Luxor, often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum," is a city in southern Egypt that boasts a wealth of ancient Egyptian history and monuments. Situated along the Nile River, Luxor is divided into two areas: the East Bank, representing life and worship, and the West Bank, the land of the dead.
Karnak Temple, East Bank - A massive temple complex dedicated primarily to the god Amun-Ra, Karnak is an awe-inspiring site. Highlights include the Hypostyle Hall with its forest of colossal columns, the Sacred Lake, and the Avenue of Sphinxes that connects Karnak to Luxor Temple.
Luxor Temple, East Bank - Located in the heart of the city, this temple was dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship. It is especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated. The temple also features evidence of Egypt's history from pharaonic, Roman, Christian, and Islamic periods.
Luxor Museum, East Bank - This well-curated museum showcases artifacts from the New Kingdom and beyond, including statues, jewelry, and items from Tutankhamun’s tomb. It's an excellent complement to visiting the temples.
Valley of the Kings, West Bank - This necropolis contains the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Many tombs feature intricate wall carvings and vibrant paintings depicting scenes from the afterlife.
Valley of the Queens, West Bank - The burial site for queens and royal children, the valley includes the magnificent tomb of Nefertari, known for its stunningly preserved artwork.
Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari), West Bank - This mortuary temple of the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut is an architectural masterpiece, blending into the cliffs behind it.
Colossi of Memnon, West Bank - These two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III stand as silent sentinels on the West Bank. They are impressive remnants of what was once a large temple complex.
Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramses III), West Bank - This temple is less crowded but incredibly well-preserved, with vibrant reliefs depicting battles and religious ceremonies.
Deir el-Medina (Workers' Village), West Bank - This site provides insight into the lives of the workers who built the royal tombs. The nearby tombs of the artisans are small but feature vibrant and detailed paintings.
One of the best ways to see this part of Egypt is on a 4-night Nile Cruise that travels between Luxor and Aswan in the Southern Nile.
Day 1: Arrival Luxor – Nile Cruise Check-In - Cruise embarkation before lunch. Lunch aboard. In the afternoon, visit Luxor Temple. Dinner and overnight on board. Meals (L/D)
Day 2: Luxor East and West Bank Sightseeing - Breakfast aboard. Today, your tour will start with the Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of Ancient Egypt. In modern times, the valley has become famous for the discovery of the tomb of Tut Ankh Amun and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. On the West Bank, you will also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and see the Colossi of Memnon. Then, you will cross the Nile and visit Karnak Temple (the largest ancient religious site in the world) on the East Bank. Sail to Edfu. Lunch aboard. Dinner and overnight in Edfu.
Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples - Breakfast on board. Visit Edfu Temple. Of all the temples in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Sail to Kom Ombo. Lunch on board. In the afternoon, visit the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo. One side of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world. The other side is dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4: Aswan Sightseeing Tour - Breakfast aboard. Visit Philae Temple followed by visit to the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Lunch aboard. In the afternoon, we offer you a felucca ride to enjoy magnificent views of the Nile, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, around emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. In the evening, explore the souk on your own, full of the scent and color of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets. Dinner and overnight aboard. Meals (B/L/D)
Day 5: Cruise disembarkation - Cruise disembarkation after breakfast at around 0900.