W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
L U X O R
P L A N N I N G
Luxor is a compact but richly layered city, offering plenty to explore within its bounds and across the Nile’s east and west banks. Traffic and weather can influence your experience, so having an expert guide with you to plan your days with proximity and flow in mind is essential.
The best times to visit are during Egypt’s cooler months, from October to April, when the heat is manageable, especially for visiting open-air monuments like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings which can be unbearably hot during summer.
Staying on the east bank near the Nile, such as in Zamalek or at the iconic Winter Palace Hotel, ensures easy access to Luxor’s highlights.
Our guides can of course make a huge difference—and this truly counts throughout your time in Egypt—offering life-changing insight into the symbolism, history, and engineering marvels of these wonders.
And also: don't underestimate how much help an outstanding guide can be in a place like Egypt in terms of skipping through queues, managing tickets, managing transport, and generally just greasing the wheels a bit here and there.
The Winter Palace itself is in the author’s opinion well worth visiting Luxur for all on its own (yes, probably this is an insane proposition, but hear us out), evoking the grandeur of a bygone era, and makes for an enchanting spot for a drink or dinner, even if you’re not staying there.
Suggestion: bring your linen suit and panama hat to get the full effect.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Karnak Temple: Open from early morning to sunset, this vast complex rewards a visit in the cooler hours.
Luxor Temple: Best experienced in the evening when it is dramatically lit, creating an atmosphere perfect for contemplation or photography.
Valley of the Kings: The general ticket allows access to three tombs, but entry to the Tomb of Tutankhamun or Seti I requires additional tickets, which sell out quickly. Book online or through your guide to ensure access.
Valley of the Queens: Admission includes several tombs, but do plan ahead to secure tickets for the breathtaking tomb of Queen Nefertari.
Luxor Museum: Often quieter than other attractions, this is a perfect spot for an afternoon escape into the cool interiors and a curated collection of artifacts from Luxor’s storied past.
Medinet Habu: A hidden gem that often flies under the radar, this mortuary temple offers a rare opportunity to explore vibrant, well-preserved carvings in relative peace.
Reservations are also recommended for meals at the Winter Palace and for any guided tours, especially during peak travel months.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Temples & Twilight
Morning: Start your journey at the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast and awe-inspiring site that was a centerpiece of ancient Thebes. Wander through its towering columns and sacred lake, and let your guide bring the history and rituals to life.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch by the Nile, perhaps at one of the charming riverside restaurants with a view of passing feluccas.
Afternoon: Head to the Luxor Museum, where you can marvel at its well-curated collection, including the cache of mummies and beautifully preserved statues.
Evening: End your day at Luxor Temple, which is particularly magical at night when illuminated against the darkening sky.
Dinner: Make your way to the Winter Palace, where you can unwind with a sophisticated dinner or a proper nightcap while revelling in the slightly-faded glow of old-world 19th-century elegance. The service is outstanding, the cooking impressive enough in context.
DAY II
Western Wonders | Kings, Architecture, and Spices
Morning: Cross the Nile to explore the Valley of the Kings. Be sure to include the Tomb of Tutankhamun in your visit for a glimpse into the boy king’s brief but iconic legacy. It's not the most spectacular of them, but the allure of the story and the associated treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo make this an essential.
Midday: Pause for a refreshing lunch before continuing your journey.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel nestled against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Finish up with a quiet visit to Medinet Habu, a lesser-known yet equally stunning temple complex.
Evening: Return to the east bank for a casual dinner and perhaps a stroll through the Luxor Souk for some light spice shopping or cultural immersion.
DAY III
Queens & Collosi
Morning: Dedicate your morning to the Valley of the Queens, with its standout attraction, the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, often called the Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt for its stunningly vivid artwork.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading back into the heart of Luxor.
Afternoon: Explore the Colossi of Memnon, where your guide can tell you the fascinating history of these towering statues that have stood sentinel for millennia.
Evening: Wrap up your stay with a sunset felucca ride on the Nile. Return to the Winter Palace for a final toast to Luxor and everything you've seen, learned, and experienced.
Probably this is the point where you'll be boarding a cruise on the Nile, unless of course you potentially were on one of the spectacular specialty cruises – the S.S. Sudan comes to mind here, that typically run from Aswad and end in Luxor.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
