A valley where tombs were built for the Pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom of Egypt

The Valley of the Kings, located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Luxor, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. /n It was the burial place of almost all the pharaohs of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The tombs are magnificently decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology that give clues to the beliefs and funerary rituals of the period. Almost all of the tombs were opened and robbed in antiquity, but they still give an idea of the opulence and power of the Pharaohs.

The Valley of the Kings is an ancient burial site for Pharaohs and powerful nobles.

The Karnak Temple Complex, commonly known as Karnak, comprises a vast mix of decayed temples, chapels, pylons, and other buildings near Luxor, in Egypt. It is one of the most visited ancient monuments in Egypt and features an array of ancient Egyptian architecture.

The Karnak Temple Complex, located in Luxor, Egypt, is a vast open-air museum and the largest ancient religious site in the world. It's a must-visit for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. The complex is a stunning display of the architectural genius of the ancient Egyptians, with its massive columns, intricate carvings, and impressive statues. The most famous part of the complex is the Temple of Amun, which was once the spiritual center of Egypt. /n The complex also includes the Great Hypostyle Hall, which is one of the most visited areas of the complex. This hall is a massive structure with 134 columns arranged in 16 rows. The columns are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various gods and goddesses, as well as scenes from the lives of the pharaohs. The Karnak Temple Complex is not just a place to visit, but a place to experience. Walking through the complex, one can almost feel the presence of the ancient Egyptians and their devotion to their gods. It's a place that transports you back in time and gives you a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The Karnak Temple Complex is a vast collection of ancient ruins, temples, and monuments in Luxor, Egypt.

A beautiful promenade along the east bank of the Nile in Luxor, offering stunning views of the river and the west bank. It's a popular spot for evening strolls, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

The Luxor Corniche is a must-visit when in Luxor, Egypt. This beautiful promenade stretches along the Nile River, offering stunning views of the river and the city's ancient monuments. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, providing a taste of local life and culture. /n The Corniche is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a great place to relax and watch the world go by. In the evening, the area comes alive with locals enjoying a stroll or a meal by the river. The Corniche also offers a great vantage point for viewing the Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, especially at sunset when the monuments are beautifully lit up. /n Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just enjoying the beautiful scenery, the Luxor Corniche is a must-visit. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, soak up the atmosphere, and experience the charm and beauty of Luxor.

A scenic walkway along the Nile, Luxor Corniche offers stunning views and a taste of local life.

Experience the grandeur of ancient civilization in Luxor, Egypt. Known as the world's largest open-air museum, Luxor offers a journey back in time with its awe-inspiring monuments and temples. Visit the Valley of the Kings, home to Tutankhamun's tomb, and the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. Explore the Luxor Temple, a stunningly preserved site that comes alive at night with dramatic lighting. Cruise down the Nile, witnessing the blend of modern life and ancient history. Luxor also offers vibrant markets, exquisite cuisine, and warm Egyptian hospitality. Whether you're a history enthusiast or an adventure seeker, Luxor promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of ancient Egypt.

Valley of the Kings

Karnak Temple Complex

Luxor Corniche

Start your day with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial site of Egypt's New Kingdom rulers. This is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, with its well-preserved tombs and intricate hieroglyphics.

Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant. Try dishes like koshari, molokhia, and shawarma, and don't forget to finish your meal with a sweet kunafa.

After lunch, head to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. Spend the afternoon exploring the vast array of temples, chapels, and other ancient structures.

For dinner, find a restaurant with a view of the Nile River. Enjoy a leisurely meal as you watch traditional felucca boats sail by.

End your day with a stroll along the Luxor Corniche, a beautiful promenade along the Nile River. The area is particularly stunning at sunset, and there are plenty of shops and cafes to explore.

Exploring Ancient History and Local Culture in Luxor

UTC+2

Taxis are a common way to get around in Luxor. They are available 24/7 and can be hailed from the street or booked in advance. They are metered, but it's also common to agree on a price before the journey.

