
Karnak
Luxor: 5 Day Itinerary
On the Nile River in Egypt lies Luxor, sometimes referred to as the biggest outdoor museum in the world. Reknowned for its unmatched archeological legacy, this ancient city was originally the pharaonic capital of Thebes. Highlights are the magnificent Temple of Karnak, the mysterious Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, where the pharaohs' tombs—among them Tutankhamun's—invite investigation into Egypt's mysterious and rich history. Additionally on our luxury five-day itinerary are stops in Luxor, Abu Simbel, and Aswan.
Luxe Luxor Absolute Musts
Karnak Temple - ancient Egypt's largest religious complex, rich in history and grandeur.
Abu Simbel - iconic Egyptian temples, monumental statues of Ramses II, marvels of ancient engineering and art.
Hot Air Balloon - breathtaking sunrise views of ancient temples and the Nile.
Luxe Luxor Itinerary & Map
Navigate your way through Luxor with our recommended itinerary and map. View Google Maps with color-coded areas in interactive mode and access our scheduled list of spots.
Map Key
Daily Plan Summary
Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Stay
Day 1
Explore
Karnak
Visit
Luxor Temple
Explore
Avenue of Sphinxes
Visit
Luxor Museum
Visit
Sound & Light
Day 2
Visit
KV9 Ramses V & VI
Explore
KV62 - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Visit
Tomb of Seti I (KV17)
Visit
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Explore
QV66 Tomb of Nefertari
Explore
Temple d'Amon (Médinet Habou)
Visit
Colossi of Memnon
Explore
Ramesseum
Day 3
Visit
Dendera Temple of the Birth of Isis
Stay
Day 4
Visit
Edfu Temple
Visit
Kom Ombo Temple
Explore
Philae Temple
Mövenpick Aswan
Day 5
Transit
Aswan International Airport
Visit
Abu Simbel Temples
Transit
Abu Simbel Airport
Luxor and The Nile
Choosing a more individualized trip planned with a local travel agent rather the traditional Nile cruise, Luxe valued flexibility and independence. Because the ships are grouped together, luxury cruises frequently have set timetables and packed events, even though they provide a distinct perspective of the area. Luxe's customized approach combines driving and flying to enable a more personal and unhurried tour of the attractions, together with five-star lodgings that are better than those found on the most "lavish" cruise ships.
This itinerary encompasses the best of Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, including significant stops along the way. We organized our private vehicle, driver, and guide via travel specialist Mo Swefy, owner of Cairo Trips. He gave us great advice and arranged everything to our satisfaction in Luxor and, later, separately in Cairo. Our guide in Luxor was Dr. Ahmad Tumerik, a Master of Egyptology with more than thirty years of private guiding expertise. Every local praised him for being the best guide in Luxor, and his perceptive and entertaining style made our trip both educational and fun. Contact Mo to talk about your particular requirements and costs.
Luxor Day 1: Valley of the Queens

Tomb of the Queen Nefertari
The Hilton Luxor is distinguished by its luxurious rooms, which provide visitors tranquil views of the Nile, a top-notch spa with revitalising treatments, and a variety of dining options with fine international and regional cuisines.
Egyptian queens and royal offspring were buried in the Valley of the Queens long ago. Among its finest features is the tomb of Queen Nefertari, one of the most exquisitely adorned tombs in all of Egypt, known for its brilliant wall murals and elaborate artwork that eloquently portray the queen's trip to the afterlife. Other well-known tombs are those of Queen Titi and the princes Khaemwaset and Amonherkhepeshef. The tombs here provide a closer look into the lives and beliefs of the queens and royal family members than those in the Valley of the Kings, albeit they are fewer in number. For those interested in Egyptology and ancient history, Nefertari's tomb is a must-see since of its exquisite workmanship and preservation, which offer priceless insights into ancient Egyptian art.
Nestled alongside the peaceful Nile River, the Hilton Spa is a sanctuary of rest and renewal. The extensive selection of treatments at this multi-award winning spa combines contemporary wellness methods with age-old Egyptian practices. Savour a range of body wraps, cleanses, massages and facials that are all intended to calm and revitalize the body and mind. Modern amenities of the spa include a thermal garden, an infinity pool, and lounge areas with breath-taking views of the Nile.
Rich tapestry of tastes, Luxor's dining scene features a fusion of foreign and traditional Egyptian food. From informal neighborhood restaurants serving real Egyptian fare like falafel and koshari to posh restaurants inside five-star hotels providing fine dining with views of the Nile, there are many different kinds of restaurants. Popular places frequently have rooftop terraces where patrons can eat while taking in expansive views of the magnificent river and Luxor's historic structures.
Under the night sky, the wonderful Karnak Sound & Light Show brings the ancient city of Thebes and its gods to life. This captivating performance tells the story of Luxor, the importance of the temple, and the stories of the pharaohs who constructed it while illuminating the complex of the Karnak Temple. Guided tours of the temple grounds reveal the architectural wonders and hieroglyphics that line the walls, which are dramatically lit.
Luxor Day 2: Valley of the Kings

