Guides ·Itineraries

Day 1: East Bank temples and the Corniche

Start at Karnak Temple when it opens at 6am (entry $12). You want the Hypostyle Hall before the tour buses arrive around 8:30. Walk the sacred lake, then taxi 3km south along the Corniche el-Nil to Luxor Temple for a mid-morning visit ($10). Break for lunch at Sofra on Sharia Mohammed Farid, a proper Egyptian house-restaurant where mezze and stuffed pigeon run $8-12 a head.

In the afternoon duck into the Luxor Museum ($10) on the Corniche — it's small, air-conditioned, and covers a chunk of dynastic history in two hours. Return to Luxor Temple after 6pm to see it floodlit; the entry ticket is valid all day, so keep your stub.

Day 2: West Bank tombs and mortuary temples

Cross the Nile at 6am on the public ferry ($0.30) or arrange a taxi with a driver for the day ($30-40 with waiting). Hit the Valley of the Kings first ($15 for three tombs; Tutankhamun and Seti I are separate tickets). Then Hatshepsut's terrace temple at Deir el-Bahari ($10), then Medinet Habu ($8) — the last is quieter and arguably has better-preserved colour.

Wrap up at the Colossi of Memnon (free, roadside) before returning east. If you have energy left, a felucca hour at sunset from the Winter Palace jetty is $10-15 for the boat.

Where to base yourself for two nights

Stay on the East Bank if this is your first visit — you’re walking distance to Luxor Temple, the Corniche restaurants and the train station. The Winter Palace, Sonesta St George and Steigenberger Nile Palace all sit on the river; expect $90-180 a night. Budget travellers should look at Bob Marley Peace Hotel or Nefertiti Hotel near the souq, both around $20-30 with rooftop breakfast and Nile views.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask before they set off on this one.

Rooms worth pairing with this guide.

East Bank Steigenberger Resort Achti

4.6/5 $72/ night

East Bank New Memnon Hotel

4.8/5 $76/ night

East Bank Nile Compound Hotel

4.6/5 $39/ night

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