Overview
Luxor & Thebes – الأقصر و طيبة
Hundred-Gated Luxor
The Greek poet Homer captured the grandeur of Luxor in his Iliad: ‘city of a hundred gates’. Situated on the fertile banks of the Nile, with a vast array of magnificent temples, tombs and monuments, Luxor is a city that cannot be missed in any visit to Egypt. Beyond the historic sites, the bustling back streets and countryside villages of Luxor present an exotic face to most visitors. It’s a good place to explore ordinary Egyptian daily life, on foot, by bicycle, by horse-drawn carriage, by hot air balloon or by taking a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile.
Luxor’s Modern Life matches its Past
The modern city lies along the east bank of the Nile, with the Luxor temple located in the heart of the city. The huge Karnak temple complex reflects the greatness and splendour of Ancient Egypt. A 3 km grand avenue lined with sphinxes connects the temples of Luxor and Karnak. The sphinxes are currently being excavated and restored. The town is home to two museums, the tiny Mummification Museum and the stunning Luxor Museum.
So much to see on the West Bank of Luxor
On the West Bank of Luxor, set against spectacular desert landscapes, there are hundreds of tombs and dozens of temple sites. The most famous are the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and the terraced temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Less well-known sites include beautifully decorated tombs in the Valley of the Nobles, and those of the artists of Deir al-Medina, who constructed the Royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. There is also the mortuary temple of Ramesses II at the Ramesseum, and the well-preserved mortuary temple of Ramesses III, over 3,300 years old, at Medinet Habu.
3 Days Itinerary in Luxor
Experience the best of Luxor with this 3 Days Suggested Itinerary
Explore Luxor at your own pace.
Luxor is a city that cannot be left off in any visit to Egypt. Fabulously historic, but there is much more to explore than temples and tombs. » Request a Quote
We’ve created several flexible itineraries to give you a flavour of the best Luxor has to offer. All travel arrangements are private. If this suggested itinerary isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, we can customize a Luxor trip for you.
3 Days in Luxor
Day 1 » East Bank – Karnak and Luxor Temples
Explore the jewels of Luxor’s East Bank. Karnak is the most impressive temple complex in Egypt. Walk through its avenue of ram-headed sphinxes and visit some of the many temples and chapels. The great hypostyle hall with 134 vast columns is awesome. Around sunset, visit the Temple of Luxor, one of the best preserved complexes from Egyptian antiquity. In the evenings the temple is illuminated, so this time of day is particularly suitable for a visit.
Day 2 » West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Nobles & Medinet Habu
Cross the Nile to the West Bank and visit some of the tombs in the world-famous Valley of the Kings. Continue on to the less visited but very beautiful Valley of the Nobles, which has some of the finest rock-cut tombs in the Theban necropolis. The huge and excellent preserved mortuary temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu is your next stop. Finally, a brief visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III built 3,400 years ago! For an once-in-a-lifetime memory, take an optional hot-air balloon ride to see dawn break over the Theban hills and the Nile.
Day 3 » Felucca Sailing
Become part of Luxor’s sailing tradition aboard a traditional Nile felucca. Enjoy the easy rhythm of life on the river, occasionally stopping to walk through fields, villages and Nile islands. While sailing enjoy an Egyptian-style lunch, freshly prepared at the well-known Sofra Restaurant. It is possible to combine this relaxing sailing trip with horse or camel rides into the countryside. The best thing to do in Luxor in the afternoon is to watch amazing sunsets from the boat.
Luxor Day Tours
You can also have a look at our private Luxor Day Tours.
4 Days Itinerary in Luxor
Experience the best of Luxor with this 4 Days Suggested Itinerary
Explore Luxor at your own pace.
Luxor is a city that cannot be left off in any visit to Egypt. Fabulously historic, but there is much more to explore than temples and tombs. » Request a Quote
We’ve created several flexible itineraries to give you a flavour of the best Luxor has to offer. All travel arrangements are private. If this suggested itinerary isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, we can customize a Luxor trip for you.
