Luxor Safaga Cruise Port
How to get to Luxor
Luxor is about a three and a half hour drive from Safaga, so you will likely visit as part of an organized shore excursion, often one that includes an overnight stay in Luxor. If you prefer to go independently, a taxi may run as much as $100 each way and must be arranged in advance. Either way, you will travel as part of a police-escorted convoy through the desert to Luxor.
One Day in Luxor
Most shore excursions will include Luxor’s three must-see sights: Luxor Temple, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Visiting all three will easily fill up your entire day.
Located in the heart of the city on the east bank of the Nile, Luxor Temple was built by pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II in the 14th and 13th centuries B.C. Entering the temple, you will pass between two enormous seated statues of Ramses II on your way to the courts of the two pharaohs. Don’t miss the chapel of Alexander the Great toward the back of the temple, which includes images of Alexander as an Egyptian pharaoh.
Egypt’s second most visited tourist site, Karnak is a vast complex covering 2 square kilometers, making it the largest ancient religious site in the world. The primary temple, the Temple of Amun, is the largest religious structure ever built – St. Peter’s, Notre Dame and Milan Cathedrals would all fit inside. You will likely feel overwhelmed as you enter the complex through the massive Hypostyle Hall, lined with 134 columns, the largest of which are 21 meters tall and over 3 meters in diameter. Spend an hour or two at the complex exploring the array of smaller temples, sanctuaries and shrines.
The Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of the Nile and contains the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and nobles from the 16th to 11th centuries B.C. Many of the tombs were opened and robbed in ancient times, but extensive hieroglyphics and colorful frescoes remain in some, giving visitors an idea of how they may have looked centuries ago. An entry ticket to the Valley of the Kings generally allows you to enter three tombs of your choice, although they are not all open at the same time. Visiting the tomb of King Tutankhamun costs extra. No cameras are allowed inside the tombs, a rule that is enforced very strictly.
If you are staying in Luxor overnight, try a felucca ride on the Nile just before sunset and then head back to Karnak for an evening sound and light show. Alternatively, you might try your hand at bargaining in the market before returning to Luxor Temple to see it lit up at night.
Port Information
Tours & Tickets
Luxor Shore Excursion: Private Tour of the Temples of Karnak and Luxor Temple
When your ship docks at the Luxor port, explore ancient Egypt on this private half-day shore excursion along Luxor’s east bank of the Nile River. Explore two ... Read more
Location:
Luxor, Egypt
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Luxor Shore Excursion: Private Tour of the West Bank, Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple
When your ship docks in the port of Luxor, tour some of ancient Egypt’s most famous sites on the west bank of the Nile River on this private morning shore ... Read more
Location:
Luxor, Egypt
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Luxor Shore Excursion: Temples of Karnak Sound and Light Show with Private Transport
When your ship docks in the Luxor port, take a journey through ancient Egypt on this nighttime shore excursion to the Temples of Karnak -- one of the largest ... Read more
Location:
Luxor, Egypt
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
