Luxor

Overview

Luxor was the most important religious centre of ancient Egypt, and the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple are treasures of pharaonic civilisation.

History

Luxor, known in antiquity as Thebes, was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom, roughly 1550 to 1070 BC, and remained important for centuries. Karnak Temple was expanded over more than 2,000 years with at least 30 pharaohs contributing. The Valley of the Kings holds the lavish tombs of Tutankhamun and other rulers. The city's monuments were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1979, and much remains to be excavated.

Highlights

• •The vast temple complex of Karnak
• •The tomb of Tutankhamun and its legendary golden mask
• •The evening sound and light show at Luxor Temple
• •Sunrise and sunset over the Nile
• •The monumental mortuary temple of Hatshepsut

Practical tips

• •A hot-air balloon over the Valley of the Kings is excellent value
• •Summer is extremely hot, so autumn and winter are preferable

Practical information

Best time

October to April

Tickets

Karnak about EGP 200; Valley of the Kings about EGP 200, excluding Tutankhamun's tomb

Opening hours

6:00 to 18:00

Local food

Kebab, molokhia soup and Egyptian bread

Getting around

The east and west banks are linked by ferry and taxi; balloon flights leave at dawn

Visa

A visa on arrival or an e-visa applied for in advance is available. Visa on arrival requires a passport valid for at least six months, with hotel and itinerary documents available for inspection.

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