Egypt Discovery
ExcursionLuxor

Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Day Trip from Luxor

Explore both temples with a licensed Egyptologist, private transport between sites and a lunch stop at a local restaurant.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Day Trip is a full-day private excursion covering two ancient temples in Upper Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full Day
Travel style
A privately guided outing
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours in Egypt
Destinations
Temple of Edfu · Temple of Kom Ombo
Includes
Transport by private vehicle and driver · Collection from and return to a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise · A private guide who is a licensed Egyptologist · Admission to the Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo · Lunch in a local restaurant
Best for
Those keen on history and archaeology · Visitors discovering Upper Egypt for the first time · Families looking for a privately guided outing

Best time to go

October to April is generally cooler for walking outdoors; daytime temperatures in Luxor are often around 22–32°C in these months, while summer commonly brings temperatures above 35°C. Summer visits can be especially demanding around midday, and crowds vary by date. During Ramadan and public holidays, confirm departure timing and temple access in advance.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • A private licensed Egyptologist guide accompanies the temple visits.
  • Private vehicle transport with a driver is included.
  • Entrance tickets to the Temple of Edfu and Temple of Kom Ombo are included.
  • Pickup and drop-off are arranged at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.

02Overview

A first look

The Nile-side road gives way to Edfu’s stone entrance, where carved figures catch the light and the temple’s scale becomes clear from the courtyard. Inside, our licensed Egyptologist helps you follow the scenes and understand the religious imagery, rather than leaving you to guess at the walls. The Temple of Horus feels different from Kom Ombo, where the river sits beside the sanctuary and the setting opens out towards the water.

At Kom Ombo, your Egyptologist explains the temple’s associations with Sobek and Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. We arrange the private vehicle, pickup and drop-off, entrance tickets and lunch, so you can focus on the details without managing the practicalities yourself.

Background

The facts

The Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Day Trip is a private full-day excursion from Luxor to two ancient religious sites in Upper Egypt. A licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the visits with a licensed Egyptologist guide.

Edfu lies roughly 110 kilometres south of Luxor by road. The Temple of Edfu is dedicated to Horus. Kom Ombo is about 65 kilometres farther south, beside the Nile River; its temple is dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, also called Horus the Elder.

Both temples date to the Ptolemaic period. Construction of the Temple of Edfu began in 237 BCE and was completed in 57 BCE. The Temple of Kom Ombo was built mainly between the second and first centuries BCE. Neither site is a UNESCO World Heritage property in its own right.

Visits are made by private vehicle, with pickup and drop-off arranged at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise. Entrance tickets to both temples and lunch at a local restaurant are included. Drinks, personal expenses and gratuities are not included.

Named in this entry

Temple of Edfu·Temple of Horus·Temple of Kom Ombo·Sobek·Haroeris·Horus the Elder·Luxor·Upper Egypt·Nile River·Ptolemaic Kingdom

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits adults interested in ancient Egyptian religion and archaeology, first-time visitors to Upper Egypt, and families with school-age children. Choose it if you are comfortable with substantial road travel and walking around temple grounds in a single day.

Maybe not, if

  • It is not suited to travellers who need step-free access throughout or who find long drives and uneven temple surfaces difficult. Families with very young children may prefer a shorter outing with less time on the road.

What lingers

  • 01Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples.
  • 02Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo on the riverbank, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris.
  • 03Hear an Egyptologist explain the temples’ architecture and religious imagery.
  • 04Travel between the sites by private vehicle with a driver.
  • 05Pause for lunch at a local restaurant.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • See the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the riverside temple at Kom Ombo.
  • A private Egyptologist explains the temples’ architecture and religious imagery.
  • Private transport allows your party to travel together from Luxor.
  • Temple entrance tickets and lunch at a local restaurant are included.

Things to Consider

  • Substantial road travel makes this a long day out.
  • Uneven surfaces and extensive walking can be tiring.
  • Summer midday heat can make outdoor visits uncomfortable.
  • Drinks and gratuities are not included.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unguided visits leave travellers to interpret the temple reliefs themselves. We arrange a private licensed Egyptologist guide to explain the architecture and religious imagery; this excursion also includes entrance tickets and lunch, while drinks and gratuities remain extra.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Private transport with a driver
  • Collection from and return to your hotel in Luxor or Nile cruise
  • Your own guide, a licensed Egyptologist
  • Admission tickets to the Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
  • Lunch in a local restaurant

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    At Edfu, look for the falcon imagery associated with Horus on the temple’s monumental entrance and carved walls.

