- DurationApprox. 10–11 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $85 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This Edfu and Kom Ombo day tour from Luxor brings you to the two great Ptolemaic temples that Nile cruise passengers see, without needing to take a cruise. In a private air-conditioned car with your own Egyptologist, you drive south through sugar-cane fields and riverside villages to Edfu and on to Kom Ombo, then return to Luxor in the evening.
Edfu’s Temple of Horus is almost complete, from its towering pylon to the dark sanctuary where the god’s sacred boat stood, and its walls tell the story of Horus defeating Seth. Kom Ombo, on a bend of the river, is unique for its twin layout serving two gods at once, and the museum next door holds mummified crocodiles. Lunch at a local restaurant breaks up the drive.
Highlights
- Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt
- The double temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo
- Mummified crocodiles in the Crocodile Museum
- Scenic drive through the Nile Valley countryside
- Private Egyptologist, lunch and entrance fees included
- Ideal if you are not taking a Nile cruise
Itinerary
07:00 – Pickup in Luxor
Your guide and driver collect you from your hotel or cruise boat. The drive south to Edfu takes about two hours along the Nile Valley road, past farms, palm groves and small towns, with a short coffee stop if you wish. Your guide uses the time to explain the Ptolemaic period, when Greek kings ruled Egypt as pharaohs.
09:00 – Temple of Horus, Edfu
Spend around 90 minutes at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 BC and dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Walk through the massive pylon, the columned court and the hypostyle halls to the granite shrine. Your guide reads the reliefs of the annual festival and the battle between Horus and Seth.
11:00 – Drive to Kom Ombo
Continue south for about an hour to Kom Ombo. The road runs close to the river, and you get a good sense of how life in Upper Egypt still follows the Nile, with irrigation canals, donkey carts and fields of sugar cane.
12:00 – Kom Ombo Temple and Crocodile Museum
Explore the double temple, with two entrances, two halls and two sanctuaries, one for the crocodile god Sobek and one for Haroeris, a form of Horus. Look for the famous relief of medical instruments and the Nilometer. Next door, the Crocodile Museum displays mummified crocodiles and coffins from a nearby cemetery.
13:30 – Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant near Kom Ombo, with grilled meat or fish, rice, vegetables, salads and bread. Vegetarian options are always available.
Meals: Lunch
14:30 – Return to Luxor
Drive back north to Luxor, about three hours, arriving at your hotel or boat between 17:30 and 18:00. If you are travelling on to Aswan instead, we can quote a one-way version that ends at your Aswan hotel.
Good to know: The temples are around 110 km and 170 km south of Luxor, so most of the day is spent on the road. Friday midday prayers can slow traffic through towns.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees: Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple with the Crocodile Museum
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Extra drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide and driver
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $222 |
| 2 travellers | $135 |
| 3–5 travellers | $105 |
| 6+ travellers | $85 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Luxor to Edfu and Kom Ombo?
Luxor to Edfu takes about two hours, Edfu to Kom Ombo about one hour, and the return to Luxor about three hours. In total you spend around six hours in the car, in air-conditioned comfort, and about four hours at the temples and lunch.
Can I end the tour in Aswan instead of Luxor?
Yes. Many travellers use this trip as a sightseeing transfer: we pick you up in Luxor with your luggage, visit Edfu and Kom Ombo, and drop you at your Aswan hotel. It shortens the day, and we will quote it on request.
Is this worth it if I am taking a Nile cruise?
No, most Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan already stop at Edfu and Kom Ombo. This tour is designed for travellers staying in Luxor hotels, or for those taking a short cruise that skips these temples.
Is it suitable for children and older travellers?
Yes. Both temples are on fairly level ground with little climbing, and we can stop as often as you like on the drive. Children usually enjoy the crocodile mummies most. Bring snacks and something to do for the longer car journey.
You May Also Like
Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
