MarsaAlam.com
Guide to hotels, flights, diving, excursions and more.
LUXOR EXCURSIONS, INCLUDING A TWO DAY NILE CRUISE OPTION.
For info and bookings email steven@marsaalam.com or telephone Steven on + 20 1284332337.
Karnak Temple - Photo by one of Steven's customers - Annettee.
WHY GO ?
It's a breathtakingly beautiful place where you feel you can touch history. It will leave its' impression on you for a lifetime. Now is a great time to go before the crowds return.
TYPES OF EXCURSION OFFERED
Steven offers either one day Luxor excursions, two day excursions to Luxor and Aswan by cruise ship or overland, a luxury two day excursion combining Cairo and Luxor or longer duration excursions which can be up to a week or more. For anything you want to know which might not be answered here or bookings please email steven@marsaalam.com.
ONE DAY LUXOR EXCURSIONS
All the excursions offered here, whether one day or longer, are for those who are looking for a VIP chauffeur driven excursions by air-conditioned private car from Marsa Alam with their own personal guide.
They are more comfortable and yet still usually cheaper than those organized by tour companies during which all the tourists are shepherded on coaches with very little freedom. Going by private car with your own guide is also more relaxing, more personal, and it allows you to see the real Luxor.
OPTION 1: From just 120 euros pp ! You can choose from Steven's popular set programme which runs every day and includes your own private car or minivan with driver (not the hassle of crowded coaches), your own personal Egyptology guide, entrance fees for all the sites and lunch. All this for just -
290 euro (£259) for one person,
160 euro (£144) per person for two people,
140 euro (£124) per person for 3-4 people and
120 euro (£109) per person for groups of 5 +.
290 euro (£259) for one person,
160 euro (£144) per person for two people,
140 euro (£124) per person for 3-4 people and
120 euro (£109) per person for groups of 5 +.
For further information please see the itinerary listed further down.
OPTION 2: You create your own semi-tailor made package but using the list on the right hand side of this page to help you decide. The price is 125 euro (£115) per person but there needs to be at least three people or there would be a surcharge. For further information please see the suggested choice of itineraries outlined below.
OPTION 3: You have a car with one of Steven's drivers to take you there and back and you decide entirely what you wish to do. This would cost 219 euro (£200) for the car and up to three passengers with a eight hours stay allowed free of charge and a nominal extra fee per hour for any extra time required.
OPTION 1: SET PROGRAMME ITINERARY
Leave your hotel on a Monday or Thursday at 5am by private air conditioned taxi and arrive Luxor at around 8.30am. You will cross the Nile to visit some of the most spectacular highlights of Luxor's fabled West Bank during which you will explore with your own private tour guide -
The Valley of the Kings
The Temple of Hatshepsut and
The Colossi of Memnon.
For more information of any of these please see the list on the right hand side.
At around noon you will travel back across the Nile by private boat. Then in the afternoon you will see
The Temple of Karnak - the largest ancient religious site known anywhere in the world - followed by
An hour in a traditional faluka during the late afternoon - the perfect way to relax while watching the traditional rural life on the river bank.
After that you will then be taken to what is probably the best patisserie in Egypt where each person will get a surprise gift from Steven.
If you finish early there might be some time for some shopping for souvenirs in Luxor's vast souqor, if you prefer, take a little time to wander by yourself around central Luxor. Finally, at 5.30pm, you will be picked up by your private car which will take you back to Marsa Alam where you will return to your hotel by 9pm. Should you wish to make any changes to the itinerary - such as visiting Luxor Temple instead of Karnak or spending more time in the souq - Steven will be happy to make suitable arrangements where possible.
OPTION 2: A SEMI-TAILOR MADE PACKAGE
This is the most popular one day excursion by Steven's Marsa Alam limousine and excursion company but Steven also does fully tailor made excursions - just enquire via email at steven@marsaalam.com
Leave Marsa Alam by car at 5am. Arrive Luxor around 8.30am. Cross to the West Bank and select your preferred two West Bank visits from the list of the top ten attractions listed on the right hand side of this page. ( No need to include number 10 - shopping - on your list as your guide will allow you time for this. )
Then return to the East Side for lunch followed in the afternoon by a visit to Luxor or Karnak Temples - the latter the largest ancient religious site anywhere in the world and the second most popular historical site in Egypt, second only to the Giza pyramids near Cairo.