Tomb of Ramesses VI
Famously, Pharaohs and other aristocrats of the New Kingdom are buried in the Valley of the Kings. Rich historical relevance and amazing preservation of its tombs—many of which are decorated with vibrant paintings and hieroglyphs that depict the life and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians—are hallmarks of this archeological site.
Luxe Highlights:
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Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62): Even though Tutankhamun's tomb was stolen long ago, it is still one of the most well-known, mostly because Howard Carter found the pharaoh's almost complete burial chamber in 1922. The famous gold mask among the riches discovered there has enthralled people worldwide.
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Tomb of Ramesses VI (KV9): Some of the most elaborate and exquisitely maintained ceiling astronomical paintings that show a variety of gods and celestial symbols.
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Tomb of Seti I (KV17): Renowned for its length, intricacy of design, and caliber of the artwork, however conservation measures may limit access..
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Tomb of Horemheb (KV57): Shows how an artistic style changed and how new religious beliefs were accepted at a time of transition..
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Tomb of Merenptah (KV8): The 19th Dynasty's architectural and ornamental developments of royal tombs are revealed by the tomb of Merenptah..
A trip through time, seeing the Valley of the Kings provides an insight into the thoughts and way of life of the kings of ancient Egypt. To avoid the heat and throng and to have a more personal tour of this amazing historical place, early morning visits are usually the best.
Luxor Day 3: Dendera

Temple of Hathor, Dendera Temple Complex
A morning hot air balloon trip provides an amazing vantage point from which to see the historic city come to life before traveling to Dendera. The expansive Karnak and Luxor Temples, the meandering Nile River, the magnificent Valley of the Kings, and the lone Colossi of Memnon standing watch are all visible as you hover silently overhead. Early dawn light reveals the unusual terraced structure of Hatshepsut Temple and the tranquil beauty of the agricultural plains on the West Bank, providing a moment of unmatched tranquilly and a fresh viewpoint on Egypt's rich historical tapestry. This peaceful flight above Luxor embodies the spirit of ancient Egypt's magnificence and is not merely a visual feast.
About 60 kilometers north of Luxor, at the Dendera Temple complex, one of Egypt's best-preserved ancient temple complexes, honors Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and music. The amazing architecture of this complex is well-known; it has a huge stone roof, dark dungeons, bright hieroglyphic inscriptions, and an exquisitely detailed astrological ceiling in the main hall that features one of the most lifelike depictions of the Egyptian zodiac.
Traveling from Luxor to Dendera provides a special chance to delve beyond the more well-known Nile Valley attractions and become fully immersed in the complex fabric of Egyptian mythology and architecture. The elaborate carvings in the temple provide an insight into the Ptolemaic Period, when Egyptian and Hellenistic civilizations merged, and include the well-known portrait of Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion. Few other locations can provide tourists the opportunity to appreciate the size and architectural brilliance of ancient Egyptian religious complexes like the temple does because of its comparatively undamaged condition.
For anyone wishing to broaden their awareness of Egypt's ancient wonders, a visit to Dendera offers a deeper insight of ancient Egyptian spiritual life and architectural ingenuity.
Luxor Day 4: Transfer to Aswan

Kom Ombo, The Temple of Sobek
Traveling by private guide from Luxor to Aswan reveals a more personal and adaptable tour of Egypt's historic treasures, tucked away along the Nile. With its combination of breathtaking scenery and historical depth, this route offers individualized detours and leisurely stops at some of the most important archeological sites in the nation. Plan with your guide on how long you'll want at each location, and count on these approximate journey times:
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Hilton Luxor to Edfu Temple: 2h 30m
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Edfu Temple to Kom Ombo Temple: 1h 45m
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Kom Ombo Temple to Movenpick Aswan: 1h
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Movenpick Aswan to Marina Philea Temple: 18m
Leaving Luxor at 8 am should get you to the hotel by 3:30pm, with having roughly one hour exploring each of the two temples. After relaxing and a quick dip in the pool, head out for the Philea Temple complex for the night show.
Among Egypt's best-preserved ancient temples is the Temple of Edfu, honoring the falcon god Horus. Deeply revealing Ptolemaic-era architecture and religious customs, this beautiful building is well-known for its spectacular entry pylon, elaborate reliefs, and well-preserved chapels and sanctuaries.
Beautifully situated on the bank of the Nile, the Kom Ombo Temple is dedicated to two gods, Sobek and Haroeris. Its symmetrical architecture reflects this two-deity arrangement. Among Egypt's many archaeological treasures, it is particularly noteworthy for its carved reliefs, healing temple, and crocodile mummies, which provide intriguing insights into ancient Egyptian religion, medicine, and crocodile worship.
On Elephantine Island, the Movenpick Hotel Aswan provides opulent sanctuary with expansive Nile views. With its sophisticated suites, verdant grounds, and array of eating options, this five-star hotel combines contemporary conveniences with outstanding service. Convenient access to Aswan's main sites and facilities like a swimming pool and spa make it the perfect option for discriminating tourists looking for rest and discovery.
Hit the Sound & Light Show at the Philae Temple, a treasure of ancient Egyptian architecture honoring the goddess Isis, after unwinding at the hotel. Accompanied by the Marina Philea Temple, it is situated attractively on Agilkia Island in Lake Nasser, close to Aswan. Originally on Philae Island, this temple was painstakingly relocated to avoid floods brought on by the building of the Aswan High Dam. Must-see historical landmark, its magnificent reliefs, hieroglyphs, and classical colonnades bear witness to the ongoing devotion to Isis and mix exquisitely with its lovely island setting.
Luxor Day 5: Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel Temple
Plan a return trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel on Egyptair the same day for a practical and effective approach to see one of Egypt's most magnificent archeological sites. The short flight that opens this trip offers breathtaking views of Lake Nasser and the desert. Take off early and get back early afternoon. After exploring, you should have around two hours to get back to the airport.
Among the most spectacular structures in Egypt, Abu Simbel is a tribute to prehistoric architecture and beauty. Four enormous statues of the pharaoh himself adorn the greater of the two temples that Ramses II carved out of a mountainside in the thirteenth century BC. In a historic 1960s UNESCO attempt to prevent Nile flooding, Abu Simbel—designed to inspire and proclaim divine power—was moved. Its alignment with the sun on Ramses' birthday and coronation adds a mythical charm that attracts tourists from all over the world.