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Planning a trip to Luxor, Egypt? You’re in for something special!
Luxor is often called the world’s greatest open-air museum—and with all of these ancient temples and royal tombs around, it’s easy to see why! We’re confident that this place will leave you speechless, but the tricky part is figuring out where to begin!
That’s where this 2-day Luxor itinerary comes in. We’ve dedicated a full day to each bank to give you a well-rounded overview of Luxor, and we’ll also share tips on where to eat and how to get around along the way. All you need to do is follow along, so get ready to step back in time and see ancient Egypt come to life.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in Luxor was this West Bank tour! Having an expert guide made exploring the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple, and the Valley of the Queens effortless and so much more meaningful.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Itinerary Overview
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Itinerary Overview
Luxor is split into two sides by the Nile River. You’ve got the East Bank and the West Bank, and they both offer a totally different experience. Day one of this itinerary focuses on the West Bank, where you’ll find the Valley of the Kings and other famous tombs. Day two takes you across the river to explore the grand temples of the East Bank.
It typically takes about 30 minutes to get from one side to the other, and you can either take a ferry or drive over the bridge. Taxis are available, too, but remember that prices are negotiated on the spot since rideshare apps like Uber don’t operate here. Don’t be afraid to haggle! Then, within each area, walking is often the easiest way to explore.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect on this 2-day Luxor itinerary:
Day 1: Kick off your Luxor adventure with a full-day guided tour of the West Bank to see some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites. Then tonight you can enjoy dinner at Aisha Restaurant or Thebes Restaurant, depending on which side of the Nile you’re staying on.
Day 2: Watch the sunrise over Luxor on a magical hot air balloon ride before relaxing at your hotel or visiting the Luxor Museum. In the afternoon, take a tour of the East Bank’s magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, then finish your trip with an Egyptian BBQ overlooking the Nile or an evening stroll through the souks.
Day 1
Full-day – See Luxor’s top ancient sights on a private guided tour
There’s only one way to kick off a trip to Luxor, and that’s by exploring all of the amazing ancient sites on the West Bank! And in my opinion, this top-rated tour is the best way to explore because it allows you to visit the most famous historical attractions this side of the river with a knowledgeable guide who will explain the deeper context behind everything you see.
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and there are multiple departure times to choose from between 7 and 9 am. It’s an 8-hour tour, so just choose which option suits your schedule best.
It all starts at the Valley of the Kings, and wow—nothing prepares you for the moment you step into those ancient tombs. The colors of the hieroglyphics are still so vivid after thousands of years, and the stories behind them are even more fascinating.
Then, it’s onto the Temple of Hatshepsut. You’ll be blown away by this temple, which was built right into the cliffs for one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. You’ll make a few more ancient stops before wrapping up the day at the Valley of the Queens, where you’ll have the chance to see Queen Nefertari’s tomb!
But what really makes this day unforgettable is having a private Egyptologist guide lead the way. They knew every story and secret detail, so having a guide means you’ll get so much more out of visiting these iconic landmarks. I mean, there’s a reason it has 1,500+ 5-star reviews!
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here!
Dinner – Aisha Restaurant or Thebes Restaurant
Tonight’s dinner spot depends on which side of the Nile you’re staying on. You don’t want to spend 30 minutes just getting to the restaurant, so we’ve included an option for each side.
If you’re staying on the East Bank, Aisha Restaurant Luxor is our top pick. It’s an authentic and affordable Egyptian spot where you can try some local dishes like stuffed pigeon, kofta, and tagine. Oh, and don’t forget to order the om ali after your meal. It’s a traditional Egyptian dessert that’s a bit like bread and butter pudding… only better!
If you’re staying on the West Bank, head to Thebes (Teeba) Restaurant instead. We love this family-run spot because the service is so friendly and the portions are huge! Plus, it overlooks the Nile River, which doesn’t exactly hurt. The aubergine fritters here are so good, and if you’re feeling hungry, the mixed grill platters are perfect for sharing, but you can’t go wrong here.
We have a very early start tomorrow, so we recommend heading back to your hotel after dinner for a fairly early night. Trust me, it will be so worth it when you see that sunrise!
Day 2
Early Morning – Hot Air Balloon Flight over Luxor
One of the most unforgettable things you can do in Luxor (or anywhere in the world, really) is a hot air balloon ride at sunrise! Honestly, this flight delivers a magical experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come!