Some thirty Pharaohs contributed to the temple's construction and its' impressively architraved huge columns have formed the background to numerous Hollywood films including The Mummy Returns and Death on the Nile.
Then, after all the history a more relaxing wander down Luxor's souk to discover some bargains before leaving after sunet to return to Marsa Alam.
Price from just 125 euro (£115) per person (based on three people sharing a car) including limousine charges, all transport, Egyptologist guide, meal and museum entrance charges. To book email steven@marsaalam.com
TWO DAY EXCURSIONS WHICH INCLUDE LUXOR
Four options - first in brief -
Option 1 - A luxury two exploration of Luxor package including an overnight stay in the Royal Suite of a five star cruise ship or in a Nile view room of a five star hotel. 288 euro (£242) per person based on a minimum of two. Travel from and return to your Marsa Alam hotel in a private air-conditioned taxi. See further down for more detail.
Option 2 - A day exploring Luxor and then a five star river cruise down the Nile to visit Edfu Temple the next day before returning by ship. Travel from and return to your Marsa Alam hotel in a private airconditioned taxi. See further down for more detail.
Option 3 -A two day exploration of Luxor package including an overnight stay in either the Gaddis Hotel or on a four star Nile cruise ship. 173 euro (£149) per person based on a minimum of three. Travel from and return to your Marsa Alam hotel in a private air conditioned taxi. See further down for more detail. You will be picked up from your hotel reception at approximately 5.30 and driven in a private air conditioned taxi to Luxor where you will arrive at approximately 9am.
OPTION 4: A luxury two day excursion combining Cairo and Luxor including two separate flights, a five star hotel and your own personal Egyptologist guide in Cairo and Luxor. Marvel in wonder at the Pyramids, discover the treasured antiquities of the Egyptian Museum and visit the legendary tomb of Tutunkhamen. Just some of the unforgettable highlights. Only £431 pp. See our Cairo page for full details.
OPTION 1 - TWO DAY LUXURY PACKAGE
For the two day luxury package you get a free upgrade to this Royal suite -
You will be picked up from your hotel reception at approximately 5.30 and driven in a private air conditioned taxi to Luxor where you will arrive at approximately 9am.
After a greeting and introduction from your guide you will travel across to Luxor's fabled West Bank to visit
- The Valley of the Kings
- The Temple of Hatshepsut and
- The Colossi of Memnon
Then check in to the Royal Suite of your five star cruise ship and enjoy a late buffet lunch and some time to spend at leisure either on board or looking around the town of Luxor and shopping in the souk.
In the evening you will visit the spectacular sound and light show at Karnak Temple - the largest ancient religious site known anywhere in the world.
The next morning you will have breakfast on board followed by a trip to Luxor Temple and the town's famous museum before returning for lunch on board.
Then you will spend the afternoon on board a feluka, a traditional river sailing boat, for a two hour cruise to Banana Island, before returning to Luxor where you driver will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel.
OPTION 2 - LUXOR AND EDFU ON A FIVE STAR CRUISE SHIP
Leave Marsa Alam by car at 6am. Arrive at Luxor before 10am.
The morning and early afternoon will be spent touring some of the historic sites of Luxor's West Bank which has been described as the world's largest open air museum. Please select your preferred two of the top ten West Bank attractions listed on the right hand side of this page.
Some of the most famous archaeological sites ever discovered can be found here, but if you want to mix relaxation with history you can also choose horse or camel riding.
You will then embark on the Five Star Hapi Five cruise ship for a late lunch on board and set sail up river for Edfu.
This is one of the world's unmissable journeys with magnificent views over the lush green fields in sharp contrast with the almost Marsian red of the barren mountain backdrop of the vast Sahara lit by the sinking sun. Here along the world's longest river, rural life continues much as it has done for centuries. And you don't need to stay on deck to watch as most cabins enjoy a magnificent view over the river bank.
