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Step back in time and explore the ancient temples of Luxor in Egypt. A four-hour drive from Hurghada, the grandeur city of Luxor is a great spot to travel to for a day trip with the whole family. Known as the world's best open-air museum, nothing comes close to Egypt's greatest temple complex. Perched on the site of ancient Thebes, roam the city and discover architectural monuments that have stood the test of time.
Travelling to Luxor
With so much to see, it's worth taking a full day to see all of Luxor. Before setting off for the day, consider the weather as it's usually scorching. So, light clothes paired with comfy shoes and plenty of suncreams' in order.
Book your excursion to Luxor ahead of your trip and be ready in the morning for an air-conditioned coach to pick you up. If you're lucky, you'll get a window seat. Along the way, peer out at the breathtaking sights along the Nile River Valley.
When you arrive at Luxor, you'll meet your qualified English-speaking tour guide. Next, you'll wandering through its temples as the hot sun beams down, just as it did back when Pharaohs ruled.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Before entering the Valley of the Kings, take time to tour the Hatshepsut Temple. Set in a unique half circle of limestone cliffs, this memorial temple is a sight to behold. Dedicated to the only female pharaoh of ancient Egypt who posed as a male to gain the throne, the Temple of Hatshepsut is made up of three levels. Inside, take time to explore each of the courtyards and chapels.
Each of them were built for the gods including the Anubis chapel and the Sanctuary of Amun. Head to the third level of the temple to see statues of Horus in falcon form as well as dual rows of impressive columns. As you walk through the temple, it's easy to picture the grand sphinx statues that once lined the dusty 100-foot causeway back when Hatshepsut ruled the kingdom.
Discover the Valley of the Kings
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Valley of the Kings, is an ancient burial site on the west bank of the Nile. Discover 63 magnificent royal tombs of Egyptian kings and pharaohs as you make your way through the 'gateway to the afterlife'.
Make sure you don't miss a tour of the hidden underground tombs, where you'll come across even more ancient artefacts. You'll know you're in the presence of royalty when you stumble across one of the most famous tombs in the world: the tomb of King Tutankhamun. This lavish tomb was found with golden masks. However, many of the original treasurers are long gone, taken by archaeologists and even tomb robbers who raided the grounds of Luxor Egypt before anyone could stop them.
Before you leave, hop on the small train ride to the impressive visitor's centre. Here, you'll find lots of extra information about the Valley of the Kings and the identities of the mummified remains that can be seen there.
Wander through Karnak Temple
Discover where the ancient Egyptians worshipped their gods and pharaohs with a visit to the spectacular Karnak Temple. Made up of complex pylons, obelisks, kiosks and sanctuaries, this grand temple is one of the largest places of worship ever built.
If you want to see everything, you better prepare for a long walk as the site covers over two square kilometres. In the centre, you'll find the Temple of Amun. It was here that people believed to be the home of their local god. When you step inside the temple, gaze up at the hieroglyphics that line the inner walls and columns.
Luxor Temple
You'll really feel like you're in ancient Egypt when you make your way down the Avenue of the Sphinx. On either side of you, you'll find countless statues that stretch across three-kilometres. The pathway joins the Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple, which makes it easy for you to find your way to your next destination.
Luxor Museum
Although you can see a lot of amazing things in each of the temples and monuments, you'll be able to get up close and personal to ancient antiquities at the Luxor Museum. Marvel at masterpieces and statues of ancient pharaohs, royal mummies and treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb.
When the sun begins to set, and it's time to head back to your hotel, the same coach will arrive to take you there. If you're exhausted after a long day of sightseeing, you can even enjoy a short nap before you get back to your hotel.
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