How to Spend 2 Days in Luxor

Two days in Luxor allows you to see all the major ancient sights, from mighty Karnak to the tombs of the pharaohs in the West Bank mountains. You’ll also have time to punctuate your sightseeing with more leisurely cultural experiences, such as shopping in Luxor’s bazaars and boating on the River Nile. Here’s how.

Day 1: West Bank and River Nile

**Morning:**Dedicate this morning to the must-sees of Luxor’s West Bank. Take a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride to see the ruins and landscapes from on high, then follow up with a half-day tour of the treasures, including the Valley of the Kings’ tombs and Temple of Hatshepsut.

**Afternoon:**After a morning outdoors, escape the afternoon sun at the Luxor Museum. This atmospheric attraction houses some precious Tutankhamun-era artifacts—including the boy king’s chariot—and a guided tour will ensure you hear their stories and secrets. Alternatively, slow the pace with a horse-and-carriage ride around Luxor’s bazaars and boulevards.

**Evening:**Cap your day with a serene sunset cruise on the River Nile. Settle into a traditional white-sailed felucca and watch Luxor’s sights glide by as the sun glints on the water. Many trips let you choose your departure time for flexibility and include convenient round-trip hotel transfers.

Day 2: Sights, Shopping, and Showtime

**Morning:**Use your second morning to discover Luxor’s East Bank big-ticket sights, studded in and around the city. Explore the shadowy sanctuaries and courts of Karnak and Luxor Temple on a private walking tour that ensures you cover all the highlights and hear their backstories.

**Afternoon:**Having checked off the key sights, indulge in some retail therapy on a shopping tour. With a guide providing navigation and bartering tips, trawl Luxor’s bazaars for souvenirs such as gold, papyrus, and jewelry. Alternatively, enjoy one of Luxor’s quintessential experiences: a gentle Bedouin-style camel ride along the West Bank’s desert trails.

**Evening:**End your Luxor stay in style with another look at magnificent Karnak—this time cast in a spectacle of color. Book a ticket for the Sound and Light Show and explore the temple as a festival of lights, lasers, video projections, music, and booming commentary conjure up the days and designs of its pharaoh builders.