How to Plan Your Day Tour to Luxor East and West Banks

Overview

Luxor, known as the world’s largest open-air museum, is a charming city on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt. If you are a history buff or just want to experience the extensive history and culture of Egypt, then a day tour to Luxor’s East and West Banks is a must-do activity. This tour will take you to some of Luxor’s most famous and iconic landmarks, including the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Karnak Temple.

What’s Included

This private tour includes pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in Luxor, transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle, a private English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide, admission ticket to all sites, and tips. Anything not explicitly mentioned in the tour is not included.

Meeting and Pick Up

Your tour will start with a pick-up time of 7:30 AM. If you are staying at Nile Cruises in Luxor, then we will pick you up from your hotel. Please select the pickup point when booking your tour.

What to Expect

1. Valley of the Kings – You will first visit the Valley of the Kings, home to over 60 tombs of pharaohs and nobleman, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. Here, you will have the chance to explore the tombs of some of the most iconic pharaohs in Egyptian history with the help of an expert Egyptologist guide. 2. Temple of Hatshepsut – After the Valley of the Kings, you will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, a mortuary temple dedicated to the only female pharaoh to rule Egypt. This temple boasts a unique design, with terraces and colonnades cut into the rock cliff. 3. Colossi of Memnon – Next, you will visit the Colossi of Memnon, two magnificent, giant statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III. These statues are the only remaining pieces of a once grandiose mortuary temple. 4. Karnak Temple – Your tour will end with a visit to the Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the world. This temple was constructed in several periods, spanning different rulers, and boasts a breathtaking collection of temples, chapels, and statues.

Additional Info

Confirmation of your booking will be received at the time of booking. This tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can sit on laps or rent infant seats if available. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Most travelers can participate.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time or do not show up, then no refund will be issued.

Book the Tour Here

If you’re planning a trip to Luxor and want to experience the rich history and culture of ancient Egypt, then don’t miss out on the Day Tour to Luxor East and West Banks. You can book the tour now at https://www.viator.com/tours/Luxor/Day-Tour-to-Luxor-East-and-West-Banks/d826-10719P59?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383.

FAQs About Luxor

Luxor is a beautiful and historic city located in Egypt. With many ancient temples, tombs and museums, Luxor is a popular tourist destination. Here are some frequently asked questions about Luxor:

1. What is Luxor?

Luxor is a city located in Upper Egypt, which was formerly known as Thebes. It is located on the east bank of the Nile River and is considered one of the greatest open-air museums in the world.

2. What is the best time to visit Luxor?

The best time to visit Luxor is during the winter months, from November to February, when the temperatures are much cooler than the rest of the year. It is also less crowded during this time. The summer months, from June to August, can be extremely hot with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius.

3. What are the top tourist attractions in Luxor?

Luxor has many famous attractions that draw millions of tourists each year. Some of the top tourist attractions in Luxor include:

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple complex is a vast open-air museum and one of the most important religious and historic sites in Luxor. It was built over a period of 1,500 years and is dedicated to the worship of the god Amun.

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and is located on the west bank of the Nile River. It contains many tombs and chambers, including the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun.

Temple of Hatshepsut

The Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as the Djeser-Djeseru, is a temple dedicated to the Pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is situated beneath the cliffs at Deir el Bahari and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.

Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River and was built around 1400 BC. It is dedicated to the god Amun and is also considered one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt.

4. What is the currency used in Luxor?

The currency used in Luxor is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It is recommended to carry some cash with you as not all places will accept credit cards or foreign currency. It is also advisable to exchange your money at a bank or authorized currency exchange rather than on the street.

5. What is the language spoken in Luxor?

The official language spoken in Luxor is Arabic. However, many people in the tourism industry also speak English and other languages such as French and German.

6. What is the food like in Luxor?

The food in Luxor is varied and delicious. Traditional foods include koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, macaroni and chickpeas, and kebab skewers. Egyptian bread, also known as baladi bread, is a staple and served with most meals. You can also find international cuisine in Luxor such as Italian and Indian.