Fascinating Vlog by 2 young tourists on a Nile cruise
Aug 2018 - 10.16 mins - 3.7K+ likes - 189,000 + views
And there's plenty to do besides watching the scenery. There's a swimming pool and a jacuzzi and even a massage service. You can also use the onboard wifi to catch up on your emails, play chess in the library or borrow a book - perhaps the classic "Murder on the Nile" by Agatha Christie - and relax with a drink in your cabin or on the sun deck.
In the evening the ship will moor at Edfu where you will have dinner on board and then retire to your room or, if you still have energy, to the English pub.
Video of highlights from a tour around Edfu Temple.
June 2010 - 10 minutes - over 4,900 views
At Edfu, the next morning, you will take a horse and carriage to visit the vast and beautifully preserved temple of Horus, probably the most intact Pharaonic temple in Egypt. After the tour, reembark for lunch and then enjoy a leisurely cruise down river returning to Luxor, where you will be picked up by limousine to take you back to Marsa Alam.
For more information or to book you can contact Steven by email at steven@marsaalam.com.
OPTION 3
- LANDBASED TWO DAY LUXOR OPTION
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Video of highlights from a tour around Edfu Temple.
June 2010 - 10 minutes - over 4,900 views
At Edfu, the next morning, you will take a horse and carriage to visit the vast and beautifully preserved temple of Horus, probably the most intact Pharaonic temple in Egypt. After the tour, reembark for lunch and then enjoy a leisurely cruise down river returning to Luxor, where you will be picked up by limousine to take you back to Marsa Alam.
For more information or to book you can contact Steven by email at steven@marsaalam.com.
OPTION 3
- LANDBASED TWO DAY LUXOR OPTION
I detail below the most popular two day land based Luxor excursion but Steven also does tailor made ones - just enquire on or email steven@marsaalam.com
Leave Marsa Alam by car 6am. Arrive Luxor before 10am.
The first day will be spent touring Luxor's West Bank which has been described as the world's largest open air museum. Some of the most famous archaeological sites ever discovered lie here, but if you want to mix relaxation with history you can also choose horse or camel riding or sailing in a boat on the river - best just before the sunset.
Please select your prefered four from the top ten West Bank attractions listed on the right hand side of the page. Lunch will be provided at one of the best restaurants.
Return after sunset by the ferry to the East Side. You will sleep overnight at either the Gaddis Hotel, probably the best three star hotel anywhere in Egypt or on a four star cruiseship.
The next day after breakfast you will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples - the latter the largest ancient religious site anywhere in the world and the second most popular historical site in Egypt, second only to the Giza pyramids near Cairo.
Some thirty Pharaohs contributed to the temple's construction and its' impressively architraved huge columns have formed the background to numerous Hollywood films including The Mummy Returns and Death on the Nile.
After all the history there's a break for lunch and finally a leisurely trip to Luxor Souk to spend a couple of hours shopping and then leave after sunset to return to Marsa Alam.
Price from 150 euro per person (based on three people sharing a car) including limousine charges, all transport, your own personal Egyptologist guide, lunch on both days and breakfast on the second, one night in a three star hotel or on a four star cruise ship and museum entrance charges. To book email steven@marsaalam.com
ONE WEEK LUXOR NILE CRUISE -
COMBINED MARSA ALAM/LUXOR HOLIDAY
Steven can also arrange one week on a five star Nile cruise ship visiting the ancient sites of Luxor, Aswan and Edfu for just forty dollars per person per day (based on two sharing) all year round subject to availability. There is a small extra charge for excursions to the sites according to the itinerary.
He can also arrange for your transport to and from Marsa Alam and also to and from either Luxor or Marsa Alam airports. Should you need any advice in planning such a holiday please email steven@marsaalam.com and he will be delighted to help.
DO IT YOURSELF LUXOR EXCURSION
If you prefer to do your own trip why not just book a round trip by limousine - same day 219 euro or if more than one day 290 euro. To book email steven@marsaalam.com.
