3-Day Itinerary for Valley of the Kings & Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is one of Egypt’s most historically rich destinations, often referred to as the "world’s greatest open-air museum." The Valley of the Kings is the highlight of Luxor, but there are also numerous temples, museums, and cultural experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. This 3-day itinerary ensures you explore all the key sites while balancing adventure, history, and relaxation.
Day 1: Valley of the Kings & West Bank Highlights
Morning: Valley of the Kings (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Location: West Bank of the Nile
Ticket Price: Around 600 EGP ($20) (Entry to 3 tombs; extra for Tutankhamun & Seti I)
Best Tombs to Visit:
Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) – The most famous, but small. Mummy on display (Extra ticket required).
Tomb of Seti I (KV17) – Most beautifully decorated tomb (Extra ticket required).
Tomb of Ramses III (KV11) – Known for its well-preserved reliefs.
Tomb of Merneptah (KV8) – Features fascinating hieroglyphics.
Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2) – Vibrant colors still intact.
Travel Tip: Hire a guide or get an audio guide to understand the history of the tombs.
Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
Recommended Restaurants:
- Marsam Restaurant – Traditional Egyptian dishes in a relaxing garden setting.
- Aladdin Restaurant – Local and Mediterranean cuisine with a great view.
Afternoon: Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
1. Temple of Hatshepsut (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Location: West Bank
Ticket Price: Around 240 EGP ($8)
- A stunning mortuary temple dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut.
- Features terraced structures, statues, and inscriptions showcasing her reign.
2. Colossi of Memnon (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Location: West Bank
Ticket Price: Free
- Two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
- Great place for quick photography.
Evening: Nile Sunset Felucca Ride (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
- Relax on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (felucca) while watching the sunset over the Nile.
- You can book a private Felucca ride with a local captain for an authentic experience.
Day 2: Karnak & Luxor Temples (East Bank)
Morning: Karnak Temple Complex (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Location: East Bank
Ticket Price: Around 300 EGP ($10)
Highlights of Karnak Temple:
Hypostyle Hall: 134 massive columns, a must-see!
Obelisks of Hatshepsut & Tuthmosis I
Avenue of Sphinxes: A grand entrance leading to Luxor Temple
Sacred Lake: Used for purification rituals by ancient priests
Optional: Visit the Karnak Open-Air Museum (Extra ticket required)
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
Recommended Restaurants:
- Sofra Restaurant & Café – Traditional Egyptian cuisine.
- Al-Sahaby Lane – Rooftop dining with views of Luxor Temple.
Afternoon: Luxor Temple & Avenue of the Sphinxes (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
Location: East Bank
Ticket Price: Around 260 EGP ($8)
- Built by Amenhotep III & Ramses II
- Features massive statues of Ramses II and a beautifully preserved colonnade
- Walk along the Avenue of the Sphinxes, a restored 3 km path connecting Karnak & Luxor Temples.
Evening: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Ticket Price: Around 375 EGP ($12)
- Karnak Temple is illuminated at night with a guided narration of its history.
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon, Museums & Local Markets
Early Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM)
Price: Around $80 - $150 per person (varies by operator).
- A breathtaking aerial view of the Valley of the Kings, Nile, and temples.
- Book with a reputable company like Magic Horizon or Sindbad Balloons.
Breakfast (7:30 AM – 8:30 AM)
Recommended Spots:
- Jamboree Café & Restaurant – Great breakfast with fresh juices.
- Nile View Café – A quiet spot with views of the Nile.
Mid-Morning: Luxor Museum (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Location: Corniche, East Bank
Ticket Price: Around 200 EGP ($7)
- Home to artifacts from the New Kingdom, including mummies, statues, and treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Noon: Souq & Local Market Shopping (11:30 AM – 1:00 PM)
Luxor Souq (Market) – East Bank
- Buy handmade crafts, spices, perfumes, and Egyptian souvenirs.
- Bargaining is common – Start at half the asking price and negotiate.
Lunch (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)
Recommended Restaurants:
- Aboudi Coffee Break – Light lunch and coffee with a great view.
- Nile Terrace at the Winter Palace – Elegant dining experience.
Afternoon: Ramesseum & Medinet Habu Temples (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
1. Ramesseum Temple (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Location: West Bank
Ticket Price: Around 200 EGP ($7)
- A mortuary temple built by Ramses II, featuring his colossal statue.
2. Medinet Habu Temple (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
Location: West Bank
Ticket Price: Around 200 EGP ($7)
- Known for its colorful reliefs and inscriptions of Ramses III’s battles.
Evening: Relaxing at a Nile-view Café or Hotel (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- Unwind at a Nile-view café or enjoy your hotel’s rooftop lounge.
- Optional: Another felucca ride or a dinner cruise.
Summary of Your 3-Day Luxor Itinerary
Day 1: Valley of the Kings & West Bank
Valley of the Kings (Tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III)
Temple of Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon
Nile Sunset Felucca Ride
Day 2: Karnak & Luxor Temples (East Bank)
Karnak Temple & Avenue of the Sphinxes
Luxor Temple
Sound & Light Show at Karnak
Day 3: Hot Air Balloon, Museums & Local Experiences
Hot Air Balloon over Luxor
Luxor Museum & Local Souq
Ramesseum & Medinet Habu Temples
This itinerary provides a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation.