If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car hire companies in Luxor. Remember that driving in Egypt can be quite different from what you're used to, so be prepared for a unique experience.

Uber operates in Luxor, providing a convenient and familiar way to get around. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone, just like you would at home.

Bicycles are a popular way to get around in Luxor, especially in the cooler months. There are several places where you can rent a bike for the day.

For a more traditional experience, try a horse carriage ride. These are especially popular for short trips along the Nile Corniche or around the Luxor Temple.

A felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat used on the Nile. It's a peaceful and scenic way to travel, especially at sunset. You can hire a felucca for a short trip or a longer cruise.

For crossing the Nile, the local ferry is a cheap and efficient option. It runs regularly between the East and West Banks.

For a truly unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. It's an early start, but the views are worth it.

Many of the main attractions in Luxor are within walking distance of each other, especially on the East Bank. Walking is a great way to soak up the atmosphere and see the city at your own pace.

A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from fava beans, olive oil, parsley, garlic, and lemon. It's a staple food in Luxor and is often served with bread.

Ful Medames

A popular Egyptian dish made from rice, macaroni, and lentils mixed together, topped with a spiced tomato sauce, and garlic vinegar, and garnished with chickpeas and crispy fried onions.

Koshari

A traditional Egyptian soup made from the leaves of the jute plant, chicken broth, garlic, and coriander. It's a common dish in Luxor and is often served with bread or rice.

Molokhia

A popular street food in Luxor, made from thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, or lamb, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita.

Shawarma

Also known as Egyptian falafel, Ta'meya is made from fava beans and herbs, deep-fried to perfection. It's a popular street food in Luxor.

Ta'meya

A traditional Egyptian dish made by stuffing vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, or cabbage leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, and spices.

Mahshi

A popular appetizer in Luxor, made from mashed cooked eggplant mixed with tahini, olive oil, and various seasonings.

Baba Ghanoush

A traditional Egyptian dessert made from thin noodle-like pastry, or alternatively fine semolina dough, soaked in sweet, sugar-based syrup, and typically layered with cheese.

Kunafa

A sweet cake made from semolina soaked in simple syrup. Coconut is a popular addition. The cake is often topped with almonds and traditionally cut into diamond shapes.

Basbousa

A staple drink in Luxor, Egyptian tea is typically black and sweet. It can be served with milk or lemon, or flavored with mint or sage.

Egyptian Tea

A popular drink in Luxor, made by crushing peeled sugar cane in a mill to extract the juice. It's sweet, refreshing, and often served chilled.

Sugarcane Juice

A warm, creamy drink made from milk, sugar, and the powdered roots of the Orchid plant. It's a popular winter beverage in Luxor, often topped with cinnamon and served with a side of pastry.

Sahlab

Coptic Christmas Day

Revolution Day January 25

Day off for Revolution Day January 25

Spring Festival

Eid el Fitr Holiday

Eid el Fitr

Sinai Liberation Day

Labor Day

Day off for Labor Day

Arafat Day

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha Holiday

June 30 Revolution

Day off for June 30 Revolution

Public Holiday

Muharram

Day off for Muharram

Revolution Day July 23

Prophet Mohamed's Birthday

Armed Forces Day

Day off for Revolution Day July 23

Day off for Armed Forces Day

This is a valley in Egypt where, for a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, rock cut tombs were excavated for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.

This is a mortuary temple of Ancient Egypt located in Upper Egypt. Built for the Eighteenth Dynasty pharaoh Hatshepsut, it is located beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank of the Nile near the Valley of the Kings.

Temple of Hatshepsut

This is the name of an archaeological locality situated near the foot of the Theban Hills on the West Bank of the River Nile opposite the modern city of Luxor, Egypt.

Medinet Habu

This is the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Seti I on the west bank of the Nile in Abydos. The edifice is situated near the town of al-Balyana, about 11 miles west of the Nile.

