Day 1 – Arrival in Luxor
Welcome to Luxor, once the ancient capital of Upper Egypt and beautifully set along the banks of the Nile. On arrival at the airport or train station, our driver will be waiting to take you to your guesthouse on Luxor’s quieter west bank. Away from the bustle of the centre, this peaceful spot feels like a hidden oasis, with palm-filled gardens, a swimming pool and traditionally styled Arabic rooms.
The hotel has an open-air restaurant, serving delicious home-cooked Egyptian dishes, many made with ingredients straight from the garden. We recommend you dine here at least once during your stay. If you’d rather head into the centre for dinner, they can easily arrange a taxi for you.
Day 2 – Valley of the Kings
Early this morning, you’ll be picked up from your guesthouse for a visit to the legendary Valley of the Kings. Following winding roads into the mountains, you’ll reach the valley where many of Egypt’s pharaohs were laid to rest. With more than 60 tombs discovered so far, it remains one of the world’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
While many tombs were looted centuries ago, the tomb of Tutankhamun was famously found almost untouched by Howard Carter, making it one of the most important discoveries in Egyptology. Around ten tombs are open to visitors each day, rotating regularly. As you wander through the chambers, you’ll see colourful hieroglyphics, hidden passageways and burial rooms caved deep into the mountainside.
After visiting the Valley of the Kings, you’ll cross to the other side of the mountains to the iconic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically built into the cliffs. This temple is dedicated to one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs, and is known for its striking terraces and detailed hieroglyphics. You’ll discover stories of the mysterious Land of Punt, an ancient trading destination that still fascinates historians today. You’ll end the day at the towering Colossi of Memnon, where two huge statues of Amenhotep III stand and once guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple.
Day 3 – Free time in Luxor
Today is free to spend as you wish, but if you’d like to dive deeper into Luxor’s ancient past, we can arrange for you to visit Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Karnak is often called the ‘temple of temples’ and with good reason. Built over more than 1,300 years, generations of pharaohs added to this vast complex, creating one of the most incredible religious sites of the ancient world. Enter through the famoys Avenue of Sphinxes and wander through towering gateways before reaching the highlight, the Great Hypostle Hall, where 130 giant columns rise above you, covered in detailed hieroglyphics. Look closely and you’ll still spot traces of the original colours on parts of the columns and ceilings. Next, you can head to Luxor Temple, beautifully located on the banks of the Nile. Once used for religious ceremonies and grand festivals, its walls are lined with intricate carvings telling stories of ancient rituals. Exploring these extraordinary sites with a guide brings Egypt’s fascinating history vividly to life.
Day 4 – Departure from Luxor
From Luxor, you can continue south to Aswan by train, traditional felucca sailboat or cruise along the Nile. While you’re there you could venture even further south to visit the incredible Abu Simbel. If you’re ready for some beach time you can easily head east to the Red Sea for unbelievable snorkelling among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. If Luxor is where your trip ends, then we can arrange a transfer to the airport.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Luxor - Sunrise hot air balloon experience
If you’d like to see Luxor from above and enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon flight, then it’s an early start (around 4am), when you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the launch site nearby. You’ll arrive in the pre-dawn darkness, and the atmosphere already feels magical. Across the field, giant balloons slowly come to life as bursts of orange flame light up the sky and crews prepare for take-off. You’ll be shown to your balloon, where you’ll climb into the basket and begin lifting into the air, just as the sun begins to rise over the desert and the Nile Valley. You will drift above temples, tombs and green farmland, with the vast landscapes of Luxor stretching out in every direction. This is one of Luxor’s most unique and memorable experiences
Luxor - Karnak and Luxor Temple tour
Alongside an English-speaking guide, you will explore two of Luxor’s most iconic ancient sites, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. At Karnak, prepare to feel very small as you wander through towering columns and giant statues that once formed the religious heart of ancient Egypt. Your guide will help bring the ruins to life, sharing stories about the pharaohs, gods and ceremonies that once took place here. Later, you’ll visit Luxor Temple, that sits in the centre of the city on the banks of the Nile. It’s a special experience to visit at sunset, when the atmosphere feels magical, as the warm light falls across the sandstone walls and Egypt’s ancient past feels surprisingly close.
Luxor - Felucca experience
A felucca ride on the Nile is a traditional Egyptian experience that’s ideal if you don’t have time for a longer overnight sailing trip. Boarding a traditional wooden felucca, you’ll sail from Luxor for around 2-3 hours, drifting along the Nile at a slower pace. These boats have been used on the Nile for centuries, once used to transport goods and people between villages long before roads connected the region.
As the sails catch the breeze, relax on comfortable cushions and watch everyday life unfold along the riverbanks. You’ll pass small farming villages on the West Bank, where farmers tend to their fields, buffalo cool off in the water and children wave and splash in the shallows. It’s a peaceful, local experience that shows you a different side to Egypt, away from the temples and tombs. After a few relaxing hours on the water, you’ll return to Luxor feeling refreshed with a different perspective on life along the Nile.
Luxor - Special stay accommodation
If you’re looking for somewhere a little extra special, then we have the perfect accommodation for you. Upgrade to a beautifully restored boutique hideaway on Luxor’s peaceful West Bank, where staying here feels like an experience in itself. Think palm-filled gardens, elegant courtyards, colourful interiors and individually designed rooms full of character and traditional Egyptian touches. What makes this place even more special is its connection to the local community. On site, you’ll find a number of workshops where skilled artisans from the nearby village create handmade pottery, textiles and traditional crafts, helping preserve local techniques while providing employment within the community.
After a day exploring temples and tombs, cool off in the large swimming pool, enjoy dinner prepared with ingredients grown in the garden or find a quiet corner to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink. The peaceful location and unique atmosphere make this the perfect place to slow the pace and add a special touch of luxury to your time in Luxor.