Luxor 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Thebes

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.
    • Visit Karnak Temple Complex: One of the largest religious buildings ever constructed, Karnak is a must-see. Spend around two hours here exploring its avenues of sphinxes and massive pillars.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to Luxor Temple: Just a short walk from Karnak, Luxor Temple is another impressive ancient site. Its structure has been beautifully preserved and enhanced by the nightly sound and light show (optional).

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner at Al Ayyam Wa Al Ana located in downtown Luxor. Try the Koshary, a popular local dish.

  • Overnight: Stay at a hotel in or near Luxor’s East Bank for easy access to sites and transport. Recommended: Sonesta St. George Luxor or Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor.

Day 2: Valley of the Kings & Valley of the Queens

  • Morning:

    • Have breakfast at your hotel.
    • Visit the Valley of the Kings: Buried here are many Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II. Choose a tomb to explore inside (extra cost).

  • Afternoon:

    • Next, head to the Valley of the Queens: A tranquil valley with tombs adorned with beautiful paintings and reliefs depicting mythological scenes. Don’t miss Queen Hatshepsut’s temple located nearby.

  • Evening:

    • For dinner, try Abu El Sid restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes along the Nile.

Day 3: West Bank & Departure

  • Morning:

    • After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Colossi of Memnon: Two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
    • Spend the rest of the morning at the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el Bahri): An impressive funerary temple built by one of Egypt’s most successful pharaohs.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have an early lunch in Luxor, then prepare for your departure. You can visit the Luxor Museum if time permits before leaving.

Transportation: Taxis or hired cars with drivers are common and affordable ways to get around Luxor. Consider buying a multi-day pass for the local buses if you prefer public transport.

Tips & Other Information:

  • Always have bottled water on hand, as temperatures can be high.
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during summer months.
  • Haggling is common in markets and when hiring services like horse carriages or camel rides.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites.
  • Egyptian Pounds (LE) are the official currency, but USD and some major credit cards are widely accepted.