Luxor is one of the oldest cities in the world derived from the Arabic word “Al Usqur” which means “the palaces”. It is in the east bank of Nile River in southern Egypt. The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes, the City of a Hundred Gates. It was the capital of Egypt from the 12th dynasty on 1991 BC and reached its pinnacle during the New Kingdom.
Luxor was ancient Egypt’s political, religious, and military capital. Today, it is considered as the “world’s greatest open-air museum,” due to its abundance of monumental temples and tombs like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Luxor is one of the top major cities in Egypt in modern times in terms of population and revenue.
- How did I get there?
- Where did I stay?
- Where are the places I travelled to?
- Expenses in Luxor
- Last in Luxor
How did I get there?
After an overnight stay in Aswan and with my pre-arranged transportation with my hostel’s owner David, my driver picked me up and we drove to Luxor. In the private car I rented, we stopped by at Kom Ombo and Edfou Temples. These temples are located between Aswan and Luxor. It took us 4 hours excluding my stop overs in the temples to reach Luxor. My driver dropped me off in my hotel in Luxor.
Where did I stay?
Before my travel in Egypt, I booked my stay in Luxor via Booking.com in Iberotel Luxor. The hotel is nearby the banks of Nile River and located near the Luxor Temple. I was very happy to book this hotel after the creepy nights where I stayed in a sleeper train and in Aswan.
My room was huge with bathroom and veranda. Though the room lights were not enough for me, I still consider that this is better than sleeping in the train or in an old hostel. 😅The bed was very comfy. The storages were huge too for my luggage and other stuffs.
What I also loved in this hotel was the buffet breakfast overlooking the Nile River. It was perfect. 😍🥰😍 The food was all delicious and prepared well. They have restaurants inside the hotel too. In my first day, I ate at the Italian restaurant with their delicious pasta. Overall, I am happy to stay in this hotel.
Aside from the food and location of my hotel, I also liked that there were ATMs inside and a local convenience stores in the hotel. I felt safe and secured, overall.
Where are the places I travelled to?
karnak temple
Entrance Fee: EGP 600
The Karnak Temple was built between 2055 BC and around 100 AD. It was built as a cult temple and dedicated to the gods Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. It is known as “most select of places” by ancient Egyptians. The Karnak temple is located in Karnak in the south of Egypt on the east side of the Nile River bank. During the New Kingdom, the Karnak Temple was the center of the ancient faith while power was concentrated at Thebes, or the modern-day Luxor and its significance is reflected in its massive size.
In addition to its religious significance, it was also served as a treasury, administrative center, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. Today, Karnak Temple is considered as the largest temple complex ever constructed anywhere in the world.
Karnak is divided into three compounds: the precinct of Amun, the precinct of Mut, and the precinct of Montu. The precinct of Amun contains all the most famous sections of the Karnak complex, including the Great Hypostyle Hall. This hall of 134 massive columns is one of the most impressive places in all of Egypt.
As we enter Karnak Complex, I already realized how big it was. However, Ahmed told me that we were just starting. It will be bigger inside. And yes, he was right! Karnak Temple was massive! The entire complex was 247 acres. It was like walking in a civilization that rose hundred of years ago.
Inside Karnak, was a sacred lake. It is a man-made reservoir in Amun-re’s Precinct. The water from the lake came from Nile River. It acts as the source and drain for lake’s water reservoir. Imagine living inside Karnak Complex and you have your own lake. Isn’t it so grand?
Near the sacred lake was the Scarab Beetle Statue. The scarab symbolizes re-birth and resurrection. It was said that it brings good luck and fortune too. While I was there, Ahmed told me that I can walk around the scarab for 7 times then hug someone and it will be good luck. So, I did! Hopefully, it will really work! 🤞🙏
What I love also inside the Karnak Complex are the tall obelisks and the papyrus columns. Both structures symbolize the essence of Egypt. Every carving tells stories of how ancient Egypt was created. All details were truly created by expert craftsmanship that were dedicated to their gods and pharaohs.
Overall, I had the best experience in Karnak. The heat never bothered me as everything I saw inside was historically carved and built to depict ancient Egypt. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience walking in this complex where history follows you, everywhere you go. 💜
luxor museum
Entrance Fee: EGP 440
Luxor Museum is an archeological museum in the city of Luxor. It was inaugurated in 1975 to boasts an impressive collection of high-quality artworks from the pre-dynastic period to Islamic era. A collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt were displayed in this museum. These artifacts include statues, jewelry pieces, pottery and more.
