How to Plan Your 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo

Are you planning a trip to Egypt? If yes, then adding a 5 days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo to your itinerary is a must-do. This tour will take you on a mesmerizing journey to the southern part of Egypt, where you will be able to explore the ancient city of Luxor and the iconic archaeological site of Abu Simbel. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to plan your 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo.

Overview

The 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo is a private tour that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the beauty and grandeur of ancient Egypt. You will visit the famous Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. In Aswan, you will see the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, and the High Dam. Below are some more details about the tour.

What’s Included

• Private, air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
• Professional and knowledgeable tour guide
• 2 nights accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Cairo
• 1 night accommodation at a 5-star hotel in Aswan
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
• Tipping

Meeting and Pickup

You will meet your tour guide at the Cairo International Airport, where they will be waiting for you with a logo. The tour starts at 7:00 AM and ends at 11:00 PM. This is a private tour, which means only your group will participate in the tour.

What to Expect

During this 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo, you can expect to visit some of the most iconic and fascinating historical sites in Egypt. These include the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor, as well as the Abu Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, and the High Dam in Aswan. You will also get to enjoy the comfort and luxury of 5-star accommodations and enjoy delicious meals throughout the tour.

Additional Info

Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance of the start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Book the Tour Here

To book your 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo, visit this website today.

Conclusion

Egypt is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, and the 5 Days Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo is an excellent way to discover its beauty and rich history. We hope that this guide has helped you plan your trip to Egypt and that you have an unforgettable experience on your tour.

Insider’s Guide to Luxor, Egypt

Luxor, also known as Thebes, is situated in the southern part of Egypt, and it is famous for its ancient Egyptian ruins, tombs, and temples that date back more than 4,000 years. From the remains of the glorious Karnak temple complex to the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, Luxor has something for every history buff, culture lover, and curious traveler. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this insider’s guide will help you plan an unforgettable and rewarding trip to Luxor.

Local Attractions

Luxor is a treasury of sightseeing spots that offer an insight into ancient Egyptian history, civilization, and mythology. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

– Karnak Temple Complex: This vast open-air museum, covering 2 square kilometers, comprises multiple temples, halls, chapels, and obelisks that were built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs and their representatives. The main temple is dedicated to Amun, the chief god of ancient Egypt, and it features the Great Hypostyle Hall, with 134 gigantic columns that resemble a forest of stone.

– Valley of the Kings: This is where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th-11th centuries BC) were buried in elaborate tombs that were adorned with colorful frescoes, hieroglyphics, and treasures. The most famous tomb is that of Tutankhamun, which was discovered almost intact in 1922 by Howard Carter. Keep in mind that only a few tombs are open to the public, and you need to buy separate tickets for each.

– Luxor Temple: This temple, located in the heart of modern Luxor, was built by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II, and it served as a center for the annual Opet Festival, which celebrated the rebirth of the god Amun. The temple is notable for its imposing colonnade, the statue of Ramses II, and the mosque of Abu Haggag that was built on top of it.

– Colossi of Memnon: These two giant statues of Amenhotep III, each measuring 18 meters high, are the only remaining parts of a mortuary temple that once stood in front of them. According to Greek mythology, the statues emitted a mournful sound at dawn, which was interpreted as the voice of Memnon, the son of the goddess Eos.

Dining Spots

Egyptian cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African influences, and it offers a rich array of flavors, textures, and spices. Here are some of the best dining spots in Luxor to savor the local specialties:

– Sofra Restaurant: This cozy eatery, located near the Luxor Temple, serves delicious Egyptian dishes such as koshari, a vegetarian mix of pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas, and pigeon with rice, a traditional delicacy. The decor is colorful and eclectic, with murals, lanterns, and embroidered cushions.

– Aboudi Egyptian Food Restaurant: This hidden gem, tucked away in a quiet alley, offers a homely atmosphere and generous portions of grilled meats, kebabs, stuffed vegetables, and salads. The owner, Aboudi, is friendly and knowledgeable, and he can recommend the best dishes and drinks.

