Luxor
Photo: Siddhesh Mangela / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
October to April (cooler months, 20-30°C), avoid June-August (temperatures exceed 45°C)
Language
Arabic (Egyptian dialect), English (spoken at tourist sites)
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2)
Airport
Luxor International (LXR)
Population
1.3 million (city and surrounding governorate)
Climate
Hot desert, avg 15-35°C in winter, up to 48°C in summer, virtually no rain
Safety Rating
Exercise Increased Caution (Level 2)
UNESCO Sites
Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis — UNESCO World Heritage since 1979
Top Highlights
Valley of the Kings
63 royal tombs carved into limestone cliffs, including Tutankhamun's (extra EGP 400 ticket). Standard entry: EGP 600 covers 3 tombs. Open daily 6AM-5PM (winter), 6AM-4PM (summer). Arrive at opening to beat tour groups. Photography inside tombs requires an extra EGP 300 permit.
Karnak Temple Complex
The largest ancient religious complex ever built, spanning 200 acres. The Great Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns is staggering. Entry: EGP 450. Open 6AM-5:30PM. Allow 2-3 hours minimum. The Sound & Light Show (EGP 400) runs nightly and is worth attending.
Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)
A dramatic colonnaded temple built into a cliff face for Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh. Entry: EGP 360. Open 6AM-5PM. Located on the West Bank, 3 km from the Valley of the Kings — combine in a single morning. Allow 1-1.5 hours.
Nile Felucca Sunset Sail
Traditional wooden sailboats offer the most romantic way to experience the Nile. A 1-2 hour felucca ride costs EGP 200-400 per boat (fits 6-8 people). Negotiate at the Corniche. Sunset departures are magical — bring a cold drink and a camera.
Hot Air Balloon Over the West Bank
Float over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, and the Colossi of Memnon at sunrise. Flights depart at 5-6AM and last about 45 minutes. Cost: $80-120/person. Book through your hotel or Magic Horizon/Sindbad Balloons. One of the world's best balloon experiences.
Luxor Temple
Connected to Karnak by the restored Avenue of Sphinxes (2.7 km), this temple is spectacular when illuminated at night. Entry: EGP 360. Open 6AM-9PM. Visit after dark for the most atmospheric experience. The 3,000-year-old obelisk's twin stands in Paris's Place de la Concorde.
Colossi of Memnon
Two 18-meter-tall stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III guarding the entrance to his now-vanished mortuary temple. Free to visit. Located roadside on the West Bank — a quick 10-minute stop en route to the Valley of the Kings.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Luxor Itinerary
Arrival & East Bank Evening
Arrive at Luxor International (LXR). Transfer to an East Bank hotel near the Corniche. The East Bank is where hotels, restaurants, and Karnak Temple are located.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150. Uber works in Luxor. Hotels are close to the airport
Hotel check-in on the East Bank(30 minutes)
Steigenberger Nile Palace or Sofitel Winter Palace for luxury. Nefertiti Hotel for budget (EGP 600-1500). All on the Corniche
Evening walk along the Nile Corniche(1.5 hours)
The river promenade with views of the West Bank mountains. Horse carriages (calèches) clip-clop past. Touts will approach — firm 'la shukran' works
Dinner at Sofra Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Best traditional Egyptian food in Luxor. Ful medames, koshari, grilled meats. EGP 100-200/person. Rooftop terrace with mosque views
West Bank — Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut
Cross to the West Bank for Luxor's greatest treasures. Start at 6AM to beat the heat and tour groups. Buy the Luxor Pass (EGP 4,000/6,000) if visiting 5+ sites.
