Valley of the Kings
Discussion
Hi all,
We’re heading to Sharm in July with TUI and are looking at doing a day trip to Luxor while we’re there.
Has anyone done this from Sharm before? Just looking for some real-world feedback on whether it’s worth it as a day trip, how long the travel actually feels, and whether it’s better booking through TUI or using a local/private tour company.
Any hints, tips, must-sees, things to avoid, or booking recommendations would be appreciated.
Travelling as a family, so keen to know if it’s a brilliant experience or if it ends up being a very long, roasting hot day that sounds better on paper than it is in reality!
TIA.
We’re heading to Sharm in July with TUI and are looking at doing a day trip to Luxor while we’re there.
Has anyone done this from Sharm before? Just looking for some real-world feedback on whether it’s worth it as a day trip, how long the travel actually feels, and whether it’s better booking through TUI or using a local/private tour company.
Any hints, tips, must-sees, things to avoid, or booking recommendations would be appreciated.
Travelling as a family, so keen to know if it’s a brilliant experience or if it ends up being a very long, roasting hot day that sounds better on paper than it is in reality!
TIA.
Apologies but I can't directly answer your question but I have been to the VotK's and it is a wonderfully fascinating experience with a huge amount of things to see. I spent an entire day there and only saw a fraction of what is there. Plus I was in a very fortunate position to be offered and given a VIP unrestricted tour due to the site being nearly empty, so no queues, no crowds and everything explained as we went.
So unless your intended trip allows you a full day there I would be reluctant to book that trip and I doubt the journey there and back in a day would be a pleasant experience either. Others may have different opinions and experiences.
So unless your intended trip allows you a full day there I would be reluctant to book that trip and I doubt the journey there and back in a day would be a pleasant experience either. Others may have different opinions and experiences.
It was a great day trip and very interesting; however, the POS plane from Sharm to Luxor was terrifying!
My wife's seat collapsed when sitting down, the interior was held together with rivets, it was hand painted and the pilot was either on the throttle of off it.
This was a few years ago so hopefully the "maverick" branded plane has since been scrapped
My wife's seat collapsed when sitting down, the interior was held together with rivets, it was hand painted and the pilot was either on the throttle of off it.
This was a few years ago so hopefully the "maverick" branded plane has since been scrapped
Valley of the Kings is, quite frankly, exceptional. As is the Temple of Karnak in Luxor itself.
Well worth the trip.
The 'market' as you head into and out of VoKs is vile and tacky.
If you haven't paid to 'take photos' and you use your phone/camera to do so they will be on you and it'll cost you.
Not all the tombs are all open all the time and it can be a bit of a cattle market in places but you'll forgive it. Magical place. Had promised myself for 30+ yrs that I'd one day go there and Luxor and was pleased I did it.
If the trip also involves a visit to Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut that's also amazing.
To visit three unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day is also a pretty good feeling
Oh, just as an advisory, it was bloody hot in Luxor....in December. July well that will be a whole different ball game.
Well worth the trip.
The 'market' as you head into and out of VoKs is vile and tacky.
If you haven't paid to 'take photos' and you use your phone/camera to do so they will be on you and it'll cost you.
Not all the tombs are all open all the time and it can be a bit of a cattle market in places but you'll forgive it. Magical place. Had promised myself for 30+ yrs that I'd one day go there and Luxor and was pleased I did it.
If the trip also involves a visit to Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut that's also amazing.
To visit three unique UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day is also a pretty good feeling
Oh, just as an advisory, it was bloody hot in Luxor....in December. July well that will be a whole different ball game.
I went back in the 90's and certainly an experience, King Tut's tomb was closed but Ramases II was impresdive Temple of Luxor also very good. Major UK tour operators stopped Luxor /Aswan as a destination.
It will be hot in VOK 40 deg + and definitely book through TUI as any firm of guides etc will be vetted accredited by them. If you have free time in Luxor, you will be approached to buy stuff,come and drink mint tea . Yhe horse drawn buggys if you take one will yry and take you to his brothers carpet shop.