TWO DAY LUXOR AND ASWAN
Photo: The Nile View at Aswan
Below I've detailed the most popular two day Luxor Aswan combined excursion but Steven also does Aswan only one and two day trips - just email steven@marsaalam.com.
Leave Marsa Alam by car at 5am and arrive at Luxor before 9am. Cross to the West Bank by ferry across the Nile and select your prefered two West Bank visits from the list of the top ten attractions listed on the right hand side of this page.
Then return to the East Side for lunch following in the afternoon by a visit to Luxor and Karnak Temples - the latter perhaps the largest temple complex in the world. After that a quick trip to Luxor souk to do some shopping and then leave after sunet for Aswan.
The next day would be spent touring the sites of Aswan - a beautifully picturesque town with an endearing laid-back atmosphere but also not without some historic sites of worldwide importance. I advise a trip to the Temple of Philae and to see the High Dam followed by some time exploring Aswan's market for souvenirs and spices. However should you wish to visit other sites just let Seifein know (number below.) You would leave Aswan around sunset to return to Marsa Alam.
Price from 173 euro per person (based on three people sharing a car) including limousine charges, all transport, an Egyptologist guide, lunch on both days and breakfast on the second day, one night in a three star hotel and museum entrance charges. To book email steven@marsaalam.com.
ONE WEEK LUXOR NILE CRUISE -
COMBINED MARSA ALAM/LUXOR HOLIDAY
Steven can also arrange one week on a five star Nile cruise ship visiting the ancient sites of Luxor, Aswan and Edfu for just forty dollars per person per day (based on two sharing) all year round subject to availability. There is a small extra charge for excursions to the sites according to the itinerary.
He can also arrange for your transport to and from Marsa Alam and also to and from either Luxor or Marsa Alam airports. Should you need any advice in planning such a holiday please email steven@marsaalam.com and he will be delighted to help.
DO IT YOURSELF LUXOR EXCURSION
If you prefer to do your own trip why not just book a round trip by limousine - same day 219 euro or if more than one day 290 euro. To book email steven@marsaalam.com.
TWO DAY LUXOR AND ASWAN
Photo: The Nile View at Aswan
Below I've detailed the most popular two day Luxor Aswan combined excursion but Steven also does Aswan only one and two day trips - just email steven@marsaalam.com.
Leave Marsa Alam by car at 5am and arrive at Luxor before 9am. Cross to the West Bank by ferry across the Nile and select your prefered two West Bank visits from the list of the top ten attractions listed on the right hand side of this page.
Then return to the East Side for lunch following in the afternoon by a visit to Luxor and Karnak Temples - the latter perhaps the largest temple complex in the world. After that a quick trip to Luxor souk to do some shopping and then leave after sunet for Aswan.
The next day would be spent touring the sites of Aswan - a beautifully picturesque town with an endearing laid-back atmosphere but also not without some historic sites of worldwide importance. I advise a trip to the Temple of Philae and to see the High Dam followed by some time exploring Aswan's market for souvenirs and spices. However should you wish to visit other sites just let Seifein know (number below.) You would leave Aswan around sunset to return to Marsa Alam.
Price from 173 euro per person (based on three people sharing a car) including limousine charges, all transport, an Egyptologist guide, lunch on both days and breakfast on the second day, one night in a three star hotel and museum entrance charges. To book email steven@marsaalam.com.
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Two young tourists take a look round Luxor.
Aug 2018 - 16.01 mins - 3.8K+ likes - 194,000+ views
Aug 2018 - 16.01 mins - 3.8K+ likes - 194,000+ views
Quotes on Steven's Excursions from TripAdvisor
"Thank you for organising a wonderful trip to Luxor from Marsa Alam. It was a great adventure with a fantastic crew. We were very grateful to Gregus for his excellent driving and Iolanda’s knowledgable and considerate guidance. Would definitely book again."