Ferry to West Bank(15 minutes)
Local ferry from the Corniche EGP 5. Hire a taxi for the day on the West Bank EGP 400-600 for 4-5 sites
Valley of the Kings(2.5 hours)
63 royal tombs. Standard entry EGP 600 covers 3 tombs. Tutankhamun's tomb extra EGP 400. Open 6AM. Arrive at opening. Camera permit EGP 300 (no flash)
Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)(1.5 hours)
Colonnaded temple built into a cliff. EGP 360. 3 km from Valley of the Kings — combine in one morning
Colossi of Memnon photo stop(15 minutes)
Two 18m statues roadside. Free. Quick stop en route
Lunch at Marsam Hotel, West Bank(1 hour)
Quiet garden restaurant popular with archaeologists. Egyptian home cooking. EGP 80-150
Return to East Bank for rest(30 minutes)
Beat the afternoon heat (40°C+ in summer). Hydrate heavily
Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple by Night
The two great East Bank temples — Karnak's colossal morning and Luxor Temple's magical evening illumination.
Karnak Temple Complex(2.5 hours)
200-acre religious complex. The Great Hypostyle Hall — 134 massive columns — is staggering. EGP 450. Open 6AM. Allow minimum 2 hours
Lunch at Al-Sahaby Lane(1 hour)
Rooftop restaurant near Luxor Temple with Nile views. Mixed grill and fresh juices. EGP 150-250
Afternoon rest(3 hours)
Essential in Luxor's heat. Hotel pool or AC room
Luxor Temple after dark(1.5 hours)
Open until 9PM and spectacular when illuminated. EGP 360. The Avenue of Sphinxes connects it to Karnak (2.7 km — now fully restored for walking)
Karnak Sound & Light Show(1.5 hours)
Walk through the illuminated temple with narrated history. EGP 400. Check schedule — not every night. English showings vary
Hot Air Balloon & West Bank Temples
Pre-dawn balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings, then more West Bank temples in the cooler morning.
Hot air balloon over the West Bank(2.5 hours)
Float over temples, desert, and the Nile at sunrise. $80-120. Book through hotel or Magic Horizon/Sindbad Balloons. Hotel pickup at 4-5AM
Medinet Habu (Ramses III mortuary temple)(1.5 hours)
The best-preserved temple on the West Bank with vivid painted ceilings. EGP 240. Less crowded than Karnak and equally impressive
Valley of the Queens(1.5 hours)
Nefertari's tomb (EGP 1,400 — the most expensive tomb in Egypt but breathtakingly preserved) and 3 others (EGP 200). Open 6AM-5PM
Lunch at Nile Valley Hotel restaurant(1 hour)
West Bank restaurant with terrace. Tagine and fresh bread. EGP 80-150
Free afternoon on East Bank(2 hours)
Shopping in the Luxor souq for alabaster, papyrus, and cotton. Or rest
Nile Felucca Sail & Free Day
A rest day with a felucca sunset sail — the most romantic way to experience the Nile. The rest of the day is yours.
Morning at leisure(3 hours)
Sleep in, hotel pool, or revisit a favorite site
Luxor Museum(1.5 hours)
Smaller and better curated than the Cairo museum. The Luxor cachette statues and Tutankhamun's military equipment are highlights. EGP 200
Lunch at 1886 Restaurant, Winter Palace(1.5 hours)
Dine where Howard Carter celebrated finding Tutankhamun's tomb. Victorian elegance. EGP 300-500
Sunset felucca sail(1.5 hours)
Traditional wooden sailboat on the Nile. EGP 200-400 per boat (fits 6-8). Negotiate at the Corniche. Bring a cold drink and camera
Dendera & Abydos Day Trip
Drive north to two of Egypt's most spectacular temples — Dendera's zodiac ceiling and Abydos's vivid Seti I reliefs. Less visited than Luxor's main sites.
