Luxor · Pyramisa Isis Hotel · Standard Room-Pool Garden View
Luxor is the world's greatest open-air museum — home to the temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut. Stay in a hand-picked resort on the Nile's east bank, with easy access to the West Bank's archaeological treasures. Optional hot-air balloon rides at dawn offer unforgettable views over the Theban Necropolis.
Arrival
Transfer from Luxor Airport to your resort. Check-in, welcome drink, evening at leisure.
Karnak & Luxor Temples
Guided tour of the vast Karnak complex and the illuminated Luxor Temple by night.
Valley of the Kings
Cross to the West Bank: three royal tombs, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Optional: Hot-air balloon
Dawn hot-air balloon flight over the Theban Necropolis (optional, at extra cost). Afternoon free at the resort.
Dendera day trip
Full-day excursion to the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor at Dendera.
Free day
Relax by the pool, explore the corniche, or shop in Luxor's bustling souk.
Departure
Transfer back to Luxor Airport for your flight home.
- Return flights from the UK
- Airport transfers in Egypt
- 7 nights in a 5-star Nile-view resort
- Daily breakfast, half-board dinner
- Guided West Bank & East Bank tours
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Optional hot-air balloon flight
- Lunches and alcoholic drinks
Pyramisa Isis Hotel
Central Luxor, walking distance to the Nile, Luxor Temple, and the Luxor Museum. Karnak Temple is a short taxi ride north.
Most visitors need a visa to enter Egypt. The easiest options:
- E-visa (recommended) — apply online at visa2egypt.gov.eg at least 7 days before travel. Single-entry from $30 USD; multiple-entry from $65 USD. Valid for stays up to 3 months. [citation:1][citation:18]
- Visa on arrival — available at approved kiosks in the arrival hall. Around $25–36 USD, payable in cash (US dollars, GBP, or card at Cairo's self-service kiosks). Valid for 30 days. [citation:18][citation:10]
- Free Sinai stamp — if you fly directly to Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba and stay only in South Sinai for up to 15 days, you get a free entry stamp. You cannot leave the Sinai region on this stamp. [citation:18]
Passport rule: valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. [citation:1][citation:10]
Tip: Print your e-visa — a phone screenshot may not be accepted. Also carry hotel booking confirmations; occasionally requested. [citation:1]
Best for sightseeing: October – April. Mild, sunny days (20–28°C), perfect for the Pyramids, Luxor temples, Nile cruises. December–January are coolest but also busiest. [citation:19]
Best for Red Sea beaches: May – September. Warm sea, crystal-clear water, ideal for Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and Marsa Alam diving. Inland cities get very hot (40°C+). [citation:19]
Shoulder months (fewer crowds): March – April and October – November. Pleasant weather and lower prices. [citation:19]
Heads up: Late March and early April can bring khamsin sandstorms — reduced visibility and air quality for a day or two. [citation:3][citation:19]
Festivals: Abu Simbel Sun Festival (22 Feb and 22 Oct) — the sun illuminates the inner chamber of Ramses II's temple. [citation:3]
Cultural dress code: Egypt is conservative — cover shoulders and knees, especially at religious sites. Loose, breathable cotton or linen keeps you cool and respectful. [citation:9]
- Women: long skirts, light trousers, long-sleeved blouses. Bring a scarf to cover your head at mosques. [citation:9]
- Men: T-shirts, collared shirts, trousers or long shorts. Avoid sleeveless tops. [citation:9]
- Beach resorts: shorts and tank tops are fine — looser dress applies outside resorts and in cities. [citation:4]
Packing essentials: Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, refillable water bottle, portable charger, comfortable walking shoes, and wet wipes (many public bathrooms have no toilet paper). [citation:17]
Seasonal layers: desert evenings can be cold (down to ~7°C in winter). Pack a jumper or light jacket even in spring/autumn. [citation:9]
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP). US dollars and major cards are widely accepted at hotels and large shops, but souks, taxis, and tips need EGP. [citation:8]
Tipping (baksheesh): Expected and part of daily life. Carry small bills — 10% of the bill for restaurants, small amounts for hotel staff, restroom attendants, and guides. Cash only. [citation:4]
ATMs: Widely available in cities; withdraw EGP. Cards accepted at major monuments now (Giza, Egyptian Museum, Luxor sites), so keep a debit/credit card on you. [citation:8]
Bargaining: Normal at souks and tourist markets. Start around half the asking price. Fixed prices apply in modern shops and restaurants. [citation:4]
Ride-hailing apps (best option): Uber, Careem, inDrive and Bolt are widely used, cheaper than street taxis, and lock in the price before you ride. Use them in Cairo and Alexandria. [citation:8]
Street taxis: Insist the meter is on. For women travelling alone, sit in the back seat. [citation:14]
Cairo Metro: Cheap, efficient, English signage. Runs ~5:15 AM to 12:15–12:40 AM. Women-only cars at the front of each train. [citation:4][citation:16]
Tuk-tuks: Great for short trips in Cairo's narrow streets. Agree the price before you get in. [citation:4]
Between cities: Flights are the safest option for long distances. Trains run but infrastructure is older. Avoid driving yourself — road rules are rarely followed and many vehicles are uninsured. [citation:14]
Mosques: Remove your shoes before entering. Women should cover hair, shoulders and knees. Dress modestly at all religious sites. [citation:4]
Greetings: A handshake is normal between men. Wait for a woman to offer her hand first. Say “As-salaam alaikum” (peace be upon you) — the reply is “Wa alaikum as-salaam”. [citation:7]
Photography: Ask permission before photographing people. Some sites prohibit photography inside tombs (Valley of the Kings). Never photograph military or police buildings. [citation:11]
Ramadan: During the holy month, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight. Many restaurants close; some open for tourists in hotels. [citation:3]
Public affection: Keep it modest — Egypt is a conservative society. [citation:11]
Tap water: Do not drink it. Stick to sealed bottled water, even for brushing teeth. [citation:13]
Vaccines (UK travellers): Hepatitis A and Typhoid recommended for all. Hepatitis B for some. Rabies for longer stays or rural travel. Malaria tablets not needed for standard tourist routes. Book a travel health appointment 6–8 weeks before departure. [citation:13]
Scams to avoid: Ignore unsolicited “gifts” or “free” camel rides around the Pyramids. Agree prices in advance for horse carriages, boats and taxis. Only use licensed guides and reputable dive/boat operators. [citation:2][citation:11]
Emergency numbers: Police 122 · Tourist Police 126 · Ambulance 123. Save them before you go. [citation:6]
Travel insurance: Essential. Consider medical evacuation cover — treatment for serious incidents may not be available locally. [citation:5]
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but a few Arabic phrases go a long way:
- Hello — Ahlan wa sahlan
- Good morning — Sabaah il-kheir
- Good evening — Masaa' il-kheir
- Thank you — Shukran
- Please — Min fadlak (to a man) / Min fadlik (to a woman)
- Yes / No — Aywa / La'
- How much? — Bikam?
- Where is…? — Fein…?
[citation:7]
- Start early — the Valley of the Kings is cooler and quieter before 9am.
- Hire a certified Egyptologist guide — the difference in understanding is enormous.
- Bring tissues — public restrooms at the sites often run out of paper.
- Learn a few Arabic greetings — 'shukran' (thank you) goes a long way.
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