Guides ·Itineraries

Days 1-2: East Bank in depth

Split Karnak across two visits: the main Amun precinct on day one, the Open Air Museum ($5 extra) and Sound & Light show ($25) on day two. Add Luxor Temple, the Luxor Museum, and the Mummification Museum ($8). Eat lunch at Sofra and dinner at 1886 inside the Winter Palace if you want the colonial-era dining room; jacket preferred, mains $18-28.

Wander the souq off Sharia al-Mahatta in the evenings. Prices for scarves, alabaster and spices are a third of what you’ll pay near the temple gates.

Days 3-4: West Bank slowly

Hire a West Bank driver for two half-days ($25 each). Day one: Valley of the Kings plus Tutankhamun ($15+$15), Hatshepsut, Colossi. Day two: Valley of the Queens ($8), Medinet Habu, Deir el-Medina ($10) and the Ramesseum ($8). Buy the Luxor Pass ($100, or $200 with Nefertari's tomb) — it now pays off.

Base a night or two on the West Bank at Al Moudira or Beit Sabée to feel village life at dusk. Rooms run $120-260.

Day 5: Balloon and Banana Island

Sunrise hot-air balloon over the West Bank runs $80-100 through Sindbad or Magic Horizon. In the afternoon take a motorboat to Banana Island ($10 per person including a walk through the plantation and tea). It's kitsch but pleasant.

Days 6-7: Day trips and a slow finish

Dendera and Abydos on one long day ($60-80 per car with driver) is the strongest day trip going — Dendera's ceiling is unmatched. Save day seven for the Country Garden or a felucca lunch, and re-visit the one temple that hit you hardest.

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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