Drive to Dendera Temple(1 hour)
60 km north. Taxi EGP 800-1200 for both sites. Or guided tour $40-60. The road follows the Nile through sugar cane fields
Dendera Temple of Hathor(2 hours)
The zodiac ceiling, underground crypts, and rooftop chapel are remarkable. EGP 240. One of Egypt's best-preserved temples — still has original paint
Drive to Abydos(1.5 hours)
Further north. The journey adds time but the temple is worth it
Temple of Seti I at Abydos(1.5 hours)
The finest reliefs in Egypt — raised bas-reliefs with original color. The mysterious Abydos King List and the Osireion are highlights. EGP 200
Return to Luxor(2 hours)
Arrive by late afternoon. Light dinner at Sofra
Departure Day
Last morning in Luxor. Final shopping and airport transfer. LXR is small — 1.5 hours before domestic, 2 before international.
Last morning walk on the Corniche(1 hour)
One final Nile view. Watch the feluccas and the West Bank mountains in morning light
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Alabaster vases, hand-painted papyrus, cotton scarves, and cartouche jewelry from the Luxor souq. Bargain hard — start at 20-30% of asking
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150. LXR airport is small and efficient
14-Day Luxor Itinerary
Arrival & East Bank Evening
Arrive at LXR. East Bank hotel on the Corniche.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150
Hotel check-in(30 minutes)
Corniche hotels EGP 600-1500
Nile Corniche walk(1.5 hours)
River views, West Bank mountains
Dinner at Sofra(1.5 hours)
Best Egyptian food in Luxor. EGP 100-200
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut
West Bank at 6AM. Buy Luxor Pass if visiting 5+ sites.
Ferry to West Bank(15 minutes)
EGP 5. Hire taxi EGP 400-600/day
Valley of the Kings(2.5 hours)
EGP 600 for 3 tombs. Tutankhamun extra EGP 400. Camera EGP 300
Temple of Hatshepsut(1.5 hours)
Cliff temple. EGP 360. 3 km from Valley
Colossi of Memnon(15 minutes)
Free. Roadside stop
Lunch at Marsam Hotel(1 hour)
Archaeologists' favorite. EGP 80-150
Karnak & Luxor Temple by Night
East Bank's great temples — morning and evening.
Karnak Temple Complex(2.5 hours)
134-column Hypostyle Hall. EGP 450. Open 6AM
Al-Sahaby Lane lunch(1 hour)
Rooftop with Nile views. EGP 150-250
Afternoon rest(3 hours)
Essential in Luxor heat
Luxor Temple illuminated(1.5 hours)
EGP 360. Open until 9PM. Avenue of Sphinxes walk
Balloon & West Bank Temples
Pre-dawn balloon then Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens.
Balloon over West Bank(2.5 hours)
$80-120. Pickup 4-5AM
Medinet Habu(1.5 hours)
Best-preserved West Bank temple. Painted ceilings. EGP 240
Valley of the Queens(1.5 hours)
Nefertari's tomb EGP 1,400. Others EGP 200
Free afternoon(2 hours)
Souq shopping or rest
Felucca Sail & Rest Day
Rest with a sunset Nile sail.
Morning at leisure(3 hours)
Pool, sleep in, revisit favorites
Luxor Museum(1.5 hours)
Luxor cachette statues. EGP 200
Lunch at 1886, Winter Palace(1.5 hours)
Where Carter celebrated Tutankhamun. EGP 300-500
Sunset felucca(1.5 hours)
EGP 200-400 per boat. Negotiate at Corniche
Dendera & Abydos Day Trip
North to spectacular less-visited temples.
Drive to Dendera(1 hour)
Taxi EGP 800-1200 for both. Or tour $40-60
Dendera Temple of Hathor(2 hours)
Zodiac ceiling, crypts, rooftop. EGP 240. Original paint
Abydos Temple of Seti I(1.5 hours)
Finest reliefs in Egypt. King List. EGP 200
Rest Day
Full rest. Pool, reading, no temples.
Hotel pool and reading(3 hours)
You've seen more temples in a week than most people see in a lifetime
Evening Corniche walk(1.5 hours)
Light dinner at Al-Sahaby Lane. EGP 150-200
Nile Cruise to Edfu (3-Night Cruise)
Board a Nile cruise ship for a 3-night journey upstream to Aswan. The classic Egyptian experience — temples along the riverbank, passing feluccas and palm-fringed villages.
