Illuminated head of Ramses II Credit: David Berkowitz
The site of the Ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor is best known for its towering temples, royal tombs and the neighbouring Valley of the Kings.
The Nile Valley city has more, besides its spectacular ancient monuments to offer visitors. After a few days hopping from one famous monument to another under the Egyptian sun, it's a welcome relief to blow off some steam by indulging in the different activities which Egypt holidays afford.
Simply kick back and enjoying the area's spectacular river and desert scenery. Here is some inspiration for after you've visited Luxor's awesome temples.
Felucca sailing
For a river-based excursion, you can join a Felucca cruise and take a voyage along the Nile. These historic vessels have been sailing there for hundreds of years, and today they offer tourists an enjoyable way of exploring the region beyond Luxor. The experience can be tranquil in gentle winds, or exciting and dramatic with high winds.
A Felucca boat sitting on the Nile at sundown Credit: Benjamin Vander Steen
Some trips take you to Banana Island which, as the name might suggest, is covered in banana trees. There are day-long tours to the sacred city of Abydos, considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Ancient Egypt; and to Dendera, with its Greco-Roman Temple Complex.
Desert quad biking
Quad bike safaris are another fun-filled choice for adventurous tourists, with trips usually lasting for a few hours allowing you to take in desert scenery as you travel across sand dunes and valleys. Some of the longer safaris will also incorporate visits to local sights.
Caleche sightseeing
The Caleche (or horse-drawn carriage) is a popular form of transport for sightseeing in Luxor itself – perfect for when your feet are getting weary and you're feeling the searing heat. Find yourself a knowledgeable driver with a good standard of English, and you can ask them to take you to some more unusual spots, such as tradesmen's workshops or the local part of the souk.
Luxor camels waiting patiently Credit: Joe Pyrek
Camel riding
One of the first activities people think of when they think of Egypt, camel rides are an unmissable experience for anyone considering Luxor Holidays. If you catch a ferry over to the West bank of the Nile you'll find plenty of camels available, usually taking you on a fun but well-trodden route along the Nile and through Luxor gardens. Don't forget to lean right back when the camel stands up after you've mounted, and again when it kneels back down at the end of your ride!
Hot air ballooning
For an extravagant outdoor adventure giving you a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings, book a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Passengers can drift peacefully over Luxor's West bank enjoying aerial views of the temples and tombs of Thebes, all in the soft glow of the Egyptian morning light, this incredible view makes a 5am start worthwhile.
Balloon setting off over Luxor at daybreak Credit: John A. Ryan
Exploring and photographing the local bazaar
Luxor's souk is an atmospheric maze of shops and stalls offering up some superb photo opportunities. You'll see locals buying their clothes, fabrics, fruit and vegetables; vendors selling live chickens and other livestock; and stall-holders making bread with the same methods they have used for hundreds of years. For typical Egyptian souvenirs and jewellery, head to the outer edges of the souk where you'll meet hordes of fellow tourists - do some serious haggling to get the best price.
About the author
Rebecca Burns is a British travel writer and journalist, and the editor of UK travel site eTravel.org. She has travelled extensively throughout Europe, and lived in South East Asia for two years before returning to the UK where she now lives in Bristol – for the time being, at least.