4 Days in Luxor
Day 1 » East Bank – Karnak and Luxor Temples
Start on the East Bank and visit two of Luxor’s most majestic temples. Karnak has several temples, pylons, chapels and a great hypostyle hall. Roughly 30 pharaohs contributed buildings to this site over a period of at least 2,000 years, making Karnak the largest religious site ever built. Take a short walk south along the avenue of sphinxes to the Temple of Luxor. Visiting this grand temple at sunset is particularly memorable; when it is beautifully lit it is a magical experience.
Day 2 » West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Nobles & Medinet Habu
A short trip across the Nile will take you to the Valley of the Kings. Hidden from view, beneath the sands and against the Theban hills, are 64 known tombs that have been hand-carved into the valley rock. The real highlight of the day is the Valley of the Nobles. Here guards still use broken mirrors to direct the sun’s rays into the tombs to light their wonderful interiors. Continue on to the Temple of Medinet Habu. On the walls and ceilings of this temple you’ll see exquisite paintings and murals, their colours still vivid despite the passage of time. End the day’s visits at the Colossi of Memnon and look at the latest excavation work at the Temple of Amenhotep III. We can also arrange an optional hot-air balloon ride over the West Bank for you.
Day 3 » Felucca Sailing
Sail the peaceful Nile waters aboard a traditional Nile felucca. Enjoy the passing scenery, occasionally stopping to walk through fields, villages and Nile islands, or simply take it slow. While sailing enjoy an Egyptian-style lunch, freshly prepared at the well-known Sofra Restaurant. It is possible to combine this relaxing sailing trip with horse or camel rides into the countryside. The best thing to do in Luxor in the afternoon is to watch beautiful sunsets from a felucca.
Day 4 » Deir El Bahari, The Ramesseum and Deir el Medina OR Dendera & Abydos
Today you can choose how you to spend your day. A second day on the West Bank, visiting the terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, which is a splendid sight to behold, and the ancient village of Deir el-Medina which houses some perfectly painted tombs, and the Temple of Ramesses II, known as the Ramesseum, the inspiration for Shelley’s poem ‘Ozymandias’. Or venture off the beaten track on a full-day excursion to visit the Temple of Hathor at Dendera and the Temple of Seti I in the ancient city of Abydos.
Luxor Day Tours
You can also have a look at our private Luxor Day Tours.
Hotels in Luxor
Our favourite places to stay in Luxor
Planning a trip to Luxor?
When we design a particular trip for you, you can choose any hotel you wish.
» Request a no obligation quote
Throughout Luxor we have identified a good selection of interesting accommodation, all of which is carefully chosen. All of them have been personally visited by us and reviewed honest. You choose the style to suit your needs and we will suggest somewhere to stay.
In the West Bank villages there is a wide range of small family-run guesthouses, small hotels and houses to rent, all full of local character – these are our favourites. On the West Bank there is one boutique hotel, the beautiful Moudira – most guests come here for the romance, peace and calm of the hotel itself.
The East Bank of the Nile at Luxor offers a broad spectrum of accommodation for all budgets. Most is modern and varies from mid-range hotels in the city to luxury hotels and resorts along the Nile. Luxor also has a historical Grand Hotel – The Old Winter Palace; the only Grand Hotel in Luxor.
Al Moudira ▪ West Bank ▪ Boutique Hotel
54 Arabian Nights at Moudira
Set amidst green fields and palm trees, literally on the edge of the desert, its luxurious accommodation, delightful dining and 8 hectares of gardens create a truly peaceful setting. This charming boutique hotel is a perfect example of the old and the new, in complete harmony. Although furnished luxuriously throughout and equipped with the most modern facilities, echoes of a memorable past enchant guests at every turn.
Accommodation and other Facilities
A choice of 54 spacious rooms and suites, each individually designed and featuring unique decorations, antique furniture and Egyptian fabrics. All have large hammam-style bathrooms, air conditioning, TVs and minibars. Set amongst bougainvillea, fruit trees and palms is an outdoor swimming pool. There is also a massage room and a Turkish bath, perfect for lazy afternoons after exploring the monuments. Daily breakfasts are served on the open-air terrace, light meals in the pavilion restaurant overlooking the lush gardens, while a delicious range of à la carte evening meals are served in the opulent dining room and its terrace.
