Egypt - Luxor

Luxor, Egypt - Holiday Information

Luxor in the Al Uqsur region, is an ancient settlement in Upper Egypt (Upper relates to the river Nile - geographically south) View from Luxor Hilton across the Nile that was also known as ancient Thebes or Memphis. Luxor, Egypt is now classed as a city with a population of just under quarter of a million souls and like that of many other Egyptian cities, is heavily dependent upon international tourism. Luxor is the most popular terminus for the Nile Cruise boat fleets - which moor up along side the riverside hotels like the Luxor Hilton and Luxor Sheraton.

Many of Egypt's monuments and antiquities are very close to Luxor - the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamen's Tomb, Karnak and Luxor Temples - makes this bustling city, mainly on the eastern banks of the Nile an excellent centre for excursions. The whole area is virtually an open air museum! A road bridge was recently constructed a few miles upstream of the main town of Luxor which allows access from the East Bank to the West Bank. We preferred to take the alternative of a traditional felucca (sail boat) which provides an interesting, cheap and leisurely sail to the other side.

It's not all go though - you can relax here too. Golfers can take advantage of a recently completed 18 hole golf course and there is no shortage of places to eat with a range of restaurants offering international cuisine!

Nightlife tends to be based around the tourist hotels and their organised (local) entertainment though.

If you like a bargain, there are plenty of unusual ones to be had at the local souks (bazaar).

We visited the temple ruins and antiquities of Karnak actually within the city of Luxor.

Excursions are usually in modern air-conditioned coaches - parties (see above) consist of about 20 persons with an Egyptian antiquities expert (Egypt Tourist and Antiquities Board approved and licensed).

While we were there: we took in a West Bank visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the West Bank Necropolis, Hatshepsut's Temple (Deir el-Bahri) and saw the Colossi of Memnon (the only remnants of a memorial temple to Amenophis III). On the east bank we visited the temple ruins and antiquities of Karnak actually within the city of Luxor. Thousands of international tourists arrive each year to visit these unique monuments.

We felt completely safe whilst travelling about in groups. The temples and tourist areas are well policed by armed Tourist Police (That doesn't mean they understand English!)

We recommend that you wear a hat, use sun barrier cream and drink plenty of water! Don't forget your camera.

We also took the short flight to the famous Rameses temple at Abu Simbel and Temple at Philae

This increasingly popular tourist destination is served by an international airport: Luxor International Airport (LXR). Luxor International Airport’s modern, fully air-conditioned terminal building is open 24 hours a day and was completed in 2005. The terminal was designed to accommodate up to an astounding 10 million passengers per year - with 48 check-in desks and 10 departure / arrivals gates. The scheduled flights connect here with internal domestic destinations and international points, mainly in Europe, primarily France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Luxor International Airport is only 4 miles (6kms) east of the city.

Hotels included in some UK Travel Brochures:

The Al Mourdira Hotel, Luxor - An Arabian Palace style hotel set in beautiful gardens - 54 deluxe rooms - restaurant and bar swimming pool - Turkish bath - solarium.

The Maritim Jolie Ville Hotel, Luxor - Situated on a private island in the middle of the River Nile. 15 minutes by complimentary waterborne transfer - set in sprawling tropical gardens - 332 rooms - 2 restaurants and bar - 2 swimming pools - fitness centre.

The Sonesta St George Hotel, Luxor - Right on the east bank of the nile in the heart of Luxor. With outstanding views and very close to the sights of the ancient city of Thebes - 224 rooms - 5 restaurants and bar - swimming pool - fitness centre.