Luxor: Culture, Balloons & Shopping
The Old Winter Palace Luxor is a historic hotel and a lasting legacy from the golden age of Egyptology. Lord Carnavorn himself announced the discovery of King Tutankhamun by Howard Carter at Valley of the Kings from its very steps in 1922. Other famous residents include Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie who stayed here for inspiration to write her infamous novel ‘Death on the Nile’.
Today it’s a Sofitel and a five star resort which is makes a statement on the edge of the East Bank of the Nile.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
Getting around:
Tombs of the Nobles: The Tombs of the Nobles are an important archaeological site composed of more than 400 tombs. Some of them are open to the public and, since the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens receive all the focus when it comes to tombs, the Tombs of the Nobles don’t get the attention they deserve but, the truth is that their paintings and hieroglyphs are impressive and very well-preserved. The tombs that are open to the public are divided into groups of three, each group requiring a separate ticket. I chose the Tombs of Nakht, Menna & Amenemopet. Why? Because I was told that they had very colourful paintings.
The West Bank:
All right. First of all, you need to bear in mind that the West Bank is composed of 14 archaeological sites, plus the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, spread across a huge area. Visiting them on foot isn’t really an option, as several kilometers separate them. The only way to visit them is with a tour group (which sucks), by taxi (which is expensive) or by bicycle, which is the coolest option if you want to do it independently. I rented a bicycle from my hotel for only 30EGP a day ($1,80).
The Valley of the Kings:
When you visit Luxor, this will be one of the highlights of your trip, as the Valley of the Kings is where the greatest of the great pharaohs that ruled in the New Kingdom rest in peace. There is a total of 63 impressive tombs, each very different from each other. The entrance ticket allows you to visit three of them. Yeah, I know. Again, you need to choose. The tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI have separate tickets. Which tombs should you visit? One archaeologist recommended me to visit: Nerenptah, Ramses IV and Tuthmosis III and, of course, buying a separate ticket for Tutankhamun. The Valley of the Kings is, definitely, one of the best things to do in Luxor.
In the evening:
See the Light and Sound show at Karnak temple
Once the sun goes down, the sun kissed temples of the day truly come alive for you at night. The first time I ever saw Karnak temple was for their light and sound show which was an epic introduction.
Essentially, the show brings you back in time to where it all began. But, unlike other sound and light shows where you just sit and watch. You actually walk around the temple while it lights up and there’s a narration at each part! It’s so much cooler to see it this way.
​
See Luxor temple at night:
If you thought that Luxor temple wowed you in the day, then you HAVE to check it out at night. This sun kissed temple lights up once the sun goes down and is, in a word, magical!
I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m sure it’s busier in the evenings due to tour groups loving the cooler temperatures. But, it’s so dramatic against the night sky that you won’t mind!
Unfortunately, you can’t use the same ticket to go into the temple again. But at £120EGP (£6) it won’t break the bank and it’s a fun thing to occupy those evening hours.
The temple is open until 10pm. Luxor is safe at night to wander around by yourself, I walked here from my hotel alone with no issues. But, if you feel safer take a cab or a horse and carriage.
| | |
|---|---|---|
| | |
Luxor: Balloons, culture and shopping
Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
One of the most magical experiences I had was flying over Luxor in a hot air balloon at sunrise.
You can feast your eyes over Valley of the Kings, the temple of Hatshepsut, the Nile river, the local farmland, houses and even wave at people from their rooftops below! It was the most incredible time.
The good news is that it can be factored into the most tight of budgets. I paid $50USD and it was a steal. It’s one of the cheapest places to fly on in the world, so don’t miss it!
Always make sure you fly with a safe company. I flew with Magic Horizon Balloons and they are the biggest fleet in Luxor.
Some extra time on your Luxor Itinerary?
I’m sure that this ultimate Luxor itinerary should keep you occupied for three days, if not four if you would like to spread it out. But, there are plenty more things you can get up to in Luxor if you have extra time.
Abydos and Dendera are short road trips away from Luxor and will need another half day to explore by private taxi.
If you’re not heading over the Nile by cruise ship then the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo are easily accessible by train (there are stops for each) and are only a couple of hours away. Or, you can hire a private car.
Locally, there’s also the Mummification museum and Papyrus and Alabaster institutes where you can learn about the process. I bought a gorgeous Papyrus scroll from a local artisan. It was of the mural that was painted on the roof of Ramses V & VI in Valley of the Kings! I love it and hang it in my room.
Have fun exploring Luxor, the world’s largest open air museum!
