at the Nile River cruise port.

From there, you’ll be transferred to an air-conditioned vehicle for a ride to the East Bank. Your first stop will be at the Karnak Temple, a holy place that is considered one of the greatest examples of worship in history.

After 3 hours of exploration in the temple learning about God Amun and his wife Mut, you will head to the Luxor Temple. The incredible monument was built by Amenhotep III in the 18th Dynasty but wasn’t completed until the 19th under Ramesses II. Afterward, your driver will escort you back to Luxor for a hotel drop-off.

East Bank horse carriage tour in Luxor

Explore the East Bank of the ancient city of Luxor with an exciting horse carriage tour. This excursion covers all the most important parts of the city as you travel along the East Bank of the Nile River and learn the rich history of the region.

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel where you’ll board a horse-drawn carriage for your excursion. From there, you’ll head to the historic village of Luxor to see how the ancient Egyptians lived their daily lives. Your guide will provide interesting details on the customs and culture of this civilization.

Afterward, you’ll ride into the city center to see one of the oldest places of worship in the entire world, the Mosque of Abu Haggag. You’ll then travel through the souq market where both locals and tourists search for local goods. The East Bank is covered with beautifully constructed churches and places of worship to admire along the way. You’ll stop for a look at the Luxor Temple before heading back to the hotel for drop-off.

Are there any combos available with East Bank tours in Luxor?

Full-day East and West Bank tour in Luxor

This exciting tour combines both the East Bank and West Bank for a full-day excursion in Luxor. This 9-hour adventure begins with a hotel pickup from where you’ll head to visit some of the most famous destinations in all of Egypt. First, you’ll venture to the Valley of the Kings to see the burial sites of some of the most prominent pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Visit the tombs of King Tutmosis I, Tutmosis III, Tutankhamun, King Ramsses VI, King Merneptah and Amenhotep II as you learn about their impact on Egyptian civilization.

Next, you’ll stop by the tombs of both Hatshepsut and King Tutankhamun, two of the most pivotal rulers of Egyptian history. You’ll learn all about the country’s hierarchal system by exploring the Colossi of Memnon, the Luxor Temple and the Karnak Temple. You’ll enjoy pre-paid lunch and beverage refreshments before heading back for hotel drop-off.

Private full-day East and West Bank tour in Luxor

This private tour of both the East and West Bank in Luxor allows you to set your own pace during your travels. Experience the luxury of a personal Egyptologist guide who can answer all your questions about ancient Luxor. You’ll kick your tour off with an early morning hotel pickup in a private air-conditioned vehicle from where you’ll head first to the West Bank to explore the Valley of Kings. Afterward, you’ll visit the Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon before heading to the East Bank.

After you cross over the Nile, you’ll stop by two of the most important places of Egypt, the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. Enjoy undivided attention from your expert guide as you learn about the captivating history of the ancient region. Finish the day off with a convenient hotel drop-off.

East and West Bank tour plus hot air balloon ride & felucca sail

This action-packed private tour along the banks of the Nile River includes a riveting hot air balloon ride and a felucca boat trip providing unbeatable views of Luxor. Begin with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle where you’ll head to the hot air balloon take-off spot. Board your balloon for a breathtaking 45 to 80-minute ride 1,500 meters above the desert terrain. Marvel at stunning sky-high views of the historical monuments way below. After touching down, you’ll head to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings.

Tour both the Colossi of Memnon and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut before heading to lunch at a local restaurant. After your delicious Egyptian meal, you’ll board a traditional felucca sailboat to cruise up the Nile River. Sip on a tasty cocktail as you admire the views of the ancient area. Finish with a visit to both the Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple before heading back for a hotel drop-off.

2-Day East and West Bank tour of Luxor

Extend your tour of the Banks of the Nile River with a 2-day excursion in Luxor. This tour allows ample time to visit the city’s most notable monuments without the rush of time restrictions. The first day will begin with a hotel pickup from where you’ll travel to the East Bank with an expert guide. Visit ancient temples and historic structures including the Karnak Open Air Museum and the Luxor Temple. Enjoy a traditional felucca ride on the river and a delectable Egyptian lunch before heading back to the hotel mid-day.

In the early evening, your guide will pick you up once more to head to the optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. This experience combines lights, music and historical narration for a fantastic show at this location.

Day two covers the West Bank of the Nile, including the famous Valley of the Kings to see the temples and tombs of Egypt’s greatest leaders. Enjoy an exciting hot air balloon ride before a final lunch and a hotel drop-off to end the 2-day excursion.

Which places are visited?

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple was dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Known for its grand architecture and magnificent relief carvings, Luxor Temple was the focus of many significant religious festivals. Even in modern times, it remains an important archaeological site and a popular tourist destination, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rituals, beliefs and architectural prowess of ancient Egypt.

Karnak Temple

The Karnak Temple is recognized as one of the largest places of worship built in history. The temple was constructed as a tribute to the god Amun-Ra and is a pivotal piece of Egyptian history. The Egyptians believed that the location of the temple was where creation began.

How much do East Bank tours in Luxor cost?

Half-day excursions along the East Bank of the Nile typically cost US$50 per adult and US$30 per child with lunch included. If you’d like to opt out of the meal, you can pay a reduced price of US$45 per adult and US$25 per child. Horse-drawn carriage tours that peruse the East Bank of the Nile River typically cost about US$15 per person.

Full-day group tours and private tours that hit both the East Bank and West Bank offer several different ticket options that vary in price. Tours are customizable with several options including car transportation, professional tour guidance, entry fees into all exhibits and lunch. For a tour that includes all four, you can expect to pay US$95 per adult over the age of 12 and US$50 per child between the ages of 6 and 11. For car transportation with a driver only, tickets cost US$25 per adult and US$5 per child, while a car plus a tour guide with all exhibit entry fees is priced at US$85 per adult and US$45 per child. For car transport and just a professional tour guide, you can expect to pay US$50 per adult and US$15 per child.

Private full-day tours of both the East and West Banks offer two ticket options, the tour plus lunch or the tour without lunch. For the tour with a meal included, tickets cost US$95 per adult and US$50 per child. A tour without lunch costs US$85 per adult and US$45 per child. Private tours that include a hot air balloon ride typically cost around US$110 per person with the ride included, while 2-day group tours are usually priced around US$70 per person.

What is included?

All East Bank tours include hotel pickup and drop-off. Horse carriage tours along the East Bank include the ride itself as well as an expert guide to provide information along the way.

Full-day tours include air-conditioned transport and bottled water for refreshments. Private tours typically include all entrance fees, as well as a hot air balloon and felucca ride included in the price. 2-day tours include a traditional Egyptian lunch.

Where does it start?

East Bank tours in Luxor begin with a pickup at your hotel.

How long does it last?

East Bank tours can last anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 days, based on your itinerary and preferences.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Most East Bank tours are wheelchair friendly, though some monuments may not be outfitted with modern accessibility options.

When is the best time for an East Bank tour in Luxor?

The best time to tour the East Bank is from October to April. During these months, the weather is typically cooler and more comfortable for outdoor exploring. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid the peak heat of the day and the major tourist crowds.

Travel tips

• Luxor's climate can be very hot, especially in the summer. Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Don't forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• The sites are vast and require a good deal of walking on uneven ground. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• Always follow site rules, such as not touching the ancient structures, to help preserve these historical treasures for future generations.