Board cruise ship at Luxor dock(1 hour)
Nile cruises range from $150-500/night all-inclusive. Amwaj, Oberoi Philae, and MS Mayfair are well-regarded. Typically 4-5 star
Lunch on board(1 hour)
Buffet lunch as the ship departs. Egyptian and international cuisine
Sail toward Esna Lock(3 hours)
Pass through Esna Lock — a fascinating industrial process. Vendors in small boats approach selling tablecloths and galabiyyas
Dinner and Galabeya party(2 hours)
Ships host a galabeya night where everyone wears traditional Egyptian robes. Buy one in Luxor souq (EGP 100-300) or on board
Edfu Temple & Sail to Kom Ombo
Morning at the perfectly preserved Edfu Temple, then sail to Kom Ombo's unique double temple.
Horse carriage to Edfu Temple(30 minutes)
The ship docks at Edfu. Horse carriages (EGP 100-150 return) take you to the temple. Or walk 15 min
Temple of Horus at Edfu(1.5 hours)
The best-preserved temple in Egypt — a complete Ptolemaic temple to the falcon god Horus. EGP 360. The pylon entrance and hypostyle hall are massive
Afternoon sailing(4 hours)
Relax on the sun deck as the ship sails through the Nile valley. Palm trees, sugar cane fields, and village life slide past
Kom Ombo Temple at sunset(1.5 hours)
Unique double temple dedicated to two gods — Sobek (crocodile) and Horus. EGP 300. The Nile-side setting at sunset is magical. Crocodile mummy museum on site
Arrive Aswan — Philae Temple
Sail into Aswan and visit the island Temple of Isis at Philae, rescued from the rising Nile waters by UNESCO.
Arrive in Aswan(30 minutes)
Aswan is Egypt's southernmost major city — warmer, smaller, and more relaxed than Luxor
Motorboat to Philae Island(15 minutes)
Boat from the marina to Agilkia Island where Philae was relocated. Boat EGP 200-300 per group. Temple entry EGP 360
Temple of Isis at Philae(2 hours)
One of Egypt's most beautiful temples — island setting, Ptolemaic reliefs, and the last place hieroglyphs were written (394 AD). The birth house is stunning
Afternoon felucca around Elephantine Island(2 hours)
Sail around the granite islands in the Nile at Aswan. Botanical Garden on Kitchener Island (EGP 35). Nubian villages on Elephantine
Aswan souq shopping(1.5 hours)
Spices (saffron, hibiscus), Nubian crafts, and peanuts. The souq runs parallel to the Corniche. Less aggressive than Luxor
Abu Simbel Day Trip
Drive or fly 3 hours south to the colossal Abu Simbel temples — Ramses II's greatest achievement, relocated by UNESCO 65m above their original position.
Dawn departure to Abu Simbel(3 hours)
Convoy departs 4AM by road ($40-60 per person for shared minibus) or fly with EgyptAir ($200-300 round trip, 45 min). The road trip crosses the Western Desert
Great Temple of Ramses II(1.5 hours)
Four 20m-tall statues of Ramses guard the entrance. The interior is equally grand. Twice a year (Feb 22, Oct 22) the sun illuminates the inner sanctum. EGP 520
Small Temple of Nefertari(45 minutes)
Dedicated to Ramses' favorite wife — the only temple where a queen is depicted the same size as a pharaoh. Adjacent to the main temple
Return to Aswan(3 hours)
Arrive by afternoon. Rest on the ship or at your hotel
Aswan — Nubian Village & Rest
Visit a Nubian village for an authentic cultural experience, then a restful afternoon.