7. Is Luxor safe for tourists?

Luxor is considered a safe place for tourists, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions. It is recommended to avoid crowded areas and to always use a licensed tour guide. It is also recommended to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites.

8. How do I get to Luxor?

Luxor has an international airport that serves flights from various destinations around the world. You can also get to Luxor by train from various cities in Egypt, or by bus.

9. Can I take photographs in Luxor?

Photography is allowed in most tourist attractions in Luxor, but it is important to check before taking photographs in religious sites. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and ask before taking photographs of people.

10. What should I wear when visiting Luxor?

It is recommended to dress conservatively when visiting Luxor, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants, while men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts. It is also important to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved when visiting tourist attractions.

Book Your Tour Now

Luxor is a historic and beautiful city with many famous tourist attractions. It is important to plan your trip carefully, be aware of your surroundings, and take precautions. With its rich history, delicious food, and friendly people, Luxor is a destination worth visiting.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Luxor

Luxor, also known as the “world’s greatest open-air museum”, is an ancient city located on the east bank of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to explore its numerous temples, tombs, and other historic sites. If you’re planning to visit Luxor, here’s a guide on how to make the most out of your time there:

1. Visit the Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile River and consists of several tombs of pharaohs and powerful nobles from the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt. The most famous tomb in the valley is that of Tutankhamun, which was discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Be prepared to pay admission fees for each tomb you want to see, but it’s worth it to see the colorful hieroglyphics and intricate carvings that line the tunnels and burial chambers.

2. Explore the Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple located in the north of Luxor and was built over several centuries by different pharaohs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest religious sites in the world, covering over 100 hectares. The complex consists of several temples, pylons, and obelisks, with the main temple being the Temple of Amun.

2.1. Admire the Great Hypostyle Hall

The Great Hypostyle Hall is the most impressive feature of the Karnak Temple Complex, with 134 massive columns that are over 70 feet tall. The columns are covered in carvings that depict ancient battles, religious ceremonies, and other scenes from ancient Egyptian life.

2.2. See the Sacred Lake

The Sacred Lake is an artificially-made lake located within the Karnak Temple Complex. In ancient times, it was used for purification rituals and was believed to be a representation of the primeval ocean that the ancient Egyptians believed their world emerged from. Take a stroll around the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

3. Visit the Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is located on the east bank of the Nile River and was built during the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt. It was dedicated to the god Amun and was used for religious festivals and ceremonies. The temple is known for its enormous statues of the pharaoh Ramses II, which flank the entrance.

3.1. Look for the Colonnade of Amenhotep III

The Colonnade of Amenhotep III is a long line of columns that is one of the most impressive features of the Luxor Temple. The columns are intricately carved with hieroglyphics and depict scenes of ancient Egyptian life.

3.2. Admire the Obelisk of Ramses II

The Obelisk of Ramses II is a towering obelisk that stands over 80 feet tall and is made of a single piece of red granite. It was originally erected in front of the Luxor Temple along with another obelisk, but the second obelisk was gifted to France in the 19th century and now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

4. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the West Bank

For a unique and breathtaking view of the historic sites of Luxor, take a hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile River. You’ll be able to see the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple Complex, and other sites from above, as well as the beautiful Nile River and the surrounding desert landscape.

5. Shop at the Luxor Bazaar

For a taste of modern Luxor, head to the Luxor Bazaar, located in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and other goods. Be prepared to haggle with the shopkeepers to get the best price.

6. Enjoy a Felucca Ride on the Nile River

A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat that has been used on the Nile River for centuries. Take a peaceful and relaxing ride on a felucca and enjoy the views of the ancient temples and tombs from the water. You can also take a sunset or sunrise ride for an even more magical experience.

Book Your Tour Now

In conclusion, there is no shortage of things to see and do in Luxor. From exploring ancient temples and tombs to shopping at modern bazaars and enjoying a hot air balloon ride, there’s something for everyone in this historic and fascinating city. Make sure to plan your visit ahead of time and wear comfortable clothing and shoes as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Enjoy your trip to Luxor!