View project
Experience the world's greatest open-air museum where magnificent temples, ancient tombs, and majestic monuments along the Nile River tell the story of one of history's most remarkable civilizations
View Travel PackagesDiscover our carefully designed journeys to experience the very best of Luxor's archaeological treasures, unique cultural experiences, and perfect combinations with other Egyptian destinations
Discover the magnificent monuments that make Luxor the world's greatest open-air museum, where thousands of years of ancient Egyptian civilization are preserved in stone
The largest religious building ever constructed, this vast temple complex was built and expanded over 1,500 years. The Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns is one of the most stunning architectural achievements of ancient Egypt, while the Sacred Lake and various temples within the complex showcase the incredible skills of ancient craftsmen.
Unlike other temples in Thebes, Luxor Temple is not dedicated to a cult god or a deified version of the pharaoh in death. Instead, it's dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship, possibly the place where kings were crowned. The temple is particularly spectacular at night when it's beautifully illuminated against the dark sky.
For nearly 500 years, this valley served as the burial ground for almost all pharaohs of the New Kingdom period. With over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun, the valley offers a glimpse into the elaborately decorated underground chambers where kings were laid to rest with their treasures for the afterlife.
This spectacular multi-terraced temple set against the backdrop of soaring limestone cliffs is dedicated to Egypt's most successful female pharaoh. The unique colonnaded design and relief sculptures make it one of ancient Egypt's most distinctive monuments and a testament to Hatshepsut's incredible legacy.
Luxor offers a wealth of unique experiences beyond its famous archaeological sites. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture, breathtaking landscapes, and living traditions of ancient Thebes.
Float silently above Luxor's West Bank as the sun rises, illuminating the ancient monuments below in golden light. This breathtaking aerial perspective provides a unique view of the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple, and the entire landscape of ancient Thebes as it comes alive with the morning light. The one-hour flight offers unparalleled photography opportunities and a profound appreciation for the scale and setting of these ancient wonders.
Read MoreExperience the timeless tranquility of the Nile aboard a traditional wooden felucca sailboat. As you glide silently past riverbanks lined with palm trees and ancient temples, you'll connect with the lifeblood of Egyptian civilization just as travelers have done for thousands of years. Watch local life unfold along the riverbanks and enjoy spectacular sunset views of Luxor Temple and Karnak from this peaceful vantage point on the water.
Read MoreAs darkness falls, Luxor's ancient temples come alive through dramatic sound and light shows that illuminate these magnificent structures while narration brings the stories of pharaohs to life. Watch as columns, statues, and hieroglyphics are highlighted in sequence, revealing the temple's secrets. Karnak Temple's evening performance is particularly memorable as you walk between illuminated sections while the voices of ancient gods and pharaohs echo through the vast complex.
Read MoreDiscover Luxor's living heritage through hands-on workshops with local artisans. Try your hand at traditional alabaster carving, learn the ancient art of papyrus making, or practice the techniques of hieroglyphic writing under the guidance of skilled craftspeople who carry on traditions thousands of years old. These interactive experiences provide insight into techniques that have remained largely unchanged since the time of the pharaohs.
Read MoreAuthentic experiences shared by travelers who used DoInEgypt to create their perfect Egyptian adventure
"We were so overwhelmed trying to plan our Egypt trip until we found DOINEGYPT. We honestly weren't sure about booking through a platform at first, but wow! Our guide Ahmed knew EVERYTHING about hieroglyphics - my husband kept trying to stump him with questions 😂. The best part? When our flight got delayed, we messaged through the app and they rearranged everything. No stress! Already planning to use them for Jordan next year."
"I was skeptical about the AI planner thing (I'm old school!), but my daughter convinced me to try it. I just typed that I love photography and local food, and it suggested this tiny family restaurant in Aswan I'd never have found otherwise. Their homemade koshari was INCREDIBLE. Our guide even helped me negotiate for a beautiful handcrafted shawl in the Nubian village. Not cheap, but worth every pound!"
"First time in Egypt with the kids (14 & 10) and we wanted beach time AND history. Almost gave up planning until finding DoInEgypt. The transfer from Hurghada to Luxor took longer than expected (Egyptian traffic!), but our driver was so patient and even stopped for snacks. My son still talks about the 'secret tomb' our guide showed us that wasn't on our official itinerary. Tip: pay extra for the private transportation, trust me!"
