Luxor

Luxor (once the ancient capital of Egypt, then known as ‘Thebes’) is home to many of Egypt’s ancient antiquities.

The main town lies on the eastern bank of the Nile. In the heart of the town, you will find the ancient Temple of Luxor. Close by is Luxor Museum, which houses a small but, nevertheless, interesting collection of artefacts collected from temples and tombs in the vicinity. North of Luxor town stands the awe-inspiring Temple of Karnak, built over some 1300 years; it is a must-see for any visitor to Luxor.

The main treasures, however, lie across the river on the West Bank with its vast necropolis, wherein you can discover the tombs of the great pharaonic leaders of Egypt in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. The Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon are also worth a visit.

Luxor is the main departure point for Nile Cruise boats which ply up and down the Nile, enabling tourists to reach many of the temples both north and south of Luxor.