Private Luxor Shore Excursion from Safaga Port

Many cruise passengers skip this trip, thinking Luxor is too far away, the journey too tiring or the organisation too complicated. That is a shame. In fact, a stop in Safaga offers a unique opportunity to see some of the most important monuments of ancient Egypt while being so close to Luxor.

Sharara Tours makes sure the trip is as comfortable, well organised and relaxed as possible. You travel privately, with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide and a programme tailored to your ship’s time in port. See more Safaga shore excursions.

06:00 – Pick-Up at the Main Entrance of Safaga Port

Our driver waits for you punctually at 06:00 at the main entrance of the Safaga port terminal, holding a sign with your name. Please remember to bring a valid passport, which may be required at checkpoints on the way to Luxor.

Then you board a private, air-conditioned car and begin your full-day journey to the heart of ancient Egypt.

The Desert Drive – Part of the Adventure

The route from Safaga to Luxor first crosses the desert towards Qena. About 225 kilometres of road reveal a completely different side of Egypt. What’s more, at dawn the desert landscape takes on a special character: red sand, rugged mountains, silence and the first light of day create an extraordinary scene.

After a short rest stop, you continue towards Luxor. The landscape gradually changes, with small towns, the green fields of the Nile Valley and scenes of everyday Egyptian life. During the journey, your Egyptologist also tells you about the country’s history, culture and traditions.

Karnak Temple – Ancient Egypt’s Largest Temple Complex

The scale of Karnak is truly overwhelming. For more than 1,500 years, successive pharaohs expanded and decorated this monumental religious complex, dedicated mainly to Amun-Ra.

One of its most spectacular parts is the Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 monumental columns, the tallest reaching about 21 metres. Temples, pylons, obelisks and sanctuaries form a remarkable record of successive eras of ancient Egyptian history.

Your English-speaking Egyptologist guide shows you around the complex and explains the meaning of its key buildings, reliefs and symbols.

The Valley of the Kings – Eternal Resting Place of the Pharaohs

The Valley of the Kings is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. In tombs carved deep into the rock, the New Kingdom pharaohs prepared for their journey to the afterlife.

Inside, you see chambers covered with hieroglyphs, colourful paintings and scenes of ancient Egyptian beliefs about life after death. It was here, in 1922, that Howard Carter discovered the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun with its incredibly rich burial goods.

Your Egyptologist also helps you understand the symbolism of the decorations and the stories hidden on the walls of the royal tombs.

Good news: photography with a smartphone without flash is allowed in the tombs under the current site rules.

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon

The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is one of Luxor’s most distinctive monuments. Its monumental terraced design blends harmoniously with the limestone cliffs, even though it was built more than 3,500 years ago.

Interestingly, Hatshepsut was one of the few women to rule ancient Egypt as pharaoh, and her story is as fascinating as the temple itself.

Next, you stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Each is about 18 metres tall and once guarded the entrance to the pharaoh’s vast mortuary temple complex.

A Free Nile Boat Ride with Sharara Tours

To end the sightseeing, a relaxing motorboat ride on the Nile of about an hour awaits, included in the programme at no extra charge.

It is a moment to rest after an intense day. From the deck, you see the green banks of the Nile, palm trees, fields and the daily life of Luxor’s residents. You can simply sit back, enjoy the calm river and gather your impressions before the journey back to Safaga.

Why Choose This Luxor Shore Excursion from Safaga Port with Us?

Above all, we always make sure you are back on board on time. The tour is also private, so you do not wait for other passengers and can use your whole stop for sightseeing. Entrance tickets, lunch and a free Nile boat ride are included. If you have any questions, we are happy to help before you book.

Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers

First, check the exact all-aboard time and tell us when booking. Bring your passport, as it may be needed at checkpoints. A hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are also useful. Some cash is handy for tips and extra tomb tickets. It is very hot in the Valley of the Kings, so drink plenty of water. If you are travelling with children, let us know in advance so we can prepare suitable child seats. Importantly, order a breakfast box on your ship, so the whole day runs calmly and stress-free.