The experience starts early (yes, before sunrise), with hotel pickup at around 4:30 am. The early start is worth every second of lost sleep, though!
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the launch site, where you’ll watch the balloon inflate before soaring up in the air for some unbeatable views. All of Luxor’s most iconic landmarks are visible up here, from the vast deserts to the iconic Valley of the Kings and the Nile River.
What sets this hot air balloon experience apart is its reputation for safety and smaller group sizes. This allows you to get a front-row seat to some of the best views in Egypt, and the thousands of 5-star reviews certainly agree with that.
You’ll be done at around 7:30 am, and you can be dropped off back at your hotel. Just think—when the other guests will be starting to get up, you will already have had a bucket list experience today!
Book this top-rated hot air balloon flight here and get ready to be amazed!
Morning – Luxor Museum or relax
You had an early start this morning, so if you want to spend the rest of your morning relaxing, then we say “go for it”—especially if you’ve booked a hotel with a pool! You can grab some breakfast after your tour and then take some time to chill out, or perhaps even take a quick nap.
However, if you’ve still got some energy, you can also make your way to the Luxor Museum on the West Bank. It’s open from 9 am until 2 pm during the day, and if your hotel is on the East Bank, it will take you about 30 minutes to get here. It’s a very well-curated collection that includes two royal mummies, lots of pottery and jewelry, and a statue of Amenhotep III with the crocodile god Sobek. Entrance costs 400 EGP (about $8.50 USD), and we suggest spending 1-2 hours here.
Lunch – Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant
If you chose to visit the Luxor Museum, or are staying on the East Bank, head to Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant for lunch. It’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride from the museum, as it serves fresh and hearty local food with sweeping views of Luxor and the Nile! You can even try camel here, but the honey and cream cheese fateera bread is more my speed personally. And at lunchtime, the mezze tray is a really great choice!
Afternoon – Luxor and Karnak Temples
This afternoon, discover two of Luxor’s most breathtaking ancient sites on this private guided tour of the East Bank. We recommend the 2 pm departure—it’s a four-hour tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, so you’ll be back by early evening. But if you’re staying on the West Bank, ask to be dropped off at tonight’s dinner spot rather than back at your hotel, as we’re eating on the East Bank tonight!
The first stop of the tour is the sprawling Karnak Temple complex. It’s the largest religious site ever built – how crazy is that? It’s a maze of towering columns, grand pylons, and hieroglyph-covered walls, and it’s dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It’s honestly awe-inspiring, and it’s so much better when you see it with a guide because you’ll hear lots of stories from its fascinating history and significance.
Next, you’ll visit Luxor Temple, which was constructed around 1400 BCE by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, and later expanded by Ramesses II. It’s set along the Nile, and it’s a really special site to see in the golden light of the late afternoon!
There are a few different options you can choose for this tour, but we suggest booking the one that covers your car, guide, and entry fees so everything’s taken care of for the day. All in all, it’s an incredible way to spend your afternoon and a perfect way to wrap up your sightseeing in Luxor before dinner along the Nile!
Book this top-rated East Bank tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Restaurant El-Kababgy Luxor
If you’ve never had Egyptian barbecue before, let me tell you: it’s delicious! So tonight, enjoy some of the best grilled meats on the Nile at Restaurant El-Kababgy Luxor. There are also some delicious vegetarian dishes on the menu, including baba ghanoush (of course), eggplant casserole, and fata. It’s basically just a feast of yummy Egyptian dishes right on the edge of the river, so we think it’s the perfect end to an adventure-filled day on the East Bank.
Evening – Your choice!
After a pretty full-on day, we think it’s only right that you spend your evening as you see fit. But we do have some suggestions for a memorable evening in Luxor, from light shows to relaxed strolls. And just a heads up, all of these activities are still on the East Bank of the river, so you can hop to it straight after dinner!
See a sound and light show at the Karnak Temple Complex
The Sound and Light show is a pretty amazing way to dive into the temple’s history. From 8 pm onwards, the entire site is illuminated in shifting colors as dramatic music and narration guide you through the temple grounds. It tells the story of ancient Thebes and the powerful pharaohs who built it, so it’s pretty engrossing stuff!
Even though you’ve already toured the complex during the day, seeing it after dark is something else entirely—especially when it’s all lit up like this! It’s a popular experience, though, so we definitely recommend booking your tickets in advance here. They cost around $20 USD, which is well worth it.