  2. 02

    At Kom Ombo, compare the scenes dedicated to Sobek with those honouring Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder.

  3. 03

    Keep drinks money separate from lunch plans, as drinks are excluded from the stated inclusions.

  4. 04

    Ask your Egyptologist to point out how the two deities share the Kom Ombo temple’s religious spaces.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Pickup is available from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, and you can tell us your preferred departure time when arranging the private excursion. Share any accessibility or dietary requirements in advance; drinks and gratuities remain excluded.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This full-day excursion fits between time in Luxor and onward travel to Aswan, though the road journey makes for a long day. Unlike a visit to either temple alone, it pairs Edfu’s Temple of Horus with Kom Ombo’s twin dedication to Sobek and Haroeris.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Every child needs their own seat in the vehicle. Transport, the Egyptologist guide and lunch are charged at the adult rate at any age. Entrance tickets are free for children under 6 and charged at the full rate from age 6. Walking over uneven temple paving and the road journey may be tiring for young children, and pushchairs are unlikely to be practical throughout the sites. No high-chair arrangements are confirmed. Tell us your child’s age and needs when you enquire.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

On the ground

Your route

1Edfu2Kom Ombo

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Temple of Edfu105 km
  • Temple of Kom Ombo170 km
  • Luxor TempleRight here

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Compare Horus and Sobek temple traditions with an Egyptologist

  2. 02

    Visit two Upper Egyptian temples in one private excursion

  3. 03

    Lunch at a local restaurant is included

·In summary

Edfu and Kom Ombo are about 175 kilometres apart by road from Luxor when their southbound distances are combined. A licensed Egyptologist explains the temples’ religious imagery, including the worship of Horus at Edfu and Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples day trip?
    This full-day excursion typically runs for 8 to 10 hours, from your initial pickup in Luxor until your return. We provide private transport, allowing for a comfortable pace at both temple sites.
  2. 02What time does the day trip begin and end?
    Pickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise generally occurs between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. The precise time will be confirmed the day before your trip. You can expect to be back in Luxor during the late afternoon, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
  3. 03What is included in this Edfu and Kom Ombo day trip?
    Included are transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, convenient pickup and drop-off in Luxor, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance tickets to both the Temple of Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo, and lunch at a local restaurant.
  4. 04What should I wear when visiting Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples?
    We recommend comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. For visits to religious sites, modest clothing is advised, with shoulders and knees covered. A hat and sunglasses are also practical for protection from the sun.
  5. 05Is this day trip suitable for families with children?
    Yes, this private day trip is well-suited for families travelling with children. Our Egyptologists can adapt explanations to keep younger visitors engaged, and the private transport offers flexibility for stops and pacing throughout the day.
  6. 06What level of physical fitness is needed for this excursion?
    At both temples, expect to walk over uneven ancient stone. There are no major climbs, but guests should be happy standing and walking for extended periods. The private vehicle provides air-conditioned breaks between stops.
  7. 07Are tips covered by the day-trip price?
    No, gratuities for your driver and Egyptologist guide are not included in the trip price. Tipping is customary in Egypt and is entirely at your discretion, based on the quality of service you receive.
  8. 08Are visitors allowed to take photos at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo?
    Personal photography is generally allowed at Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples. Flash photography may be restricted in some areas, while tripods often need a special permit. Your guide will explain the rules for each site.
  9. 09When is the ideal season to visit Edfu and Kom Ombo?
    The cooler months, from October to April, offer the most pleasant weather for visits. During the summer months, May to September, temperatures can be very high, making early morning starts the most comfortable option.
  10. 10How does this private day trip compare to a standard cruise ship excursion?
    Unlike larger cruise ship excursions, our private day trip provides a dedicated Egyptologist guide exclusively for your party, ensuring a more personalised experience and flexible pacing. We also use private, air-conditioned transport directly from your Luxor accommodation.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-LUX-952405

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