Luxor Egypt 2 Day Itinerary

Luxor in 48 Hours: A Two-Day Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on the key historical sites in Luxor. It’s designed for a traveler with 2 full days in Luxor who wants to experience the ancient wonders of Egypt.

Accommodation:

  • For this itinerary, we’ll assume you are staying near the city center for easy access to attractions and transportation.
  • Recommended: Consider boutique hotels or guesthouses in the heart of Luxor like:
    • Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor: Luxurious option with a rich history.
    • Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: Offers stunning views and Nile access.
    • Pyramisa Isis Island Luxor: Located on an island in the Nile, great for a unique experience.

Day 1: Exploring the West Bank

  • Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm):

    • Travel: Hire a taxi or take an Uber to the West Bank (taxi drivers are readily available near the hotels).

    • Activities:

      • Valley of the Kings: Start your day exploring this fascinating valley, the final resting place for many pharaohs. Visit the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, and other notable rulers.

  • Lunch (12:00 pm - 1:00 pm): Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal at a local restaurant like El-Medina Restaurant (known for its delicious grilled meats) or The Lantern Restaurant (delicious vegetarian options).

  • Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm):

    • Valley of the Queens: Explore the tombs of lesser-known queens and princesses.
    • Temple of Hatshepsut: Visit this unique temple with its terraced design and impressive architecture.

Day 2: Temples and Culture

  • Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm):

    • Luxor Temple: Enjoy the grandeur of this ancient temple, admiring its towering columns, colossal statues, and intricate reliefs.

    • Hotel Pool/Relaxation: Spend the morning leisurely enjoying your hotel amenities.

    • Shopping: Explore the local markets in Luxor, such as the Souk Market or the Luxor Bazaar, for unique souvenirs, spices, jewelry, and textiles. Be prepared to haggle!

  • Afternoon (1:00 pm - 5:00 pm):

    • Visit a local shop: Explore the Luxor Temple: (Consider asking your guide to take you to a local shop for a chance to buy souvenirs from artisans, not vendors. This will allow you to see craftsmanship firsthand and potentially get a better price.)
    • Temple of Luxor:

  • Evening (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm):

    • Enjoy the sunset at the Temple of Luxor: This iconic temple offers stunning views of the Nile during sunset. It’s a popular time for tourists, so expect some crowds.

  • Morning (9:00 am - 12:00 pm):

    • Explore the markets and enjoy a traditional meal: Consider taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare Egyptian dishes like kushari, ful medames, or feteer meshaltet (Egyptian puff pastry).

Things to Know:

  • Best time to visit: Luxor enjoys warm weather year-round, but the ideal time for visiting is during the cooler months from October to April.
  • Currency: The Egyptian currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It’s best to exchange currency at banks or official exchange bureaus in the city.

Things to Consider:

  • Weather: Be prepared for hot and dry weather, especially if you are traveling during the summer months.
  • Safety: While Luxor is generally safe for tourists, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Luxor Temple Museum: This museum houses artifacts found at the temple complex, including a fascinating collection of statues and reliefs.
  • Karnak Sound and Light Show: Witness the magic of ancient history come alive with this spectacular evening show that illuminates the temples of Karnak.
  • The Valley of the Kings Museum: Explore the history of the pharaohs through the ages and learn about their lives and times.
  • Luxor Museum:

Things to Consider (continued):

  • Travel: This itinerary assumes you’re comfortable with the heat and are using a taxi or taxi driver recommendation for transportation.
  • Safety: It’s always a good idea to research safe and reputable tour companies or guides before your trip.

Day 1: Exploring the West Bank (continued)

  • Luxor Temple: This magnificent temple complex is worth exploring in its own right, but you can also skip the crowds and enjoy it in the evening with a magical experience.
  • Temple of Luxor: The sound and light show at the Temple of Karnak (not the other way around!) is a breathtaking spectacle that brings ancient history to life.

Food & Drink Recommendations:

  • Sofra Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine in a traditional setting. They serve delicious Egyptian dishes like koshari, falafel, and ful medames.
  • El-Lakka Restaurant: This charming restaurant is known for its fresh juices, smoothies, and fruit platters.
  • Sofitel Hotel:

Day 2: Exploring the West Bank (continued)

  • Visit a local market: Experience the vibrant culture of Luxor’s souks, where you can find everything from spices and souvenirs to traditional clothing and crafts. Try to visit the Luxor Bazaar for an evening of shopping and exploring.

Things To Do:

  • Temple of Karnak:

A Note on Safety:

  • The West Bank is a popular tourist destination, but it’s important to remember that you are in a new culture with different norms.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night.
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like temples.

**Day 2:

Things to Know:

  • Clothing: It’s best to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This is respectful when visiting religious sites and will help you stay comfortable in the hot weather.
  • Travel: Remember to negotiate prices at local markets! It’s part of the experience.

Here are some other things you might enjoy during your trip to Luxor:

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience a breathtaking sunrise view of the ancient temples and tombs from above.
  • Felucca ride on the Nile: Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (felucca).

Other Things To Do: * Luxor Temple Hot Air Balloon Ride:

  • Explore the Valley of the Kings: Visit other nearby attractions like the Temple of Karnak, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.

Exploring the West Bank:

  • Visit the Karnak Temple Complex: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the Nile.
  • Explore the Temple of Dendur: Experience the ancient Egyptian way of life with a visit to a traditional village and enjoy the hospitality of local families.

Things To Do (continued)

  • Visit the Luxor Museum: Discover fascinating artifacts from the ancient pharaohs and learn about their lives and times.

Safety:

  • The West Bank is often crowded, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season.

Food & Drink:

  • Enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal: Try delicious local dishes like koshari, ful medames, and fata. These are all staples of Egyptian cuisine that you can find at most restaurants and street food stalls.
  • Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water in the hot weather, especially if you are visiting the ancient temples.

Things To Do (continued):

  • Enjoy a Nile cruise: Many companies offer cruises along the Nile that include stops at various historical sites, including the Valley of the Kings.

Visit the Luxor Museum: This is a great way to learn about the history of the region and the ancient Egyptians who built them.

Travel Tips:

  • Nile River Cruise: Take advantage of the chance to see the tombs up close, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and experience the beauty of the Nile in the evening.
  • Consider a tour of the temple: This will allow you to learn about the history of the site from an expert guide.

Other Tips:

  • Visit the Luxor Temple Museum: The temple has its own museum on the west bank where you can see artifacts from the ancient world.
  • Stay safe while traveling: Remember that the temples are a popular tourist destination and it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.

Remember:

  • Book a tour in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly, they are a popular destination for tourists.
  • Stay safe: Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings when visiting the markets.

Bargaining Tips:

  • Be polite but firm: Remember that bargaining is expected.

  • Start low and work your way up: It’s common to offer 50% or less of the initial price.

  • Walk away if you are not happy with the price:

Other Activities:

  • Visit the Luxor Temple: The Temple of Hatshepsut, a temple dedicated to the female pharaoh, is a beautiful example of ancient Egyptian architecture.