Motorboat to Nubian village(30 minutes)
Colorful painted houses on the West Bank of Aswan. Guided tours $20-30 include a family visit, henna painting, and Nubian tea
Nubian lunch in a family home(1.5 hours)
Home-cooked Nubian food — ful, bread, and vegetable stews. EGP 100-200. The warmth of Nubian hospitality is legendary
Hold a baby crocodile(15 minutes)
Nubian families keep baby Nile crocodiles as cultural totems. Photo opportunity EGP 10-20. They're small and harmless
Afternoon rest at hotel/ship(3 hours)
Old Cataract Hotel terrace for tea if not staying there — the terrace where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. Tea EGP 200-400
Fly Back to Luxor — Final Day
Morning flight from Aswan to Luxor (or stay on the cruise). Final afternoon for any missed sites.
Flight Aswan to Luxor(40 minutes)
EgyptAir or Nile Air. $60-100. Or return on the cruise ship (2 days sailing)
Revisit a favorite temple(2 hours)
Go back to Karnak at sunset, or see a West Bank tomb you missed
Farewell dinner at Al-Moudira Hotel(2 hours)
A stunning palace-hotel on the West Bank with a restaurant set in Moorish-Egyptian splendor. EGP 400-600. Book ahead
Departure Day
Final morning. LXR airport transfer.
Last Corniche walk(1 hour)
Final Nile view and felucca watching
Souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Alabaster, papyrus, cotton, cartouche jewelry. Bargain at 20-30%
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150. LXR is small and efficient
21-Day Luxor Itinerary
Arrival & East Bank Evening
Arrive LXR. Corniche hotel.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150
Check-in(30 minutes)
Corniche hotels EGP 600-1500
Dinner at Sofra(1.5 hours)
EGP 100-200
Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut
West Bank at dawn.
Ferry to West Bank(15 minutes)
EGP 5. Taxi EGP 400-600/day
Valley of the Kings(2.5 hours)
EGP 600 for 3 tombs. Tut EGP 400
Hatshepsut Temple(1.5 hours)
EGP 360
Colossi of Memnon(15 minutes)
Free
Marsam Hotel lunch(1 hour)
EGP 80-150
Karnak & Luxor Temple by Night
East Bank temples.
Karnak(2.5 hours)
EGP 450. 134-column Hall
Al-Sahaby lunch(1 hour)
EGP 150-250
Luxor Temple illuminated(1.5 hours)
EGP 360. Avenue of Sphinxes
Balloon & Medinet Habu
Sunrise balloon then West Bank temples.
Balloon(2.5 hours)
$80-120
Medinet Habu(1.5 hours)
EGP 240. Painted ceilings
Valley of the Queens(1.5 hours)
Nefertari EGP 1,400
Rest Day & Felucca
Rest with sunset Nile sail.
Luxor Museum(1.5 hours)
EGP 200
1886 Restaurant lunch(1.5 hours)
EGP 300-500
Sunset felucca(1.5 hours)
EGP 200-400 per boat
Dendera & Abydos
Less-visited masterpieces north.
Drive to Dendera(1 hour)
Taxi EGP 800-1200
Dendera Temple(2 hours)
Zodiac ceiling. EGP 240
Abydos Temple of Seti I(1.5 hours)
Finest reliefs. EGP 200
Rest Day
Pool and reading. No temples.
West Bank Deep Dive
Return to the West Bank for lesser-visited tombs and the workers' village.
Valley of the Nobles(2 hours)
Less famous but the painted scenes of daily life are more vivid than the royal tombs. EGP 120 for 2 tombs. Ramose and Sennofer are standouts
Deir el-Medina (Workers' Village)(1.5 hours)
Where the tomb builders lived. Their own tombs are beautifully decorated — particularly Sennedjem's. EGP 160. Small museum on site
Ramesseum (Ramses II mortuary temple)(1 hour)
The inspiration for Shelley's Ozymandias poem. A fallen colossus and elegant columns. EGP 180. Less crowded than other sites
Lunch at Amo Diab(1 hour)
Simple West Bank restaurant near the tombs. Grilled chicken and rice. EGP 60-100
Nile Cruise Begins (3 Nights)
Board cruise ship. Sail toward Esna.