After Karnak, we drove about less than 10 minutes to reach the Luxor Museum. The museum was facing the Nile River, giving it a fresh scenery before you enter the museum. By that time, I was relieved since we will enter an air-conditioned area. The heat in Egypt in June was different from the tropical heat in the Philippines. Though my body somehow adjusted, heat is still heat. 🥵
There were many interesting artifacts inside the museum. I was particularly drawn to the mummy in a big, mirrored box. It was preserved well from the hair and skin. It was like an old man mummified to perfection.
We spent about an hour in the museum. I not just enjoyed the artifacts but also the air-conditioned area. It was a relief after a hot morning in Luxor. 🤭
mummification museum
Entrance Fee: EGP 220
What is Egypt without the mummies? Of course, I must visit the Mummification Museum in Luxor. The Mummification Museum is an archaeological museum in Luxor, Upper Egypt. It is dedicated to the art of Ancient Egyptian mummification. The museum was opened in 1997.
The Mummification Museum is nearby the Nile River and across Luxor Temple. The museum was in a basement of the street. It is a small museum where you can spend at least 30 to 45 minutes. This depends on your interest about the mummies. As for me together with my guide Ahmed, we spent the same time inside the museum.
The Mummification Museum depicts on how ancient Egyptian mummifies an individual. From rituals of removing organs up to what will happen to the mummy’s soul in the afterlife. Their God Anubis or what called “The Jackal” was embodied in the museum while embalming and mummifying a dead body.
The mummy displayed in the museum, same with what I saw in Luxor Museum, was well-preserved. However, this one was more refined specially the hair strands and skin. There was a mummified dog too inside the museum.
Since I haven’t seen a mummy in Cairo or Giza, I was very grateful to see it in Luxor. Egypt will not be Egypt without the mystery of their mummies. It was a tradition that stood in time.
luxor temple
Entrance Fee: EGP 500
Luxor Temple is a large temple complex located in the East Bank of the Nile River in Luxor. It was originally known as “Ipet-resyt”. The construction of the temple began under Pharaoh Amenhotep III and continued by Tutankhamun and Ramses II. Luxor Temple is dedicated also to Amun-Ra, the god of sun.
Though Luxor Temple is large, it is still smaller than Karnak Temple. However, its massive pillars and temples were almost the same beauty in Karnak. Luxor Temple is famous of its Avenue of Sphinxes. Its towering 25-meter-tall obelisk welcomed us too when entering Luxor Temple.
As Ahmed explained to me, it took a long time to discover the entire Luxor Temple. First, there was a mosque standing in the temple. Unknowingly, the entire Luxor Temple is beneath this mosque. Until now, this mosque is standing the temple. The mosque was chosen to be kept because it shows how two monotheistic religions and one polytheistic religion can live together.
At the Luxor Temple, Alexander the Great was depicted too. It has paintings and carvings of sacrifices and boats leaving port. Alexander the Great set up a room, and because he treated ancient Egypt with respect and care, it is shown in the temple’s reliefs. He was made the son of a god, immortalizing him before the god Amun-Ra.
After exploring the Luxor Temple, we sat down in the shade to just lay our eyes in the beauty of Luxor. It was another time-travel moment for me. An amazing temple with an amazing feeling of being there – in that moment. 😍🥰😍
nile river
Entrance Fee: Free
After my first day in the tour with Ahmed, we went to the port. Ahmed and his boatman prepared a lunch for me. How blessed I was! 😇 Me, an ordinary woman will be eating my lunch in Nile River! It was a privilege indeed! 🙏🙇♀️
Nile River was part of my childhood reading. It was always there, being the cradle of life. Nile River spans 6,650 kilometer and countries of Burundi, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and of course in Egypt.
The word Nile was derived from the Greek Neilos or Latin “Nilus”, meaning a valley or river valley. It is known as the lifeblood of ancient Egypt. The Nile River provides fertile soil and irrigation for agriculture, a transportation route and source of drinking water. It was indeed the life of Egypt.
As for me, from Cairo to Aswan, seeing Nile River was a moment that I will cherish forever. From the river cruise I had in Cairo to my lunch in Luxor in Nile River, these moments will last in me forever.
Aside from the view of the Nile River, I was very much pleased with the delicious meal that Ahmed and his boatman prepared for me. It was indeed a perfect meal after a day of walking in Luxor. 😋😍 It was also a different vibe cruising in Nile River in daytime.
After my lunch in Nile River, our boat stopped in my hotel docking area. Since my hotel is just beneath the Nile River, they have this place to dock small boats. And with that, I was one lucky traveler to experience this drop off. 🙇♀️
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Entrance Fee: EGP 440
On the second day of my tour in Luxor, we went to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Ahmed’s driver picked me up from the hotel and we drove to the other side of Nile River. We met Ahmed right after.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a temple built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. It also known as the Djeser-Djeseru and built in 1479-1458 BCE. It is located in the foot of the cliffs of the West Bank of Luxor. This area has been sacred to goddess Hathor.