Explore Luxor’s Souks
If you want to see a more local side of Luxor, don’t miss the city souks. These colorful markets are filled with spices and souvenirs, and a friendly kind of chaos abounds. You’ll smell incense everywhere you go and hear all of the shopkeepers advertising their best deals. I won’t lie, it can be a bit overwhelming at first, but the souks are also very atmospheric and they’re a lot of fun to explore.
The evening is a great time to visit, too, because the cooler temperatures definitely lessen the intensity somewhat. And remember that haggling is expected, so don’t hold back. Never accept the first price that a vendor quotes!
Take a felucca ride on the Nile
Enjoying a felucca ride is actually a popular sunset activity, but sadly, we couldn’t fit it in today! However, you can still enjoy a ride on a traditional sailboat after dinner. The great thing about going after dark is that you’ll get to see the Light and Sound show from out on the water, which is a pretty cool experience.
To find a felucca ride, head down to the Corniche, where you’ll see lots of boat captains selling rides. Again, negotiating is expected here, so you’ll have to haggle the initial prices down a bit. An hour-long boat ride usually costs between $10 and $20 USD per person, so this is a good chance to see how good your bartering skills are!
Stroll along the Nile
If you’re tired out from a full day of activity, you can always just wrap up your time in Luxor with a chilled-out walk along the Nile. An after-dinner walk is a nice way to take in the nighttime views, let your food settle a bit, and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
Related Read: Before finalizing your itinerary, check out our blog about the best things to do in Luxor here! It highlights all the must-see temples, tombs, and experiences you won’t want to miss during your trip!
Where to Stay in Luxor, Egypt
Now that you’ve got the perfect Luxor itinerary planned, you just need a great place to stay. In a city steeped in history and culture, your accommodation should ideally offer more than just a place to rest, since so many hotels here offer majestic views of the Nile or easy access to ancient sites. Whether you’re seeking luxury, comfort, or a budget-friendly stay, I’ve handpicked the best options to make your time in Luxor unforgettable!
Luxury – $$$
The Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa is a luxurious oasis along the Nile, offering breathtaking river views and easy access to top sites like the Karnak Temple. Highlights include 2 infinity pools overlooking the Nile, a relaxing spa, and multiple dining options featuring Egyptian and international cuisine. You can also choose between a variety of room categories, including Nile view, family rooms, and even a spa room!
Prices usually average around $200-$500 USD per night, depending on the season and room category. You can check out all the options and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Djorff Palace is a fantastic mid-range option on Luxor’s west bank, offering a quiet stay in a picturesque location. This boutique hotel features a beautifully designed outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant serving local and international cuisine, Egyptian-style rooms with modern amenities, and lush gardens perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Djorff Palace provides excellent value with rooms starting as low as $115 USD per night. You can book this stay on Booking.com!
Budget – $
Iberotel Luxor is a great budget-friendly pick right on the Nile, just a 10-minute walk from Luxor Temple. Its standout feature is the heated pool that actually floats on the river – talk about a perfect place to unwind after a hot day exploring tombs and temples! The hotel also has a restaurant boat serving Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Asian dishes, along with a generous breakfast buffet each morning.
Rooms are clean, spacious, and air-conditioned, with balconies overlooking the Nile or the city. Staff are friendly and attentive, and the location couldn’t be better for sightseeing.
Rooms cost between $100 and $160 USD per night, including breakfast. You can book this stay on Booking.com!
For even more great options near the Nile, check out all the hotels listed for Luxor here!
Related Read: If you’re still deciding where to base yourself, check out our full guide on where to stay in Luxor here—it breaks down the best areas on both the East and West Banks, plus my top hotel picks for every budget!
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Two days in Luxor is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of Egypt’s ancient wonders without feeling rushed. We had such an incredible time discovering Luxor’s timeless beauty and uncovering the stories behind each monument, and we hope this guide helps you plan a trip you’ll never forget! Whether you’re watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon or enjoying dinner by the Nile, Luxor is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Before you go, make sure to check out our other Egypt guides here—we’ve shared tons of tips, itineraries, and tour recommendations to help make your trip even easier. Or here are a few of our favorites to help get you started!
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How to Spend THREE DAYS in Cairo, Egypt: 3-Day Itinerary