Full Description
This private 3-day Luxor, Dendera and Abydos tour from Hurghada is designed for travellers who want to see more of Upper Egypt than a standard day trip allows. You visit the main temples and tombs in Luxor, then continue to the temples of Abydos and Dendera on the third day.
Throughout the tour, you travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and are accompanied by a German- or English-speaking Egyptologist. Two hotel nights in Luxor with breakfast, three lunches and the entrance tickets for the sights included in your chosen standard programme are already planned.
Another advantage is the slower pace. The tour is organised only for your own group. There are no planned shopping stops and no large tour groups whose timetable you need to follow.
Participants | Vehicle | Guide price per person |
|---|---|---|
1–2 people | Private limousine / comfortable car | €560 |
3–5 people | Private minibus | €520 |
6–8 people | Private minibus | €400 |
Single room supplement: €40 per night.
The prices shown are currently guide prices. After your enquiry, we check availability, the final tour price and the conditions for your preferred travel date.
3-Day Luxor Dendera Abydos Tour from Hurghada at a Glance
This journey combines three of the most important historical areas in Upper Egypt.
On the first day, you explore Luxor’s East Bank with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. On the second day, you visit the West Bank and choose between two different sightseeing programmes. On the third day, you travel to Abydos and Dendera before returning to the Red Sea.
You do not have to fit all of Luxor’s major sights into just a few hours. Two overnight stays give you more time in the city and reduce the pressure that often comes with a standard day trip.
The standard programme includes:
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings or Valley of the Queens
Hatshepsut Temple or Medinet Habu
Colossi of Memnon
Temple of Seti I at Abydos
Hathor Temple at Dendera
Two nights in Luxor
Breakfast at the hotel
Three lunches
Private transfers
Egyptologist
Entrance tickets according to your chosen standard programme
Itinerary for Your 3-Day Luxor, Dendera & Abydos Tour from Hurghada
The exact order of some programme points may change for organisational reasons. The booked services within your chosen standard programme remain included.
Day 1 – Drive to Luxor, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
Early Hotel Pickup
The journey starts early in the morning. The usual departure time from Hurghada is around 06:00.
You are collected directly from your hotel or accommodation and travel to Luxor with your own group in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The distance from Hurghada to Luxor is around 230 kilometres. Depending on traffic, your starting point and breaks, you should expect the drive to take several hours.
Pickup can also be arranged from El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Makadi Bay, Soma Bay and Safaga.
Additional transfer charges apply from Marsa Alam and El Quseir.
Arrival in Luxor
As you reach the Nile Valley, the landscape changes noticeably.
After the desert road, you begin to see fields, palm trees, villages and the Nile. Your Egyptologist can already introduce you to the region and life along the river during the journey.
The main sightseeing programme begins on Luxor’s East Bank.
Karnak Temple
Your first major visit is Karnak Temple.
Karnak consists of several temple areas, courtyards, gateways, columns and sanctuaries. The complex was expanded over many centuries.
One of its best-known areas is the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 columns.
During the visit, your Egyptologist explains the role Karnak played in Ancient Egyptian religion and why so many rulers added their own structures to the site.
With a private guide, you can ask questions directly and focus more closely on the subjects that interest you.
Lunch in Luxor
After Karnak, the first lunch is planned.
Lunch is included in the tour price. Drinks are not included and can be ordered separately.
If you are vegetarian or have specific dietary requirements, it is best to mention them when you make your enquiry.
Hotel Check-In
After lunch, you check in at your hotel in Luxor.
You stay in the city for two nights. Breakfast is included on the hotel mornings.
A single room can be booked for the stated supplement.
Luxor Temple
Later, you visit Luxor Temple in the city centre.
The temple stands directly on the East Bank of the Nile and was historically connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
One of the most interesting features of the site is the way different historical periods overlap. Alongside the Pharaonic structures, you can also see Roman remains and the Abu el-Haggag Mosque, which is integrated into the temple area.
Your Egyptologist guides you through the accessible sections and explains the main stages of the temple’s development.
Evening at Leisure
After the sightseeing programme, the evening is yours to use as you wish.
Depending on the location of your hotel, you may want to walk through central Luxor, stroll beside the Nile or visit the local market.