Hatshepsut was a female pharaoh who had herself represented pictorially as a male. Hatshepsut’s most notable accomplishment was breaking gender barriers and becoming the first female pharaoh in ancient Egypt. She served as co-regent with her nephew Thutmose III.
As per Ahmed, Queen Hatshepsut made Luxor flourished by creating irrigations that will support the agriculture of entire Luxor including its neighbor areas. I must admit that it was true because from up above while riding the hot air balloon, I was amazed by the greenery in Luxor. It was indeed a success of Queen Hatshepsut.
We spent more than an hour in the mortuary of Queen Hatshepsut. It was just around before 11AM in Luxor but the heat started to scorched in my skin. I spent some time alone in the mortuary while Ahmed was waiting for me. I was amazed how Queen Hatshepsut, a woman, made these achievements while ancient Egyptian governance was dominated by men. She was indeed, powerful.
valley of the kings
Entrance Fee: EGP 750
Discovered by a British archaeologist Howard Carte in 1922. The Valley of the Kings was a sacred place to bury pharaohs and notable persons in the New Kingdom era. There were 65 chambers discovered by Carte including the famous burial site of Tutankhamun.
The Valley of the Kings was selected for its remote and hidden location. This was in contrast to the grand and remarkable pyramids of earlier periods. The Egyptians hoped that if they isolated the tombs, including the rough terrain and the use of hidden burial chambers, would protect the royal tombs from the thieves. Today, some archeologist are still digging excavations in the Valley of the Kings.
In entering the Valley of the Kings, you can choose at least 3 chambers only from your ticket. If in case you want to see the burial chamber of Tutankhamun, you have to pay extra. As for me, I entered these chambers and just stay outside the tomb of Tutankhamun. 😁 Ahmed allowed me some private time to visit these chambers.
rameses iv
My first chamber was the burial site of Rameses IV. He was the fifth and youngest son of Pharaoh Ramesses III. At the age of 21, he became a pharaoh of the New Kingdom. He endeavored through extensive building activity to maintain Egypt’s prosperity in an era of improving internal and external conditions.
Ahmed recommended to me to choose this chamber as it was one of the most beautiful chambers in the valley. He was correct. It was beautiful! 😍😍😍 The walls were adorned by different hieroglyphics with colors.
It was an amazing feeling to see an actual burial chamber of a Pharaoh. It was like time travelling on how these chambers were created. The beautiful colors of stories of Rameses IV were depicted in all walls. I was at owe seeing this chamber. 💜
merenptah
A few minutes of walk, I reached my second chamber. It was the burial chamber of Merenptah, also known as Meneptah. He was the fourth pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. From the excavated artifacts, it was said that Meneptah ruled Egypt for almost 10 years.
I must say that the chamber of Meneptah was for a fit person. 😁 The chamber is deep. You have to walk downwards and return upwards. The air was getting tight too. While I was at the entrance of the chamber, everyone who returned were catching their breaths. I tried to walk downward but the wooden path was a bit slippery. I decided to stop and return to the entrance. 😁
I may not enjoy that chamber, but that was fine. I may not bear the hot temperature plus the air tightness in the chamber. It was better to stop sometimes. 😌
rameses ix
Almost across the chamber of Meneptah is the chamber of Rameses IX. You may notice now that there were many Rameses, so am I! 😅 Ahmed told me that if you did something great, you are deserving to be called Rameses. It means you are a god.
As for Rameses IX, his reign was significant for the efforts to address the internal challenges faced by late New Kingdom that included economic difficulties, tomb robberies, and administrative corruption. His rule highlights the persistent efforts to maintain the cultural and religious traditions of Egypt despite increasing internal and external pressures.
I may also say that if you are Rameses, your tomb must be beautiful. Indeed, that was right! The burial chamber of Rameses IX was very beautiful. The carvings were almost intact. The colors also depicted the stories of Rameses IX. It was a linear pathway going to his tomb – perfect for a king.
tomb of Tutankhamun
Considered as the most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings, the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered by Howard Carte on the same year of 1922. King Tut’s tomb is still the most intact royal Egyptian tomb ever found, giving historians important information about ancient culture.
When the chamber was discovered, there were other important pieces found like gold masks, royal sandals, exquisite jewelry pieces, carts and a lot more. King Tut’s tomb was sealed beautifully too.