It will be hot in VOK 40 deg + and definitely book through TUI as any firm of guides etc will be vetted accredited by them. If you have free time in Luxor, you will be approached to buy stuff,come and drink mint tea . Yhe horse drawn buggys if you take one will yry and take you to his brothers carpet shop.
I haven't been for many years - I also haven't done the particular route you're thinking of.
But I would say a 5 star VIP tour won't be that expensive and will save you being hassled and maybe being ripped off somewhere. It's the sort of trip you only do once, so it's worth sploshing a bit of cash.
Will you be catching an internal flight in Egypt? That was an experience when I did it!
The Valley of the Kings is a truly memorable experience - The Valley of the Queens too. Quite extraordinary.
But I would say a 5 star VIP tour won't be that expensive and will save you being hassled and maybe being ripped off somewhere. It's the sort of trip you only do once, so it's worth sploshing a bit of cash.
Will you be catching an internal flight in Egypt? That was an experience when I did it!
The Valley of the Kings is a truly memorable experience - The Valley of the Queens too. Quite extraordinary.
Thanks all, really helpful.
That’s pretty much confirmed my thinking — Luxor/Valley of the Kings sounds absolutely incredible, but the concern is whether doing it as a one-day trip from Sharm in July turns it into more of an endurance event than a holiday day out.
If we do it, I think it would need to be by flight, ideally through TUI or a proper private/VIP-style guide, with minimal shopping stops and as much air-conditioned transport as possible. We’re travelling as a family, so the early start and 40°C+ heat are probably the main things I need to be realistic about.
Definitely sounds like one of those “worth doing properly or not at all” trips.
Appreciate all the feedback.
That’s pretty much confirmed my thinking — Luxor/Valley of the Kings sounds absolutely incredible, but the concern is whether doing it as a one-day trip from Sharm in July turns it into more of an endurance event than a holiday day out.
If we do it, I think it would need to be by flight, ideally through TUI or a proper private/VIP-style guide, with minimal shopping stops and as much air-conditioned transport as possible. We’re travelling as a family, so the early start and 40°C+ heat are probably the main things I need to be realistic about.
Definitely sounds like one of those “worth doing properly or not at all” trips.
Appreciate all the feedback.
ComStrike said:
l.
If we do it, I think it would need to be by flight, ideally through TUI or a proper private/VIP-style guide,
Definitely sounds like one of those worth doing properly or not at all trips.
Yes. I did it from Hurghada, by road) and that was a long enough day. Think 330am pick up, returned to hotel at 11pm. Wouldn't even contemplate doing it by road from Sharm there and back in a day. Would be hideousIf we do it, I think it would need to be by flight, ideally through TUI or a proper private/VIP-style guide,
Definitely sounds like one of those worth doing properly or not at all trips.
and
Yes. I'm sure Tui will have an option of doing an overnighter so you can really make the most of it. That would be my chosen route if I were to ever go there again (I probably won't, I've done Egypt plenty of times and Luxor etc was the last one of interest on my list)
I've visited Luxor dozen of times over 30 years. The most amazing place. A day is not enough so prioritise what you do.
The West Bank is the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Valleys of the Nobles. Hatshepsut's Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu, Ramesseum, Deir el-Medina and 'Real' Egyptian living.
The East bank is the temples, museum and Luxor itself. Karnack is the best, IMO. Luxor Temple a close second.
I've never done it from Sharm. I've only ever been to Sharm once and couldn't wait to leave (sorry). It will be a long day as it is a 60-90min flight, plus pre & post logistics, but if you are in Sharm, you absolutely won't regret the trip, you will wish for more time though.
If there is the option for an overnight, take it. You won’t regret it, a Fallucca on the nile at sunset is a life affirming moment. Then next time, stay in Luxor for 2 weeks, do a 3 day cruise to Aswan, a few days in Hurghada if you want sea, and explore the East and West banks properly.
On the comment about being pestered, yes you will in Luxor, but mostly by kids looking for ‘Baksheesh’ (a notional tip). Give or don’t give. But learn the Arabic words ‘La’ (No) and ‘Shukran’ (Thank you). 90% will respect your ‘La Shukran’, if not, you can learn more direct options ;-)
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