egypt

Luxor

Ancient Thebes

3-4 nights recommendedOctober to MarchPlan this chapter →

Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum. The east bank holds Karnak and Luxor Temple; the west bank conceals the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. A hot air balloon at dawn over the west bank remains one of travel's most extraordinary experiences. The Nile flows between the temples of the living and the dead exactly as it did for the pharaohs.

We also reach Nefertari's tomb in the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu, and Dendera, with the Nile cruise to Aswan.

Ideal for

History Buffs · Photographers · Culture Seekers · Adventure Seekers

Luxor, Ancient Thebes
Plate ILuxor. Courtesy of Historia Boutique Hotel & Nile Cruise
01
The Stay

Nile-front heritage hotels and intimate riads.

Sofitel Winter Palace

A Victorian grande dame where Howard Carter planned his Tutankhamun excavation.

  • Historic gardens
  • Nile terrace
  • Egyptology heritage

Al Moudira Hotel

A Lebanese-Omani fantasy of domes, courtyards, and antiques on the west bank.

  • West bank location
  • Garden courtyards
  • Intimate scale

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa

Modern comfort on the east bank Corniche.

  • Nile views
  • Pool complex
  • Temple proximity
02
The Palate

Nile-side dining and Upper Egyptian home cooking.

  • 01Dinner on the Sofitel terrace at sunset
  • 02Felucca lunch on the Nile
  • 03West bank village cooking class
  • 04Fresh sugarcane juice at the souk
03
The Stillness

The silence inside a pharaoh's tomb.

  • 01Hot air balloon at dawn over the west bank
  • 02Inside KV62 (Tutankhamun's tomb) alone
  • 03Karnak Sound and Light at night
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Luxury Properties in Luxor

Exceptional properties in Luxor, selected for their distinction and service

Experiences

Tours & Activities

Top-rated experiences in Luxor

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