There is no compulsory evening programme.
You then spend the night in Luxor.
Day 2 – Luxor West Bank with Two Programme Options
After breakfast, you travel to Luxor’s West Bank.
This is where the necropolises and mortuary temples of ancient Thebes were located.
For this day, you can choose between two standard programmes.
Option A – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
With Option A, you begin at the Valley of the Kings.
The standard entrance ticket includes three of the regular tombs open on the day of your visit.
The tombs available to visitors can change. Your Egyptologist explains which options are included with the standard ticket on the day.
Some especially well-known tombs require a separate ticket. These include the tomb of Tutankhamun and the tomb of Seti I.
These special tickets are not included in the standard price.
After the Valley of the Kings, you continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
The temple was built in a series of terraces in front of the steep cliffs of the West Bank. Its design looks very different from many other temple complexes in Luxor.
During the visit, you learn more about Hatshepsut, her reign and the purpose of the temple.
Option B – Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens
If you have already visited the Valley of the Kings or would prefer a different West Bank programme, you can choose Option B.
You begin at Medinet Habu.
The Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III is known for its large courtyards, pylons and well-preserved reliefs.
Many historical scenes and inscriptions are still clearly visible on the walls.
You then continue to the Valley of the Queens.
Queens, princes and other members of the royal family were buried here.
The famous tomb of Nefertari requires a separate supplementary ticket and is not included with the standard entrance.
Colossi of Memnon
No matter which option you choose, a stop at the Colossi of Memnon is included.
The two large seated statues represent Amenhotep III and once stood in front of his enormous mortuary temple.
Today, they are among the best-known landmarks on Luxor’s West Bank.
The stop is shorter than the main temple and tomb visits and is well suited for photos.
Lunch and Free Afternoon
After the cultural programme, lunch is included.
The rest of the afternoon is then free.
You can relax at the hotel or spend more time in Luxor.
Because you stay for a second night, you do not have to begin the long return journey to the Red Sea after the West Bank sightseeing.
Optional: Hot Air Balloon Ride over Luxor
On the morning of the second day, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s West Bank can be booked before breakfast.
The balloon ride is not included in the standard tour price.
It only operates when weather and safety conditions allow.
If you would like to add a balloon ride, it is best to mention this as early as possible so availability can be checked.
After the second day, you stay another night in Luxor.
Day 3 – Abydos and Dendera
The third day is what makes this journey very different from many standard Luxor tours.
After breakfast, you leave Luxor and travel north.
Your destinations are two important temple complexes that are not usually combined with Luxor on a standard day trip from Hurghada.
Temple of Seti I at Abydos
Abydos was one of the most important religious centres in Ancient Egypt.
The site was closely linked to Osiris and played an important role in Egyptian funerary beliefs over a long period of history.
The main focus of your visit is the Temple of Seti I.
Many visitors come here because of its well-preserved reliefs. Fine carvings and inscriptions can still be seen across several walls.
One of the most famous features is the Abydos King List.
It names many Egyptian rulers in a fixed sequence and is an important source for understanding the chronology of Ancient Egyptian kings.
With your Egyptologist, you can examine the main scenes more closely and learn why Abydos is so important for understanding Egyptian history.
Hathor Temple at Dendera
After Abydos, you continue to Dendera.
Here, you visit the Temple of Hathor.
The complex is one of the best-preserved temple sites in Egypt.
The large columns with Hathor capitals are immediately noticeable. Inside, you can see reliefs, astronomical scenes and restored ceilings where many colours are still visible.
Dendera is also famous for the so-called Dendera Zodiac.
The original is now in the Louvre in Paris. A replica is displayed in its original position in the temple.
If you have already visited Karnak, Luxor Temple and the West Bank sites, Dendera gives you a useful chance to see how different Egyptian temples can be in style and decoration.
Lunch and Return to the Red Sea
After the sightseeing, another lunch is included.
You then begin the return journey to your hotel on the Red Sea.
This marks the end of your three-day journey through Luxor, Abydos and Dendera.
Why Choose 3 Days Instead of a Luxor Day Trip?
A day trip to Luxor can already show you many important sights.
With three days, however, the whole pace of the journey changes.
