Discovering Luxor: temples, treasures, and timeless traditions

Immerse yourself in history and culture at one of Egypt’s most remarkable sites: the Temple of Karnak. Spanning 247 acres and built over 2,000 years, this awe-inspiring complex reveals the grandeur of ancient pharaohs and their devotion to the gods.

Your journey begins with a scenic drive through desert landscapes and along the River Nile to the temple. It was considered by the ancient Egyptians to be ‘the most select of places’ – and it’s easy to see why. Step into the Precinct of Amun Re, the only part open to visitors, and you’ll find treasures at every turn.

Wander through the immense Hypostyle Hall, where 134 towering stone columns rise skyward, each covered with intricate carvings. Pause by the Sacred Lake, a serene oasis once used by priests for ritual purification. And marvel at the Avenue of the Sphinxes—a two-mile processional road lined with hundreds of statues, each a lion’s body crowned with a ram’s head.

After exploring Karnak, you’ll head to one of Luxor’s finest hotels to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, before stepping into the buzz of a traditional bazaar. Here you can put your haggling skills to the
test as you browse for souvenirs to bring home.