Temple of Seti I

This is one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The complex covers approximately 40,000 square meters. Also the site of the famed Dendera light relief, Dendera is an impressive and fascinating site.

Dendera Temple complex

This is an unusual double temple built during the Ptolemaic dynasty in the Egyptian town of Kom Ombo. Some additions to it were later made during the Roman period.

Temple of Kom Ombo

These are two massive rock temples at Abu Simbel, a village in Nubia, southern Egypt, near the border with Sudan. They are situated on the western bank of Lake Nasser, about 230 km southwest of Aswan.

Abu Simbel Temples

Alexandria

Aswan

Cairo

Hurghada

Sharm El Sheikh

Siwa Oasis

The Great Hypostyle Hall of the Karnak temple complex

Alley of Karnak temple sphinxes with ram heads

Ruins of the Mortuary temple of Hatshepsut

Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but it's always important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors.

Tipping is customary in Egypt. It's known as 'baksheesh' and is expected for most services.

The best time to visit Luxor is between October and April when temperatures are cooler. During these months, temperatures range from 50°F (10°C) to 80°F (27°C).

During the summer months (May to September), temperatures can reach up to 105°F (40°C), so it's best to avoid this time if you're not a fan of extreme heat.

Dress modestly to respect the local culture. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid wearing shorts.

Bargaining is common in markets and some shops. Don't be afraid to negotiate the price.

It's recommended to drink bottled water rather than tap water.

Egyptian cuisine is delicious. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like koshary, ful medames, and molokhia.

Public transportation is available, but taxis are the most convenient way to get around Luxor.

Be prepared for a sales pitch. Many locals in tourist areas will try to sell you something.

If you're planning to visit religious sites, be respectful. Remove your shoes and avoid taking pictures unless it's allowed.

It's a good idea to have a local guide or tour operator to help navigate the city and understand the historical sites.

Be aware that some tourist sites may have additional fees for photography.

It's recommended to carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Public restrooms may not always have toilet paper, so it's a good idea to carry some with you.

Egypt uses type C and type F plugs, so you may need a power adapter.

The country code for Egypt is +20, and the area code for Luxor is 095.

Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals.

January is a cool month in Luxor, Egypt, making it a perfect time for tourists who prefer milder temperatures.

February sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still comfortable for sightseeing and exploring Luxor.

March marks the beginning of spring in Luxor, with warmer temperatures during the day.

April is considerably warmer, but early mornings and late evenings are still pleasant for outdoor activities.

May is the start of the hot season in Luxor, so it's recommended to plan activities in the early morning or late evening.

June is one of the hottest months in Luxor, with high temperatures throughout the day.

July is the peak of summer in Luxor, with high temperatures even at night.

August continues the summer heat, so it's essential to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.

September marks the end of summer, but the temperatures remain high, especially during the day.

October sees a significant drop in temperature, making it a pleasant time to visit Luxor.

November is a comfortable month for sightseeing, with mild temperatures during the day.

December is one of the coolest months in Luxor, making it a perfect time for tourists who prefer milder temperatures.

Luxor, Egypt is known for its hot desert climate, so it's essential to prepare accordingly. The city experiences very little rainfall throughout the year, so you won't need to pack a raincoat or umbrella.

The summer months, from May to September, can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 104°F (40°C). If you're planning to visit during this period, it's crucial to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. Lightweight, breathable clothing, sunblock, and a hat are must-haves. Try to avoid outdoor activities during peak sun hours, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.

The winter months, from October to April, are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 79°F (20°C to 26°C), while nights can be cooler, dropping to around 50°F (10°C). If you're visiting during this period, it's advisable to pack layers, including a light jacket or sweater for the evenings.

Regardless of when you visit, remember that Luxor is home to many sacred and historical sites. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended when visiting these locations. Also, don't forget to pack comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions.

Lastly, always check the local weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're packing appropriately and can plan your activities accordingly. Enjoy your visit to Luxor!

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Solo 1-Day Local Experience Sightseeing Tour in Luxor

About Luxor, Egypt