"After spending hours on TripAdvisor getting nowhere, I let DoInEgypt's system plan our family trip. My husband was NOT convinced about Dahab (he wanted fancy Sharm resorts), but it ended up being everyone's favorite part! The kids (12 & 16) absolutely LOVED the laid-back vibe. Our guide Mahmoud taught them Arabic phrases which they practiced everywhere. Not everything was perfect (our room AC struggled), but honestly it was the most relaxed I've felt on vacation in years."
"Traveling solo as a woman to Egypt made my mom super nervous, but DoInEgypt helped me feel secure from day one. My guide Fatima was like having a knowledgeable friend show me around - she even helped me dress appropriately for different sites. The night train from Cairo to Luxor was... an experience (bring earplugs!), but the compartment was clean and I felt safe. Had to change plans twice and they responded within minutes each time. My only regret? Not staying longer in Alexandria!"
"My wife's a serious diver and I'm... not. Was nervous about planning an Egypt trip we'd both enjoy. DoInEgypt suggested splitting our time between diving sites and historical tours. While she explored the Red Sea with their recommended dive master (she saw hammerheads!), I had a private tour of Luxor. When we mentioned our anniversary in a chat with customer service, we returned to our room to find a bottle of wine and local sweets waiting! Would've given 5 stars but the hotel Wi-Fi was spotty - not DoInEgypt's fault though."
"Instagram brought me to Egypt, but DoInEgypt took me beyond the pyramid selfies! As a photographer, I wanted unique shots, and their AI suggested Siwa Oasis. It was a LONG drive (bring snacks!), but absolutely worth it. My guide took me to this salt lake for sunset where the colors were unreal - got 500+ likes on that post! Had a minor issue with my hotel booking, but customer service sorted it within an hour. Pro tip: Get up for sunrise at the White Mountain - you'll thank me later!"
Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Luxor and planning your Egyptian journey
The ideal time to visit Luxor is from October to April when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm (70-80°F/21-27°C) rather than scorching hot. December and January are peak tourist months with the most comfortable weather. Summer (May-September) brings extreme heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F/38°C, making outdoor exploration challenging except in early morning or evening hours. If you visit during summer, choose accommodations with good air conditioning, drink plenty of water, and consider a Nile cruise which offers air-conditioned comfort between sightseeing. The advantage of summer visits is fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. Spring (February-April) offers a good balance of moderate weather and smaller crowds.
A minimum of 3 full days is recommended to experience Luxor's essential sites. This allows one day for the East Bank (Karnak and Luxor Temples), one day for the primary West Bank sites (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon), and a third day for either secondary sites or a more relaxed pace. History enthusiasts should consider 4-5 days to fully appreciate Luxor's archaeological wealth, including less-visited tombs and temples like Medinet Habu, the Ramesseum, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Many visitors also combine Luxor with Aswan (adding 2-3 days) for a comprehensive Upper Egypt experience. For the most in-depth experience, consider a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan which typically takes 3-4 days and includes guided visits to temples along the route.
Luxor offers several convenient transportation options. To cross between the East and West Banks, public ferries are inexpensive and frequent, while private water taxis offer a faster, more flexible alternative. On the East Bank, taxis are plentiful and affordable for getting between your hotel, temples, and downtown areas. For a more atmospheric experience, horse-drawn carriages (caleches) provide a traditional way to explore the East Bank, particularly beautiful at sunset. On the West Bank, taxis can be arranged, or many visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation between sites which are spread over a larger area. Bicycles can be rented for independent exploration, especially on the flatter East Bank. For the more adventurous, local minibuses (micro-buses) offer the cheapest option but can be challenging to navigate without Arabic language skills. Most hotels can arrange private drivers or taxis with negotiated half-day or full-day rates, which is often the most convenient option for visitors.
While not essential, hiring a qualified Egyptologist guide significantly enhances your experience at Luxor's monuments. The temples and tombs contain intricate reliefs, hieroglyphics, and architectural elements whose significance may not be apparent without expert interpretation. A knowledgeable guide brings ancient history to life, explaining the religious symbolism, historical context, and fascinating stories behind what you're seeing. Guides can also help navigate the extensive sites efficiently, pointing out highlights you might otherwise miss. At the Valley of the Kings, where only a selection of tombs is open on rotation, guides know which are most impressive on any given day. For budget travelers, consider hiring a guide for your first day to get oriented, then explore independently afterward, or join a small group tour to share costs. If you decide to explore without a guide, invest in a detailed guidebook or app. Licensed guides can be arranged through your hotel, reputable travel agencies, or at the entrance to major sites (though pre-booking is recommended during high season).
EN 
DE 
FR 
IT 
ZH