Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Egypt is an enchanting destination, where ancient history and the hustle and bustle of modern life combine in a kaleidoscope of cultural heritage and rare experiences. For the adventurous traveler, Luxor is a key stop on any Egyptian adventure.

Teeming with incredibly well-preserved temples, monuments and tombs, plus the recently discovered, 3,400-year-old ‘Lost Golden City’, you can expect to find all of the mind-blowing sights of ancient Egypt without the influx of tourists that flock to Cairo. Luxor is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, as the city is bursting with such significant examples of historical architecture.

If Luxor is on your itinerary for your next adventure to Egypt, be sure not to miss these six incredible sights.

The Valley of the Kings

No trip to Egypt would be complete without visiting the iconic Valley of the Kings, where the beloved rulers of this wondrous time period were laid to rest. Though the tombs have suffered greatly over the years from treasure hunters, looters, and more recently from the deterioration that comes alongside mass tourism, they remain an impressive display of life in ancient Egypt.

There are 63 tombs here, but only a handful are open to the public at any given time. This is due to the fact that each visitor raises the humidity and breathes out carbon dioxide in each tomb, which deteriorates the paintings. There are many interesting stories to learn about each site you can explore, but be prepared to tip the tour guides and workers for their hospitality and knowledge. Set beneath a majestic peak of the mountain Al Qurn, the scenery around the valley is equally as astounding as the tombs themselves – so be sure to enjoy a walk along the Nile’s edge, too.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

The Valley of the Queens

You have undoubtedly heard of the Valley of the Kings, but did you know that Luxor is also home to the Valley of the Queens? Located on the West Bank, you may at first glance overlook the barren landscape of red rock and sunscorched sand that hides the amazing craftsmanship of around 90 tombs hidden below the Earth’s surface here. But the Valley of the Queens is well worth a visit on your Egyptian escapade, especially if you explore the tomb of Queen Nefertari.

Arguably the most intricate and beautiful of all the tombs here, rivaling even some in the Valley of the Kings, the resting place of Queen Nefertari boasts impeccably well-preserved wall paintings, telling the story of Ramesses II’s love for his wife. The tomb is open to the public intermittently, and time inside may be restricted in order to preserve the delicate tomb, but you can easily check availability online.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Karnak

The complex of Karnak spans more than two square kilometers, and is a plethora of ancient architecture developed throughout the Twelfth and Twentieth Dynasties – a period of around 1,000 years. As Pharaohs and Kings continuously added to the temples and monuments here, an incredible mix of artistic, religious and linguistic details accumulated, showcasing the evolution of beliefs throughout the period of the New Kingdom in ancient Egypt.

The heart of the complex is the great Temple of Amun-Ra, once linked to Luxor Temple with a 3 km avenue of human-headed sphinxes. This temple was considered to be the home of the local God, Amun-Ra, and it is a stunning example of ancient architecture that is sure to impress even the most discerning globetrotter. Be sure to visit Karnak with plenty of time, as there’s so much to see here.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Luxor Temple

Thought to be where the kings of ancient Egypt were crowned, Luxor Temple is a smaller yet equally grand place to explore for a glimpse back in time. It was built by a number of pharaohs between 1390 BC – 1213 BC, and features larger-than-life statues, pillars and walls complete with hieroglyphics and intricate carvings.

The vast halls, courts and columns are best explored in the early morning or late afternoon, after the majority of tourists have dispersed. Plus, the golden sunlight at these times illuminates the carvings, statues and stone in a way which can only be described as magical.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Luxor Museum

Created by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, Luxor Museum is home to a mesmerizing collection of Egyptian artifacts, as well as an extensive array of premium artworks dating back from the Predynastic Period to the Islamic Era. You can view the mummified remains of Ahmose I and Ramesses I, as well as items from the tomb of the well-known pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, Tutankhamun.

Walking through the museum, immerse yourself in the stories of this impressive time period; learn about how the ancient Egyptians lived and view sculptures carved impossibly intricately, both large and small, in all manner of materials ranging from wood to quartzite.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

Take to the skies

For an unforgettable sight of the grandeur of Luxor, take to the skies in a hot air balloon to enjoy the city with a bird’s eye view. Gazing down over the glistening Nile and surrounding desert-scape, you’ll enjoy up to an hour just under the clouds – plenty of time to ponder the mysteries and marvels of this ancient city. For the best panoramic vistas, book a sunrise flight.

Six incredible sights not to be missed in Luxor

However you choose to explore Luxor, you’re sure to leave with a better insight into the world of ancient Egypt and a greater appreciation for this intriguing and mysterious destination.

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This is a short guide to Luxor, Egypt, presenting the six best sights to explore, with short information and tips. This is a short guide to Luxor, Egypt, presenting the six best sights to explore, with short information and tips. This is a short guide to Luxor, Egypt, presenting the six best sights to explore, with short information and tips.

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