Luxor Valley of the Kings Day Trip

The experience was very cool. Our guide Shaban did a really great job. He explained everything well to us, always gave us enough time to take photos, and asked for feedback every time, which we really liked. Except for the fact that it was extremely hot, the day was really very, very cool!

The venues we visited were outstanding. The Tour guide Mohammed, is very knowledgable. The trip took 5 hours to get there. You get a 20 minute stop. We got picked up at 3:50am. Karnak Temple was great and Mohammed takes you a round and you get free time. We then got made to go to a spice talk. Not on the agenda and you have to sit through a sale pitch. Positive you get a free toilet here. We then got encouraged to take a Nile boat trip. It’s €10 adult €5 a child. They will take card. You get a drink. We was sold it give you more time the other side. It doesn’t and it wasn’t great. We then only got 2 minute at one venue, advertised for longer. But I think shorter due to the sales pitch talk we were forced to go too. We then went to valley of the kings. It’s incredible. You don’t get to pick the tombs, the guide does this. We then had to do another sales pitch. This time on stone. We was told it was the only place we could stop to get souvenirs, but I feel it’s because of the agreement of these places, with the tour guide. You get a toilet break here though. We then went to the only female pharaoh temple. But then your guide doesn’t take you around like other tour guides in the venue. After going through security, we got non stopped hassled by people trying to con us for tips. Even the security guard with a gun was involved. We didn’t stay long as we felt it was unsafe. This upset us a bit. The trip back took 4 hours. With a stop. You get given water, and a snack. You also get lunch in a buffet Restaurant, it’s amazing but did the job. It was a lifetime experience and Mohammed is very good. It just spoilt with the little extras taking up time we could have had at other venues and the experience at the last temple.

I wish that I could give this trip at least 7 stars !!! From the moment that we were picked up in Hurgarda until the moment that we were dropped off this was by far one of the best experiences. that we have ever had using a guide on holiday. We chose the Hurgarda to Luxor 2 day trip and this is definitely the best way to do it. Our guide was Fathy Elbolok and it felt like we were being led through ancient Egypt with all of the amazing stories and tales from the ancient days to the current excavations and finds. We did the Valley of the Kings and saw 5 tombs in total including the tomb and mummified body of Tutankhamun. Then Hapshetsup's Temple and the Colossus of Memnon. It was very hot (we were in August!) but water was provided and Fathy made sure that we stayed in the shade as much as possible and kept the local sellers from getting too close ... thank you Fathy. It was surprisingly quiet really but apparently August is the quiet month so we were very lucky. Also the trip was done on a Friday and this is a day off for the Egyptians which meant that it was particularly quiet. As we had chosen the 2 day tour we were then taken to our hotel for the night, Hotel Jolie Ville ... OMG it was gorgeous and right alongside the river Nile so we were in the infinity pool watch the boats and wildlife go past ... we are definitely going to go back to this hotel at some time in the future. That night we went for the Light and Sound show at Karnak Temple (transport was included) and were totally blown away by the show. We were escorted by Fathy again and he brought us water during the show as it was still warm. After breakfast we were picked up and taken to Habu Temple which in my opinion is by far the best for the original colours and history, then to Luxor Temple and finally to Karnak Temple. Lunch was provided on both days and Fathy looked after us all so well. He is an extraordinary knowledgeable guide and spoke to us in ways that we were all able to understand and learn from. He answered all of our questions and nothing was too much trouble for him. Make sure that you drink lots of water, wear hats and use lots of sunscreen as you don't realise just how much walking outside you actually do. I always book my excursions with GetYourGuide as the standard of trips and guides is usually of such a high standard and this one did not let us down. Thank you GetYourGuide and extra special thanks to Fathy.

Nice interesting day, everything as discussed. Good driver, big SUV for the three of us and an Egyptian guide who speaks Dutch.

Fantastic guide - Nana. Very knowledgeable on all locations and more. Lots of advice on the tricks market sellers play and what toilets to avoid! Would have liked lunch to have been on the bank of the River Nile as had done this previously.