Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum, is packed with spectacular ancient sites. Whether you’re exploring the tombs of the Pharaohs or marveling at massive temple complexes, Luxor offers a truly immersive experience into the heart of ancient Egyptian history. Here’s a comprehensive Luxor itinerary with must-see sites on both the East and West Banks of the Nile, plus a few extra options if you have more time to spare.

West Bank of The Nile

Valley of the Kings: Tombs of the Pharaohs

Start your exploration on the West Bank with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of many pharaohs and nobles from Egypt’s New Kingdom period. Famous tombs include those of Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I. Inside these tombs, elaborate frescoes and hieroglyphs offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

Which Tombs to Visit in Valley of Kings?

When visiting the Valley of the Kings, your ticket grants you access to a selected list of tombs, from which you can choose three tombs to explore. Some tombs outside of this list, require an additional fee to visit.

During our visit, we explored the following tombs, all included with the Valley of Kings ticket:

Ramesses IV

Ramesses IX

Ramesses III

Our guide recommended these tombs as they offer a well-rounded view of the different tomb types in the Valley, giving us a comprehensive experience.

In addition to the included tombs, we chose to visit two more for an extra cost – Tomb of Ramesses V & VI & Tomb of Sety I.

Ramesses V & VI

Seti I Tomb

Both were well worth the extra expense, featuring some of the most intricate and best-preserved artwork and reliefs in the Valley. If your time and budget allow, we highly recommend adding these to your visit!

Valley of the Queens: Burial Grounds of Royal Women

Next, head to the Valley of the Queens, where the wives and children of Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. This quieter, less crowded site offers a more peaceful experience compared to the Valley of the Kings.

Among its notable tombs is that of Nefertari, the beloved queen of Ramses II. Nefertari’s tomb is famous for its vibrant, well-preserved frescoes that depict scenes from the afterlife in stunning detail. During our visit, Nefertari’s Tomb was unfortunately closed for restoration, but if you have the opportunity to visit this tomb during your trip, don’t miss it. It is widely considered one of the most impressive tombs in the Valley of the Queens and is highly regarded for its artistic and historical significance. Despite its closure, the Valley of the Queens remains a serene and beautiful place to explore the legacy of ancient Egyptian royalty.

Temple of Hatshepsut: Monument to Egypt’s Female Pharaoh

No trip to Luxor is complete without visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary architectural feats. Carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, this temple was built to honor Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few female pharaohs in Egyptian history. The temple’s stunning terraces, grand colonnades, and intricate reliefs make it a must-see on the West Bank.

West Bank Tours

East Bank of The Nile

Luxor Temple: A Majestic Monument to the Gods

On the East Bank, start your day with a visit to Luxor Temple, one of the most beautifully preserved temples in Egypt. Built by Amenhotep III and expanded by Ramses II, this temple is dedicated to the Theban Triad of gods: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Walk through its grand pylon entrance, admire the towering statues of Ramses II, and gaze upon the Obelisk of Luxor.

Karnak Temple: The Largest Religious Complex in Egypt

Next, head to Karnak Temple. This sprawling site includes a vast collection of temples, chapels, pylons, and obelisks, all dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. The highlight is the Hypostyle Hall, a colossal hall with 134 massive columns that will make you feel dwarfed by its scale. Karnak is an expansive site, and every corner reveals more of Egypt’s ancient history.

Karnak Light and Sound Show: A Magical Evening Experience

For a truly immersive experience, return to Karnak Temple in the evening for the Karnak Light and Sound Show. The show brings the temple’s rich history to life with dramatic lighting, music, and narration. As the ancient walls and statues glow under the night sky, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the temple’s historical and spiritual significance.

East Bank Tours

Day Trip to Edfu and Kom Ombo

Temple of Horus in Edfu: A Marvel of Ancient Architecture

Take a day trip to Edfu and visit the remarkable Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this well-preserved temple features a massive pylon entrance and towering columns. The temple’s intricate reliefs depict Horus’s battle with the evil god Set, providing insight into ancient Egyptian mythology and religious practices.

