Cairo Day Trip to Luxor : Flight or Sleeper Train | Egypt Tours
Overview
Escape Cairo for an epic journey to the world’s greatest open-air museum Luxor.
Choose your adventure: soar above the desert on a 1-hour domestic flight for maximum sightseeing time , or embrace the romance of Egypt’s famous overnight sleeper train, departing Cairo in the evening and arriving at dawn to the breathtaking Valley of the Kings.
With a private Egyptologist guide, explore the colossal Karnak Temple, the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut, and the iconic Colossi of Memnon. All logistics are handled, including transfers, entrance fees, and meals, making this a seamless and unforgettable day trip
Tour Highlights
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Karnak Temple Complex – Walk among 134 towering pillars in the largest religious complex ever built
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Valley of the Kings – Enter three royal tombs, including the legendary necropolis of Egypt’s pharaohs
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Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – Marvel at the dramatic three-tiered mortuary temple of Egypt’s only female pharaoh
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Colossi of Memnon – Stand before the iconic 18-meter-high twin stone giants guarding the Theban necropolis
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Lunch by the Nile – Savor authentic Egyptian cuisine at a local restaurant
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Luxor Temple – Optional evening visit to this stunning riverside temple (flight tour option)
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Flexible transport options – Choose between a quick 1-hour flight or the classic 10-hour overnight sleeper train experience
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Flight: 14-15 hours / Sleeper Train: 1 night + full day tour |
| Group type | Private tour |
| Guide | English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all tours |
| Included | Transfers, guide, entry tickets, guided tours, lunch, meals |
| Start point | Your hotel in Cairo or Giza |
Important Information
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Very Early Start (Flight): Pickup is typically between 3:30–4:00 AM. A very early start is essential to maximize your time in Luxor.
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Long Day (Flight): Approximately 14–15 hours total. Comfortable footwear, light clothing, and sun protection are essential.
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Sleeper Train Experience: The Watania Sleeping Train is a classic Egyptian experience. Cabins are compact, dated, and worn but clean—bring Dettol wipes and air freshener if you are particular about accommodations.
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Train Meals: Meals onboard are simple, similar to airplane food—perfectly edible but not gourmet.
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Practical Tip: Bring passport, sunscreen, hat, camera, snacks, and a light jacket for the return desert crossing.
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Sleeper Train Reviews: Many travelers describe this as a highlight of their Egypt trip, offering a nostalgic and authentic travel experience.
Included/Exclude
Flight Option:
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Door-to-door private transfers from your Cairo or Giza hotel to Cairo International Airport and return
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Round-trip domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor (1 hour each way)
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English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
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Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
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Lunch at a quality local restaurant
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All service charges and local taxes
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24/7 customer support from Egypt Tours
Sleeper Train Option:
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Private transfers from your Cairo hotel to the train station and return
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Round-trip Watania Sleeping Train tickets (private 2-berth cabin)
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Dinner and breakfast onboard the train
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English-speaking Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing tours
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Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
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Lunch at a quality local restaurant
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All service charges and local taxes
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24/7 customer support from Egypt Tours
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Any drinks with meals (soft drinks, juice, or alcoholic beverages)
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Tipping for your guide, driver, and train crew
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Entry to Tutankhamun's tomb
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Entry to Luxor Temple
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, etc
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Anything not explicitly mentioned in "What's Included"
Tour Plan
Flight Option: (3:30 AM – 4:30 AM)
Your private driver picks you up from your Cairo or Giza hotel for transfer to Cairo International Airport. Board your domestic flight to Luxor (approximately 1 hour), enjoying aerial views of the Nile and desert. Upon arrival at Luxor International Airport, your private Egyptologist guide greets you.
Sleeper Train Option : (7:00 PM – 8:15 PM)
Your private driver picks you up from your Cairo hotel for transfer to the train station. Board the Watania Sleeping Train for an 8:15 PM departure. Settle into your private 2-berth cabin with fold-down bunks, air conditioning, bedding, and towels. Dinner is served onboard. Arrive in Luxor around 6:00–7:00 AM, greeted by your Egyptologist guide.
Included: Flight + transfers (Flight) / Sleeper train + dinner + breakfast (Train)
Step into the largest religious complex ever built. Walk the Avenue of Sphinxes, stand beneath the 134 towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall, and explore the sacred lake and obelisks. Your private guide reveals the rituals of Amun-Ra and generations of pharaohs who added their mark over 1,500 years.
Included: Entrance fee, Egyptologist guide
Cross to the West Bank and enter the legendary Valley of the Kings. Descend into 3 royal tombs adorned with vivid murals of the afterlife. Your guide helps you select the best open tombs and explains ancient burial rituals. Then visit the dramatic three-tiered Temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt's only female pharaoh, carved into towering limestone cliffs. Stop briefly at the Colossi of Memnon – the 18-meter-high twin statues guarding Thebes.
Included: Lunch break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)
Return to the East Bank. Optionally visit the stunning Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated . Alternatively, explore the local bazaar, visit a papyrus institute, or simply relax.
Flight Option: (5:00 PM – 10:00 PM)
Transfer to Luxor International Airport for your return flight to Cairo (approximately 1 hour). Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where your driver transfers you back to your hotel. Tour ends.
Sleeper Train Option : (8:00 PM – 9:00 AM)
Transfer back to Luxor station to catch the 11:00 PM train. Enjoy dinner onboard and sleep as the train travels north. Arrive in Cairo approximately 9:00 AM, where your driver meets you for the transfer back to your hotel. Tour ends.
Included: Flight + transfers (Flight) / Sleeper train + dinner + breakfast (Train)