Visit organization
A detailed description of all sites to visit can be found in the many guide books dedicated to Egypt. Therefore our purpose is not to describe them again but rather to help you setting up a progressive and well balanced programme. We point out places and sites that should not be missed.
In our views, a one week stay in Luxor is appropriate to visit what is to be seen and also to relax. This programme could be done in four days with more visits per day. If you are there during a rush period, we recommend to visit most famous sites (Karnak, Luxor, Medinet Habu, Deir el-Bahri, valley of the Kings) between noon and 3 p. m., when groups would have lunch (you will have the famous Hypostyle Hall of Karnak temple for you only!).
Tickets for East bank sites, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Deir el-Bahri temple are sold at the respective entrances. For other West bank sites, all tickets should be bought at the ticket office (West bank map).
1st day (East Bank)
- Start with the easiest : Luxor temple. It was begun by Amenhotep III (~ 1360 BC), with the part presently at the back of the temple, and completed by Ramesses II (~ 1250 BC). The long Sphinx causeway (rearranged by Nectanebo ~ 360 BC) reaches a monumental door called "pylon". Before the pylon stands an obelisk, the twin of which now stands on the place de la Concorde in Paris: the two obelisks were in fact offered by Egypt to France but one only was finally taken to Paris. After the pylon, the first Peristyle Court (an open court surrounded by two rows of papyrus bud columns) is entered: notice the picture called "Sema-Taouy" (union of the North and the South) on the right, on the basis of the colossal statue of Ramesses II. Then go through the Great colonnade, two rows of seven massive columns more than 15 meters high with open papyrus capitals, leading to the second Peristyle Court built by Amenhotep III. Notice the different architectures: strong and colossal for Ramesses II, lighter and more elegant for Amenhotep III. Then, more ancient parts are reached; they were adapted, especially by the Romans, and their original decorations are damaged; however, the shrine of the sacred barque of Amun built under Alexander the Great (~ 320 BC) is remarkable.
- Then, go to the Souk to end this first day with less brain demanding activities, to meet with Egyptians and to get a first idea of what you could bring back home from Luxor (see shopping).
