Luxor Flight Deals with Jazeera Airways

Luxor Museum
Located on the central Corniche Avenue, this museum displays an extensive collection of statues and artefacts dating back hundreds of centuries. Records show that many exhibits were discovered in local temples, while some originate from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Mummification Museum
If you wish to unravel the secret of the Pharaohs, then the Mummification Museum in Luxor is the place to go. The elaborate burial system was very much an integral part of Egyptian beliefs in days gone by and this is certainly the place to learn more and ponder.

Temple of Karnak
You must make this vast open-air museum part of your itinerary. The Temple of Karnak is a combination of three main temples -- Mut, Monthu and Amun but also includes other buildings. The highpoint is the Second Pylon of Karnak which was built by Ramesses II. This is a magnificent structure.

Valley of the Kings
This isolated valley highlighted by the pyramid-shaped mountain peak of Al Qurn was chosen by the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC). Once called the Valley of Truths, the Valley of the Kings has 63 magnificent royal tombs. This is an experience like no other.

Tombs of the Nobles
Located in the foothills opposite the Ramesseum are more than 400 tombs belonging to the nobles from the 6th dynasty right up to the Graeco-Roman period. History tells us that the nobles, who insisted on continuing the good life after their death, decorated their tombs with decorative scenes of their lives. An art form in itself. More of these tombs have been discovered on the hillside in recent years and are under scrutiny.

Tomb of Ramses VI
This is a site not to be missed. Sheltered in the Valley of the Kings in the West Bank, you will be astonished at the tomb of Ramses VI with its gigantic paintings from the ceiling to the floor. This tomb is one of the best in the Valley of the Kings, so make it a point to visit.

There are basically two main markets in Luxor. The first one which is newer is in an air-conditioned hall, lined with shops on either side. You’ll find the second and older market near the Luxor temple. It stretches across several streets. This market has the feel of an old souk and you will enjoy walking through them. Most of them have shaded areas so browse around and pick up some good bargains … like a traditional cotton galabeya! The shop keepers will want you to stop, take a seat and sip tea with them while you bargain.

The main souq in Luxor lies on the Abd-El-Hameed Taha. This is a real experience but be advised to go to the area where locals shop. If you feel like something different try the super-busy Luxor’s Corniche el-Nil – it sells everything from leather goods, to clothes to jewellery. Habiba Gallery is an interesting stop for quality Egyptian handicrafts and cottons made by locals. The spectrum of products includes: hand loomed textiles, embroidery, bracelets, beadwork and decorative brass lamps, among others. The ideal place to shop for gifts.

For a bit of history pop into Aboudy Book Shop. Opened in 1909, it is one of the oldest (and biggest) bookstores in Luxor. Here you will not only get books but souvenirs and typically Egyptian gifts. Then there’s Caravanserai the old Egyptian-style craft shop located on the road to Medinet Habu and sells crafts from all over Egypt. This is a good place to pick up some real bargains to take back home.

As for food in Luxor you’ll be spoilt for choice. Expect to find Italian, French, Chinese and a host of typically Egyptian dishes. Of course, you can’t go home without trying Koshari, a local dish made from pasta and tomatoes. Absolutely delicious.There’s also a wide spread of vegetarian dishes.

A typical Egyptian meal is usually with pita-bread and mezze such as baba ghanoush or tabbouleh. This is followed by a main course of meat or chicken. A dish with pigeon or rabbit could come as a pleasant surprise. There’s also a fair variety of western cuisine.

As for restaurants there are some favourites, starting with Sofra Restaurant which serves delicious food in a charming local atmosphere. This is Egyptian food at its best and the service is endearing. Al Sahaby Lane, next to the Nefertiti Hotel, is a restaurant that’s a landmark in itself. Tucked away in a by-lane between the souq and the street leading to the Karnak temples, the restaurant serves authentic Egyptian dishes like ‘tagen’, a stew cooked in a clay pot. Other side dishes include salads and thin pizzas. Want to try something like never before? Ask for the camel with couscous or rice. This is a great place to relax after a day’s shopping. The view from the terrace is wonderful.

Then there’s the ever-popular Gerda’s Garden, a favourite with European residents and regular visitors. It serves Egyptian specials like kebabs and grilled pigeon in a homely environment. The gracious host will even surprise you with some European specials. Now anyone in Luxor will tell you that Koshari Alzaeem is the best in town for typically kushari. This entails a blend of mix of rice, black lentils, noodles sautéed onions and tomato sauce with a dash of lemon. Yummy is the word for it.

Al Moudira should definitely be on your agenda of ‘where to eat’ in Luxor. Situated on the west bank it is slightly upmarket but wroth every pound. Lunch usually features grills with salads with a bigger spread at dinner. The flavour is most Mediterranean or Lebanese. This place has a charm of its own. Or try the Africa Restaurant on the main street in Gazira. The atmosphere and the view here are so chilled, and the service is first class. You’ll be taken aback by how reasonable it is.

You’ll see taxis everywhere in Luxor. But be warned, they do not have metres and go by current going rates. For example, a trip from the airport to downtown is around EGP 50, and short trips within Luxor are between EGP 15 and EGP 20.

As a guide you might want to try the Sheraton Luxor Resort which has slightly expensive taxis to several destinations.

However, the best way of commute between the East and West banks of Luxor is by boat. You’ll find lots of felucca owners as you walk by the river who will offer you a trip across the river. You can expect a taxi at the other end.

Want to try a bit of nostalgia? Hop into one of the Calèches (or horse-drawn carriages). There’s many of them on the East Bank and can be a great way to explore the city especially at night under the glow of city lights. Prices can vary but start with EGP 20 per hour. For safety sake make sure you have company.

If you want to rub shoulders with the salt of the earth hop into a Minibus. This is the cheapest way to get around by a mile.

For fitness-conscious visitors there are bikes for rent and many hotels hire them. Rental rates are cheap but make sure you check your tyres before you take off.

Or how about a trip on a light Chinese-made motorcycle? You could get one for EGP 50 or so for an evening if your bargaining skills are good.

Visas are required for all foreigners visiting Egypt and there are restrictions on nationals of certain Arab countries. A single-entry, 30-day tourist visas cost around US$25 and are available online (http://www.egyptvisa.com) for 41 nationalities. Visas can also be purchased at the airport on arrival and extensions are possible internally. For the list of countries visit (http://www.egyptvisa.com) in advance

10 US Dollars (US$) is equivalent to roughly 156 Egyptian Pounds (EGP)

The standard voltage in Egypt is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. Power sockets are of type C and F.

Luxor one of the driest, sunniest and hottest cities in the world during summer. It rarely rains, about 1mm on an average. Summers are sizzling hot with average temperatures in July of 32.3°C (90.1°F). Daytime temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F), but nights still remain pleasant (20-25°C or 68-77°F). The winters are cool with mild days and cold nights. Average January temperature is 13.8°C (56.8°F). Night-time lows are around 5°C (41°F) with noon temperatures rising to about 24°C (75°F). The highest and lowest temperature ever recorded is 48.5°C (119.3°F) and -1°C (30°F) respectively.