Board at Luxor dock(1 hour)
Ships $150-500/night. Amwaj, Oberoi, MS Mayfair
Sail through Esna Lock(3 hours)
Industrial process. Boat vendors sell tablecloths
Galabeya dinner party(2 hours)
Traditional robe night. Buy galabiyya EGP 100-300
Edfu & Kom Ombo
Two temples in one day.
Edfu Temple of Horus(1.5 hours)
Best-preserved Ptolemaic temple. EGP 360. Horse carriage EGP 100-150
Afternoon sailing(4 hours)
Sun deck. Palm trees and villages
Kom Ombo at sunset(1.5 hours)
Double temple. EGP 300. Crocodile mummy museum
Aswan — Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan. Island temple of Isis.
Philae Temple(2 hours)
Boat EGP 200-300. Temple EGP 360. Last hieroglyphs 394 AD
Felucca around Elephantine(2 hours)
Kitchener Botanical Garden EGP 35. Nubian villages
Aswan souq(1.5 hours)
Saffron, hibiscus, Nubian crafts
Abu Simbel
Colossal Ramses II temple 3 hours south.
Dawn departure(3 hours)
Convoy 4AM. $40-60 shared or fly $200-300
Great Temple of Ramses II(1.5 hours)
Four 20m statues. EGP 520
Small Temple of Nefertari(45 minutes)
Queen same size as pharaoh
Nubian Village & Rest
Cultural visit then restful afternoon.
Nubian village boat trip(30 minutes)
Colorful houses. Tour $20-30 with family visit
Nubian lunch in family home(1.5 hours)
Home cooking. EGP 100-200
Old Cataract terrace tea(1.5 hours)
Where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile. Tea EGP 200-400
Aswan — Unfinished Obelisk & High Dam
Aswan's engineering marvels old and new.
Unfinished Obelisk(1 hour)
Partially carved granite obelisk (42m if completed — would be the largest ever). Shows ancient quarrying techniques. EGP 200
Aswan High Dam(1 hour)
The engineering marvel that created Lake Nasser. Free to drive across. Viewpoint at the east end
Afternoon felucca or rest(2 hours)
One last Nile sail in Aswan's beautiful first-cataract setting
Dinner at Nubian House(1.5 hours)
Rooftop Nubian restaurant on Elephantine Island. Grilled fish and Nubian bread. EGP 150-250
Fly to Cairo (3-Night Extension)
Morning flight to Cairo for the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum. Saves the best for last.
Flight Aswan to Cairo(1.5 hours)
EgyptAir $80-150. Arrive at Cairo International (CAI)
Transfer to Giza hotel(1 hour)
Stay near the pyramids for sunrise views. Hotels from EGP 800-2000/night
First view of the Pyramids from hotel(30 minutes)
The moment you see them for the first time — there's nothing else like it
Dinner at Andrea El Haram(1.5 hours)
Open-air restaurant with pyramid views. Grilled meats and mezze. EGP 200-400
Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
The Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and 4,500 years of wonder.
Giza Plateau early morning(4 hours)
Arrive at 7AM opening. Great Pyramid entry EGP 600 (limited daily — go early). Plateau entry EGP 540. The Sphinx is on the lower terrace
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)(3 hours)
The massive new museum near the pyramids — Tutankhamun's complete collection, mummies, and 100,000+ artifacts. EGP 600-1000. Allow minimum 3 hours
Pyramids Sound & Light Show(1.5 hours)
Evening show with the Sphinx as narrator. EGP 400. English show times vary — check schedule
Cairo — Khan el-Khalili & Islamic Cairo
Medieval Cairo's bazaar, mosques, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Khan el-Khalili bazaar(2.5 hours)
Cairo's famous market since 1382. Brass, jewelry, spices, perfume. Coffee at El Fishawy café (Egypt's oldest, open since 1773). Tea EGP 30
Al-Azhar Mosque(1 hour)
Founded 970 AD. Climb the minaret for rooftop Cairo views. Free entry (donation appreciated)
Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz Café(1 hour)
Named after Egypt's Nobel laureate. In Khan el-Khalili. Egyptian cuisine. EGP 200-350
Muizz Street walk(2 hours)
Medieval Cairo's main thoroughfare — restored mosques, madrasas, and sabil-kuttabs (fountain-schools). Free to walk. Possibly the most beautiful Islamic street in the world
Rest Day in Cairo
Three weeks of travel earns a full rest day.