Location
This hidden gem is set within a lovely rustic Egyptian village across the Nile from Luxor city, close to the West Bank monuments. 5 kms from Luxor city and 8 kms from Luxor Airport.
El Nakhil ▪ West Bank ▪ Family-run Hotel
Calm, comfortable and spotlessly clean
This delightful family-run hotel, the kind that helps to keep up the good image of country hotels, nestles in the heart of the old village, close to the Nile. It is utterly charming with excellent service thanks to the efforts of its friendly and professional owners Birgit and Salah.
Accommodation and other Facilities
Modern comfort meets traditional hotel: a unique combination. The accommodation is in 20 quiet and very comfortable rooms in a garden full of flowers, all with private bathroom and shower as well as air-conditioning. The 10 ground-level bungalows have private terraces and the 10 first-floor rooms have balconies. Three-room bungalows have been adapted for disabled use. For those who like greenery and flowers, the lovely garden is adorned with traditional farm implements. There’s a peaceful roof terrace restaurant with views over the Nile and the countryside, serving homemade Egyptian meals.
Location
Set within a rustic village across the Nile from Luxor City and close to the monuments of ancient Thebes. Located near the ferry landing stage connecting the East and West Banks – perfect for exploring both. By road the hotel is 6 kms from Luxor city and 8 kms from Luxor Airport.
Nile House ▪ West Bank ▪ Guesthouse
Beautiful, cosy and charming
This intimate guesthouse lies near the Nile amid agricultural countryside. This idyllic, family-friendly guesthouse is one of our favourite places on the West Bank of Luxor for families and couples. The sweet spot is the small swimming pool.
Accommodation and other Facilities
You’re in Egypt here: the décor and the cooking leave you in no doubt about that. A delightful hamlet of 8 charmingly decorated bedrooms, authentically homely and Egyptian in style. There are 2 on the ground floor and 6 on the first floor, each with a private bathroom. The rooms are classified into several different categories and sleep 1-3 people each, all clustered around a gorgeous terrace in a secluded courtyard, with a small swimming pool and a garden with verdant greenery. Your breakfast is served in the garden and there’s a rooftop terrace with excellent views. Dinner can be provided if advance notice is given.
Location
Across the river on the West Bank, in the heart of Gezira village on the road to the historic sites of ancient Thebes. You’re ideally placed: 5 minutes by motorboat or ferry from Luxor City; by road the hotel is 6 kms from Luxor City and 8 kms from Luxor Airport.
Amon ▪ West Bank ▪ Family-run Hotel
A simple, no-frills hotel, surrounded by beautiful gardens
One of the oldest and most beautiful family hotels in quiet Gezira village. The Soliman family do everything possible to make their guests feel at home – a firm favourite with archaeologists working in the area. This is one of those hotels where you immediately feel at home.
Accommodation and other Facilities
The 17 rooms are spread across three buildings, with lots of space and privacy for each. All are bright, spacious and comfortable, air-conditioned and complemented by private modern bathrooms and balconies. Some rooms overlook the garden, others overlook the riverside village. This little hotel is surrounded by a delightful terraced flower garden, with seating areas and dining tables shaded by trees: a relaxing setting for breakfasts, afternoon teas and traditional meals. There is also a reading room. Come in the evening and admire the illuminated Theban Hills from the roof terrace.
Location
Well placed, in the heart of the old village, very close to the ferry landing stage: a perfect base to explore both sides of the river. Only 5 minutes by motorboat or ferry from Luxor City; by road the hotel is 6 kms from Luxor city and 8 kms from Luxor Airport.
Old Winter Palace ▪ East Bank ▪ Historic Hotel
Legendary Landmark of Luxor
The Old Winter Palace is a tribute to the Grand Hotels of Egypt in the Golden Age of Travel – an outstanding architectural jewel overlooking the Nile in the heart of Luxor. This grand old Victorian lady was built in 1886 to attract the nobility of Europe and has been lovingly restored to create a perfect blend of present pleasures and past glories. To cut a long story short, for over a century the Old Winter Palace has been the privileged host of royal families, presidents and film stars. Come soon and get close to a legend!