Temple of Kom Ombo: A Unique Double Temple

From Edfu, head to Kom Ombo, where you’ll find a rare double temple dedicated to both Horus and Sobek. Sobek, the crocodile god, was worshipped for his association with fertility and protection, while Horus was revered as the god of the sky. The temple’s symmetrical design includes two sanctuaries and two sets of reliefs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the role of both gods in ancient Egyptian life. Notably, the reliefs depict crocodile mummification and sacred medical tools, highlighting the intersection of religion and medicine in ancient Egypt.

Edfu and Kom Ombo Tours

Extra Options for Longer Stays in Luxor

If you have more than three days to spend in Luxor, consider adding the following must-see sites to your itinerary:

Visit Abu Simbel: The Magnificent Temples of Ramses II

A trip to Abu Simbel, located in southern Egypt, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The twin temples were carved into a mountainside by Ramses II and relocated in the 1960s to save them from rising floodwaters. The massive statues of Ramses II at the temple’s entrance are among Egypt’s most iconic images.

Dendera Temple: A Beautifully Preserved Temple Complex

For a fascinating look at Egyptian religious practices, visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, located about 60 miles north of Luxor. This stunning temple is known for its well-preserved reliefs, including the famous Dendera Zodiac, and its towering columns, which make it one of the most beautiful and complete temples in Egypt.

Top Tips for Visiting Luxor, Egypt

To help you make the most of your trip, here are some essential tips for visiting Luxor.

Stay Hydrated and Protect Yourself from the Sun

Luxor can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months. To stay comfortable drink plenty of water. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often from Packed bottles from your hotel.

Wear sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially if you’re outdoors exploring ancient sites. Bring a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the sun.

Start Early to Beat the Crowds and Heat

The ancient sites in Luxor can get crowded and hot later in the day. To get the most out of your visit arrive early. Start your day early to beat the crowds and the intense heat. Visiting early allows you to experience them in a more peaceful atmosphere. If possible, visit between October and April when the weather is more moderate. The summer months (June to September) can be unbearable due to extreme heat.

Hire a Guide for a Richer Experience

Luxor is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt, and a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your experience. A local guide can provide fascinating insights into the history, culture, and significance of each site, making your visit more meaningful.

Some of the temples and tombs are large and complex. A guide can help you navigate the sites and ensure you don’t miss any important details. If you want a more personalized experience, consider hiring a private guide. This can also help you avoid large group tours and long waits.

Don’t Skip the Daytime Visit to Karnak Temple for the Light and Sound Show

While the Karnak Light and Sound Show is a mesmerizing way to experience the temple after dark, we highly recommend not skipping the daytime visit to Karnak Temple in favor of the evening show. The Light and Sound Show is a great addition to your itinerary, but it should never replace the essential experience of exploring the temple during the day.

By only attending the Light and Sound Show, you’ll miss out on the rich history, breathtaking architecture, and the chance to fully immerse yourself in the temple’s grand atmosphere. The intricate reliefs, towering columns, and the sheer scale of Karnak Temple are best appreciated in daylight, giving you the time and space to truly take in its monumental beauty.

If you’re short on time or have a limited budget, we recommend prioritizing the daytime visit to the temple. The Karnak Light and Sound Show is a spectacular way to end your day, but it doesn’t compare to the full experience of exploring the temple in the light of day. For a richer, more rewarding visit, make sure to explore the site during the day, and consider the evening show as a memorable extra.

Be Ready for a Long Drive on Your Day Trip

If you’re heading to Edfu for a day trip, be prepared for a lengthy journey. The drive can take several hours, and the roads in Egypt are often in poor condition, so expect a bumpy ride. While the Temple of Horus is definitely worth the trip, it’s important to set realistic expectations for the journey. Plan ahead by bringing snacks, water, and entertainment to make the ride more comfortable. It’s an adventure in itself, so be ready for the long haul!

Conclusion

Luxor is an unparalleled destination for history lovers and anyone fascinated by ancient Egyptian culture. Whether you’re wandering through the tombs of the Valley of the Kings or marvelling at the grand temples of Karnak, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sites to explore. With so much to see, you’ll be immersed in the ancient wonders of Egypt from the moment you arrive.

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