Luxor 5 Day Itinerary

Luxor 5-Day Itinerary: Exploring Ancient Egypt

Day 1: Arrival & East Bank

  • Arrive at Luxor International Airport and transfer to your hotel (recommended: Sofitel Winter Palace or Sonesta St. George).
  • After settling in, visit the Karnak Temple Complex. This is one of the largest religious buildings ever built, spanning over 2000 years of Egyptian history.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant like Al Sufi or Abydos Restaurant for authentic Egyptian dishes.
  • In the afternoon, explore the Luxor Temple, beautifully lit up during nighttime.
  • Evening at leisure to rest or explore Luxor’s bustling bazaars (Sharia al-Khan) for souvenirs.

Day 2: West Bank

  • Early morning visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. Buried here are many Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun and Ramses II.
  • Continue to Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el Bahri) – a stunning example of Ancient Egyptian architecture dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut.
  • Lunch at the Nile View Garden Restaurant or similar, offering panoramic views over the Valley of the Kings.
  • After lunch, visit the Colossi of Memnon – two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III.
  • Optional: Take a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank for breathtaking views (pre-booking required).

Day 3: East & West Bank Combination

  • Spend the morning at the Temple of Hatshepsut Workshop, which was used as a quarry during Roman times.
  • For lunch, head to a riverside restaurant like Papy’s or Dar Nubia for traditional Egyptian cuisine with stunning views of the Nile.
  • Afternoon visit to the Luxor Museum – home to various artifacts from Luxor and Thebes.
  • In the evening, enjoy a sunset felucca ride on the Nile. This traditional sailboat offers a relaxing way to experience the beauty of the river.

Day 4: Day Trip to Edfu & Esna

  • Travel by train or private car to Edfu and visit the Edfu Temple, dedicated to the god Horus.
  • Lunch in Edfu at a local restaurant.
  • Continue to Esna and board a Nile cruise boat (if you’re opting for a multi-day Nile cruise). Alternatively, return to Luxor for dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 5: Relax & Departure

  • Spend the morning exploring more of Luxor’s bazaars and landmarks that you might have missed during your stay.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant before checking out and transferring to Luxor International Airport for your departure flight.

Tips:

  • Book tickets for popular sites in advance to avoid queues.
  • Bargain when shopping in the bazaars.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples.
  • Stay hydrated – it can get very hot in Luxor!
  • Consider hiring a guide for a more enriching experience.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available, or you can rent a car with a driver.
  • A multi-day Nile cruise is an excellent way to explore the West Bank and travel between Edfu and Esna.
  • Trains run regularly from Luxor to Edfu and back.