Megan 18 June 2019
"We have booked airport taxi transfer as well as a day trip to Luxor from Marsa Alam. Both services were booked easily and in a straightforward way. Contact through WhatsApp was very easy, courteous and professional! Day trip to Luxor was great, everything taken care for: safe travels, visits, lunch and even a nice boat crossing of the Nile River."
LusimOes June 2019
'Luxor is too epic !' - Young tourist's homage to Luxor.
Dec 2017 - 13.58 mins - 4.5K+ likes - 115,000+ views
TOP TEN THINGS TO DO
- LUXOR'S WEST BANK
Here's our list of the top ten attractions on Luxor's West Bank.
1. Valley of the kings
- highly recommended
With the discovery of a new chamber in 2006 , and the discovery of two further tombs in 2008, the valley is known to contain 63 tombs and chambers. It was the burial place of the major royal figures of the New Kingdom, together with those of the wealthiest nobles. The royal tombs are decorated with magnificent scenes from Egyptian mythology which give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. Almost all of the tombs were robbed in antiquity, but they still give an impression of the opulence and power of Egypt's pharaohs. It was also here that in 1922 Howard Carter discovered the legendary tomb of Tutankhamun.
Recent excavations in the Valley of the Kings
September 2009 - 3.37min - over 36,000 views.
2. Deir el Bahri
(includes the Temple of Hatshepsut)
- highly recommended
A large area of mortuary temples and tombs located on the West Bank built in order to aid the resurrection after death of the great Pharaohs of the time. Possibly the most famous is the Temple of Hatshepsut which has a huge ramp rising up almost one hundred feet to the impressive pillared gallaries. One historian called it one of the "incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt."
Discover Hatshepsut Temple
- LUXOR'S WEST BANK
Here's our list of the top ten attractions on Luxor's West Bank.
1. Valley of the kings
- highly recommended
With the discovery of a new chamber in 2006 , and the discovery of two further tombs in 2008, the valley is known to contain 63 tombs and chambers. It was the burial place of the major royal figures of the New Kingdom, together with those of the wealthiest nobles. The royal tombs are decorated with magnificent scenes from Egyptian mythology which give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. Almost all of the tombs were robbed in antiquity, but they still give an impression of the opulence and power of Egypt's pharaohs. It was also here that in 1922 Howard Carter discovered the legendary tomb of Tutankhamun.
Recent excavations in the Valley of the Kings
September 2009 - 3.37min - over 36,000 views.
2. Deir el Bahri
(includes the Temple of Hatshepsut)
- highly recommended
A large area of mortuary temples and tombs located on the West Bank built in order to aid the resurrection after death of the great Pharaohs of the time. Possibly the most famous is the Temple of Hatshepsut which has a huge ramp rising up almost one hundred feet to the impressive pillared gallaries. One historian called it one of the "incomparable monuments of ancient Egypt."
Discover Hatshepsut Temple
Dec 2012 - 4.17 mins - 120+ likes - 25,900+ views
3. Colossi of Memnon
- highly recommended
Two enormous statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III
reaching a height of 18 metres (60 feet) and weighing 720 tons each. Their original duty was to stand guard at the entrance of Amenhotep's memorial temple who was worshipped as a sun god on earth even during his lifetime.
In Roman times one of the statues was believed to emit a singing or whistling sound at dawn and such was its' fame that several Roman Emperor's visited Luxor to see the Colossi with the hope that hearing the legendary whistle would bring them good luck.
Ancient Egyptian Singing Statue: Colossi of Memnon
Nov 2017 - 2.45 mins - 30+ likes - 3,400+ views
4. Valley of the Queens
- highly recommended
This is where the wives of the Pharaohs were buried. It was known as Ta-Set-Neferu, meaning - "the place of the children of the Pharaoh", because along with the Queens of the Pharaohs, many princes and princesses were also buried with various members of the nobility.
Photos of Nefertari's tomb set to music
March 2010 - 4.32 mins - 100+ likes - 11,000+ views
5. Valley of the Nobles.
Within the foothills of the Valley of the Kings lies the Valley of the Nobles containing the tombs of governors, viziers and priests. These tombs are shallower and have not survived so well, but despite this you can see some amazing carvings and paintings.