Accommodation and other Facilities
The 86 rooms and 6 suites typify the elegance of the Victoria era, all beautifully decorated with stylish furniture and antiques perfectly complemented by modern amenities and comforts. Classic, Superior and Luxury rooms overlook the gardens or the Nile. The suites are nothing short of magnificent in style, size and luxury. Continuing its fine tradition of courtesy and service, the elegant 1886 restaurant provides the ideal setting in which to savour the excellent cuisine for which the hotel is famous. Add to this a refreshing swimming pool nestled amongst tropical gardens and a welcoming poolside bar, and you are close to heaven.
Location
Close to Luxor Temple and the town centre, 5 kms from Luxor Airport.
Pavillon Winter ▪ East Bank ▪ Hotel
Modern luxury in a historical setting
This is a five-star modern luxury hotel. However, the Pavillon is a style-cut above your average big-city hotel. Set in the historic grounds of the Old Winter Palace, offers the same supremely convenient location at half the price. The Pavillon is ideally located, just a 5 minute stroll from Luxor city centre, but nestled in secluded grounds.
Accommodation and other Facilities
The spacious rooms are perfectly comfortable with balconies overlooking the lovely garden pool. The modern furnishing of the rooms combines comfort with a pleasant atmosphere. They are all air-conditioned, soundproofed and each has en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet and all the necessary amenities. There is a refreshing swimming pool nestled amongst tropical gardens and a welcoming poolside bar making this hotel a solid choice for families and couples.
Location
Close to Luxor Temple and the town centre, 5 kms from Luxor Airport.
Hilton Luxor ▪ East Bank ▪ Resort & Spa
Heavenly Resort in Heavenly Luxor
The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is an indulgent temple of leisure, dedicated to pure relaxation. An innovative blend of classic oriental decor, unique contemporary design blended with Arabic charm, modern facilities and intuitive service. Enjoy fine cuisine and spa indulgence to the sounds of the Majestic Nile, or escape to the sunken seats of the swim-up bar in one of the resort’s two stunning infinity pools.
Accommodation and other Facilities
All of the 236 guest rooms and suites are spacious and equipped with every modern comfort imaginable. The 202 guest rooms have either partial city, garden or Nile views, while the 24 deluxe rooms on the first and second floors boast large balconies overlooking the Nile, or terraces on the ground floor with a seating area. The 3 junior suites have garden views; the 2 larger Nile suites are blessed with outstanding views of the Nile, while the 5 spa suites are located on the ground floor with garden views and have the addition of a separate living area, private courtyard, and treatment room with Jacuzzi. There is a range of delicious cuisine to sample in no fewer than 8 restaurants and bars presenting plenty of dining options. The superb Nayara spa offers dreamy therapies, plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Other facilities include a fitness centre and a range of activities for children.
Location
In the village of Karnak, on the east bank of the Nile, close to Karnak Temple. 5 kms from Luxor city and 10 kms from Luxor Airport.
Nefertiti ▪ East Bank ▪ Family-run Hotel
Superbly comfortable & good value hotel in a Luxor alley
With a prime location near Luxor Temple this is a fine option for budget travellers looking for a welcoming hotel with midrange facilities at budget prices. This hotel is the closest thing to a boutique hotel in the old town.
Accommodation and other Facilities
This long-running hotel has 30 bright, clean, beautifully decorated rooms, each with private bathroom and air-conditioning. The arabesque style of the furniture in all the rooms creates a romantic atmosphere. The pleasant rooftop terrace with views of Luxor Temple and the lively souk is a definite bonus.
Location
In the city centre, 5 kms from Luxor Airport.
Susanna ▪ East Bank ▪ Hotel
Budget hotel, perfectly located, great comfort
A clean and functional modern hotel. Well located, right in front of the Avenue of Sphinxes, the view from the roof at sunset is spectacular. Though by no means a charming building from the outside, it’s delightful inside.
Accommodation and other Facilities
The hotel has 45 modern rooms, spread over 5 floors; some are at the front of the hotel, overlooking Luxor Temple. All are spacious, clean and comfortable with every possible amenity and private bathrooms. Air-conditioning throughout. Enjoy a swim in the rooftop swimming pool, which offers breathtaking panoramic views over Luxor Temple and the Nile.
Location
In the city centre, 5 kms from Luxor Airport.