Farewell Nile dinner cruise(2.5 hours)
Nile Maxim or Le Pacha dinner cruise. Live music, belly dancing, buffet dinner. EGP 500-1000
Fly Back to Luxor — Final Days
Return to Luxor for any missed sites and farewell.
Flight Cairo to Luxor(1 hour)
EgyptAir $60-100
Revisit favorite temple(2 hours)
Karnak at sunset is different every time
Dinner at Al-Moudira Hotel(2 hours)
Palace restaurant on West Bank. EGP 400-600. Book ahead
Final Explorations
Last full day. Tie up loose ends.
Morning Avenue of Sphinxes walk(1.5 hours)
Walk the fully restored 2.7 km between Luxor and Karnak temples. The complete ancient processional route
Final souq shopping(1.5 hours)
Alabaster, papyrus, cotton, spices. Bargain hard
Farewell sunset felucca(1.5 hours)
One last sail on the Nile
Light dinner at Sofra(1 hour)
Full circle. EGP 100-200
Departure Day
Final morning. LXR transfer.
Airport transfer(20 minutes)
Taxi EGP 100-150. LXR is efficient
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
E-Visa or Visa on Arrival
Most nationalities can get a 30-day visa on arrival ($25 single entry) or apply for an e-visa at visa2egypt.gov.eg ($25, processed in 5-7 days). Pay in USD cash at the airport — have exact change. The e-visa is faster through immigration lines.
Budget
Buy the Luxor Pass to Save Big
The Luxor Pass (EGP 4,000 Standard / EGP 6,000 Premium including Tutankhamun's tomb) gives unlimited access to all sites on both banks for 5 days. If you plan to visit 5+ sites, it saves significant money versus individual tickets. Buy at the Luxor Museum or Karnak ticket office.
Eat on the East Bank Corniche
Restaurants along the Nile Corniche like Sofra and Al-Sahaby Lane offer excellent Egyptian food (ful, koshari, grilled meats) for EGP 100-200/person. Avoid the tourist-trap restaurants directly facing Luxor Temple — prices are triple for the same food.
transport
West Bank Logistics
All major tombs and temples are on the West Bank. Take the local ferry from the East Bank Corniche (EGP 5, 10 minutes) then hire a taxi for the day (EGP 400-600 for 4-5 sites). Alternatively, book a guided tour including transport for $30-50/person. Start early — sites close by mid-afternoon.
Safety
Aggressive Touts Are Relentless
Luxor has the most persistent touts in Egypt. You'll be offered calèche (horse carriage) rides, alabaster shops, and 'special' tours constantly. A firm 'la shukran' (no thank you) and not making eye contact works best. Never follow someone who says a site is 'closed this way.'
Hydrate and Start Early in Summer
Temperatures above 40°C are common from May to September. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person per site visit. Start at 6AM when sites open and finish by noon. Afternoon visits are brutal and genuinely dangerous without proper hydration.
Local Customs
Photography Rules Vary by Site
Most tombs prohibit photography or require a separate camera ticket (EGP 300). Phones are technically not allowed in some tombs, though enforcement varies. The Tutankhamun tomb strictly bans all photography. Flash photography damages ancient paint — never use it even if allowed.
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