Things to Do in Luxor
6 min read
Often called the world's greatest open-air museum, Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes. Here are the highlights — and how they fit around a dahabiya voyage.
The East Bank — Karnak and Luxor temples
The vast temple complex of Karnak, with its forest of giant columns, is the single must-see. In the evening, the smaller Luxor Temple glows under floodlight in the heart of the town.
The West Bank — tombs and mortuary temples
Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamun and the pharaohs were buried, the dramatic terraced temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Fitting Luxor into a Nile cruise
Most dahabiya voyages begin or end near Luxor, so it is the natural place to spend a night or two before or after sailing. We can arrange guided visits and transfers around your cruise.
Ready to sail the Nile?
Tell us your dates and party and we'll craft a proposal aboard the Azhar — or take the whole boat privately.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need in Luxor?
Two days lets you see the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor temples) and the West Bank (Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut). Combine it with a dahabiya cruise for the full experience.
Is Luxor the start of the Nile cruise?
Southbound dahabiya voyages embark near Esna/Luxor and sail to Aswan; northbound voyages return to Luxor, so it is a convenient start or finish point.