You do not have to drive back to Hurghada on the same evening. This allows more temples and historical areas to be included.
The biggest difference is the third day.
Dendera and Abydos are outside the normal Luxor day-trip programme and require additional travel time.
If you have a stronger interest in Egyptian history, this tour therefore offers much more depth than a classic one-day Luxor excursion.
The two evenings in Luxor also give you a different impression of the city.
No Planned Shopping Stops
This journey is planned as a cultural programme.
There are no compulsory stops at papyrus shops, perfume shops, alabaster shops or other sales locations.
If you want to shop during your own free time, you can of course do so.
The difference is that no sales visit is built into the booked itinerary.
This leaves more time for temples, tombs, explanations and free time.
Travelling with Your Own Egyptologist
On a three-day cultural tour, your guide plays a much bigger role than on a quick photo stop.
You visit monuments from different periods and regions.
An Egyptologist can help you understand the connections between Karnak, Luxor’s West Bank, Abydos and Dendera.
Guiding is available in German or English.
Because the journey is private, you can ask questions and spend more time on certain subjects when the daily schedule allows.
You can read more about why an experienced Egyptologist can make a difference during an Egypt trip here:
Two Nights in Luxor
Two hotel nights in Luxor with breakfast are included in the tour price.
This gives you more time to rest between sightseeing days and avoids two extra long-distance journeys between Hurghada and Luxor.
A single room is available for an additional €40 per night.
If you have specific room requirements, mention them when making your enquiry.
Pickup from Hurghada and Other Red Sea Resorts
Pickup can be arranged from several Red Sea holiday areas, depending on the booking.
These include:
Hurghada
El Gouna
Sahl Hasheesh
Makadi Bay
Soma Bay
Safaga
Pickup from Marsa Alam and El Quseir is also available.
The current transfer supplements for these two locations are:
Marsa Alam: €35 per person
El Quseir: €25 per person
Your exact pickup time depends on the location of your accommodation.
Included in the Price
Private, air-conditioned vehicle for all planned transfers
German- or English-speaking Egyptologist
Entrance tickets for all sights included in your chosen standard programme
Two hotel nights in Luxor
Breakfast at the hotel
Three lunches
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Your chosen West Bank programme
Colossi of Memnon
Temple of Seti I at Abydos
Hathor Temple at Dendera
Taxes and service charges included in the standard price
Not Included in the Price
Drinks at the hotel or during meals
Tomb of Tutankhamun
Tomb of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings
Tomb of Nefertari
Optional hot air balloon ride
Personal expenses
Souvenirs
Tips
Transfer supplements from Marsa Alam and El Quseir
Single room supplement
What to Bring for 3 Days in Luxor, Dendera and Abydos
Because you stay for two nights in Luxor, you need a little more than you would for a standard day trip.
Useful items include:
Comfortable shoes
Lightweight clothing
Clothes for two overnight stays
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sun cream
Personal medication
Passport or required travel documents
Phone and camera chargers
Some cash for drinks and personal expenses
Small bag or daypack
Light jacket during the cooler winter months
At the temple sites, there are longer periods of walking and standing.
If you have limited mobility or need assistance, please mention this before making your enquiry. This allows us to check which programme points and vehicle may suit your needs.
Who Is This 3-Day Tour Suitable For?
This tour is particularly suitable for travellers who want to see more than Luxor’s best-known highlights.
It is a good choice if you are interested in temples, reliefs, Egyptian religion and the history of different pharaohs.
The combination may also appeal to travellers who have already visited Luxor once. On Day 2, you can choose the alternative West Bank programme with Medinet Habu and the Valley of the Queens, while still adding Abydos and Dendera.
If you mainly want a quick introduction to Luxor and prefer to spend as little time as possible away from your hotel, a one-day tour may suit you better.
Enquire About the 3-Day Luxor, Dendera & Abydos Tour from Hurghada
If you want to spend more than a few hours in Luxor and also visit Dendera and Abydos, you can enquire about this private three-day journey for your preferred dates.
Tell us your travel date, number of participants and holiday resort.
You can also let us know which West Bank programme you prefer and whether you are interested in an optional hot air balloon ride.
After your enquiry, we will check availability and confirm the final price, accommodation and conditions for your trip.