Video of Romose's tombe - Valley of the Nobles
Oct 2012 - 4.04 mins - 41+ likes - 2,400+ views
6. Valley of the Workers
Deir el-Medina is an Egyptian village dating back to the second millenium BC which was home to the artisans who worked on the tombs in the Valley of the Kings during the period of the New Kingdom. The excavations led by Bernard Bruyere in the 1920s resulted in one of the most thoroughly documented accounts of community life in the ancient world providing a fascinating insight into daily life including medical knowledge, the legal system, the religious cults, literature and commerce of the period.
The Worker's Village at Deir el-Medina
Oct 2015 - 3.07 mins - 15+ likes - 2,700+ views
7. Camel or horse riding
Take a relaxing one hour trip by camel or horse riding through the villages and agricultral communities along the Nile. See all the various working animals and a very different way of life.
8. A Felucca trip on the Nile.
Take one of the traditional Nile sail boats and relax with magnificent backdrop of Luxor's temples and the surrounding countryside and mountains.
9. Ramasseum
The mortuary temple of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II who died in 1212BC. Work on the construction of the temple took 20 years and you can still see the remains of what was once the tallest free standing statue in the world at about 25 metres before an earthquake brought it down. Among the impressive surviving columns of the temple you can see some fascinating carved scenes depicting some of the military victories of one of Egypt's greatest Pharaohs.
10. Habu Temple
The mortuary temple of the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses III who died around 1155BC. The temple precinct measures approximately 200 metres by 300 metres and contains more than 7000 square metres of ancient wall reliefs, some of them depicting the defeat of the Sea Peoples during Ramesses' reign.
A nineteenth century colour lithograph of Habu Temple.
Video documentary shot inn 2014 by Richard Arkley, one of Steven's customers, of three of Luxor's most awe inspiring temples - >6,000 views.
And don't forget some Shopping !
There are a large number of small shops selling
souvenirs, papyrus art and also the essential items of every day life. Whether here or back on the East side your guide might be able to help you negotiate a discount.
An American tourist guides you round Luxor's souk - April 2012
Nile Cruise Suite - get a free upgrade when you book a Nile cruise with Steven. steven@marsaalam.com
Five star twin room on the Hapi Five cruise ship - very comfortable with large river view window.
Enjoy great meals on the five star Nile cruise options.
The spacious reception of the Hapi Five cruise ship.
A photograph one of Steven's customers - Annette - took of Karnak Temple.
LONG DISTANCE TAXI PRICES
FROM MARSA ALAM -
THE MARSA ALAM LIMOUSINE COMPANY
The prices are per car and not per person.
Return prices are for the same day and include
up to 6 hours waiting free.
Email steven@marsaalam.com
Luxor 150 euro o/w
219 euro rtn
Hurghada 77 euro o/w
130 euro rtn
Cairo 277 euro o/w
416 euro rtn
Aswan 175 euro o/w
260 euro rtn
Beautifully edited film clips of Aswan- Arabic narrative Jan 2019 - 11.28 mins - 45+ likes - 1,100+ views
SOME USEFUL LUXOR INFORMATION
Telephone code: 095
Ambulance: 123
Tourist Police: 237 6820
Opening hours of sights on West Bank 6am to 5pm daily.
Luxor Airport is located just 6km East of the city centre - Tel: +20 95 2323 767. There are frequent connecting flights with Cairo on Egypt Air and a number of international flights to European cities.
Population: Approximately 300,000 but mostly on the East side of the river.
Banks: There are number of banks around the city centre and at the airport open Sunday to Thursday - most with ATMs outside.
Hotels: There are many of all types from budget options suitable for backpackers to some top five star resorts. Please email steven@marsaalam.com who will be able to help arrange your accommadation on any excursion.
The Main Tourist Office is situated opposite the train station in the town centre and open every day from 8am to 8pm. Tel: (095) 237 2215.
The Main Post Office is located on Television Street close to Luxor Temple and is open Saturday through to Thursday 8.30am to 2.30pm.
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