– Luxor Cafe: This rooftop cafe, overlooking the Nile, is an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and enjoy some coffee, tea, or fresh juice. The menu includes light snacks, sandwiches, and cakes, and the view is mesmerizing, especially at sunset.

Cultural Experiences

Luxor is not only a living museum of ancient Egypt but also a vibrant hub of modern Egyptian culture and traditions. Here are some of the cultural experiences you can have in Luxor:

– Felucca Ride: This is a traditional wooden sailing boat that has been used for centuries to navigate the Nile river. You can hire a felucca for a few hours and enjoy a leisurely cruise while admiring the lush greenery, the local fishermen, and the distant mountains. You can also have a picnic or a barbecue on board or stop at a riverside village and interact with the locals.

– Nubian Village Visit: The Nubians are an ethnic group that originated in the Nile valley and have a distinct culture, language, and architecture. You can take a day trip to a Nubian village near Luxor, such as Gharb Soheil, and meet the friendly inhabitants, taste their food, listen to their music, and shop for souvenirs. You can also learn about their customs, such as henna painting, basket weaving, and camel riding.

– Sound and Light Show: This is a multimedia spectacle that takes place at night in Karnak temple and features a combination of lights, music, and narration that tell the stories of the pharaohs, the gods, and the myths. The show lasts for about an hour, and it is available in several languages. You can buy tickets in advance or on site.

Local History

Luxor has a long and fascinating history that spans over 7,000 years and has been shaped by dynasties, wars, conquests, and religions. Here are some of the key historical events and periods that left their imprint on Luxor:

– Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BC): This was the era of the pyramids, when the pharaohs of the Fourth and Fifth dynasties built massive tombs and temples in Memphis, Dahshur, and Saqqara. Luxor was a small settlement at the time and had no significant monuments except for a rocky outcrop that was later transformed into the Hatshepsut temple.

– Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BC): This was a period of political stability and cultural achievements, when pharaohs such as Mentuhotep II and Senusret III enlarged the temple of Karnak and erected new shrines, obelisks, and statues. Luxor became a pilgrimage site for the followers of Amun and Mut.

– New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC): This was the golden age of Luxor, when the pharaohs of the 18th to the 20th dynasties built some of the most impressive and memorable monuments, such as the mortuary temples of Hatshepsut, Ramses III, and Amenhotep III, the Ramesseum, the Medinet Habu, and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor was the political and religious capital of Egypt and a bustling metropolis that attracted traders, artists, and scholars from all over the known world.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Luxor has some hidden gems and lesser-known attractions that are worth discovering if you have the time and the curiosity. Here are some ideas:

– Luxor Museum: This modern and well-curated museum, located near the Luxor temple, showcases a collection of artifacts from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, including statues, reliefs, mummies, and funerary objects. The highlight is the gallery of the treasures of Tutankhamun, which features the golden mask, the throne, and the jewelry of the young pharaoh.

– Habiba Organic Farm: This is an eco-friendly farm that produces organic crops, herbs, and fruits and offers cooking classes, workshops, and tours. You can learn how to make Egyptian dishes such as falafel, baba ghanoush, and molokhia using fresh ingredients and traditional methods. You can also pick your own herbs and vegetables and enjoy a picnic under the palm trees.

– Luxor Street Art: This is a burgeoning scene of murals, graffiti, and installations that adorn the walls, doors, and alleys of the city and reflect the social, political, and artistic trends of contemporary Egypt. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own and discover some hidden gems that showcase the creativity and diversity of Luxor’s youth.

In conclusion, Luxor is a destination that combines history, culture, and adventure in a unique and captivating way. By following this insider’s guide, you can plan a 5-day tour that covers the main attractions, the local food scene, the cultural experiences, the local history, and the off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and respect the local customs and traditions. Bon voyage!