I should’ve buy the ticket for this tomb instead. However, Ahmed told me that it was ok since most of the artifacts found were transferred to Cairo. The gallery of King Tut was not yet opened in Grand Egyptian Museum when I visited there so it was like a second failure for me. 😢 However, I realized that, I was in the Valley of the Kings, right! Should I will be more grateful instead! 😇
After exploring the Valley of the Kings, I rested with Ahmed in a small cafeteria to get some air and freshen up. The heat in Luxor was very dry. Thank God to the shades and some electric fans. 😁
temple of medinet habu
Entrance Fee: EGP 220
Ramses III built his own mortuary temple, known as the “Temple of Medinet Habu”. It was considered an architectural masterpiece due to its beauty and good state of preservation. It was dedicated to performing his funeral rituals and to perform rituals of worshiping the god Amun-Ra.
King Ramses III was the most famous king of the 20th Dynasty, who fought many wars against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples, which led to years of prosperity in Egypt, but in the end, he fell victim to a conspiracy by the royal harem in the late days of his reign.
The decorations of the temple show Ramses III in military scenes such as the Libyan campaigns and battles against the Sea Peoples. The walls described scenes of hunting and exploratory trips that included importing of different kinds of trees and plants even species of fishes from the other parts of Africa.
Note that if you will visit this temple, the ticket office is far from the temple itself. You might need to walk about 15 minutes more to reach the temple.
Inside the temple, I was amazed by stories of King Ramses III on how he conquered rivals from different lands that wanted to invade Egypt. It was depicted on the facade of the walls of how he cut off heads to win wars.
I also enjoyed this temple as all the carvings are still beautifully seen. All walls columns and pillars decorated like papyrus. The ceilings still has some colors, adding beauty to the temple.
After more than 30 minutes of exploring the Medinet Habu, we returned to the car. We intended to visit Valley of the Queens but Ahmed told me it was closed. After the temple, Ahmed and his brother took me to a local restaurant to have lunch. The restaurant overlooked the Valley of the Kings.
Included in my tour package, the local restaurant prepared me a kofta, tahini, fresh salads and of course koshary. It was a heavy meal after a day of exploring Luxor. And what more was perfect in this meal? Cold water and Coca-Cola! 😁🥤
After my last lunch with Ahmed, they dropped me off in my hotel. It was an incredible two days with Ahmed and his drivers. I was really happy to book a tour with them. I may try DIY arrangement in Luxor but the heat might took a toll on me.
I will definitely recommend Ahmed! 💜
mcdonald’s luxor
Speaking of DIY, I cannot pass leaving Luxor and Egypt without a roaming in the city on my own. After Ahmed dropped me off my hotel, I returned to my room to freshen up. Before 6PM, I walked from my hotel to McDonald’s to have dinner.
Was I afraid? A bit yes! I didn’t had the chance to walk on my own outside my hotel in Giza (aside in Coptic Cairo). So, even I was a bit afraid, I did it! Right after I left my hotel, a man who has a horse asked me if I will ride his horse. I said “Luh, Shkran” or “No, thank you” many times but he was persistent. He kept on following me.
After some minutes, he stopped. Relieved. While in the nearby port, there were still men asking if I will ride their boat or “felucca”. Though they were not that persistent like the first man with the horse, I was still on guard in case something happened. But good thing, none. So, I just walked again.
In some minutes, I reached McDonald’s! 😍😍😍 Same with what we have in the Philippines, they have kiosks to order too. I climbed to the 2nd floor to take my meal. I forgot what Ahmed said, that the Luxor Temple was just near a McDonald’s, so there it was! 😍😍😍 What a perfect view while having my dinner! 😍😍😍
Holy Family Church of the Franciscan Fathers
After my dinner in McDonald’s, I passed by local market to buy souvenirs. I met Hesham. He owns a local souvenir store. I had a nice conversation with Hesham since he spoke English very well as he said he has businesses in London too. I asked him on how I can get to the big Catholic Church. He said, he knew the church but I need to take a cab. I declined his offer to hail me a cab since I wanted to walk.
While walking, I passed by the Holy Family Church of the Franciscan Fathers. The Church was opened so I entered it. It was a small church. The people outside and inside the church were busy cleaning and practising songs.
As for me, I just passed by to thank God for bringing me in Luxor. My travel will be incomplete if I will not visit a Catholic Church. As a devoted Catholic, I always try to add visiting a local church. And I was happy, I found one. 😇
cathedral of the blessed virgin mary
As I walked more, I found the big church I was looking for. In my first day in Luxor, I saw this church and I promised to visit it. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Luxor is part of a Coptic Orthodox Diocese. The Cathedral was founded in 1909.
The Cathedral is big and full of church-goers. I tried to stay as long as I can to thank God and Mamay May for all the blessings I received during my travel in Egypt and UAE. It was indeed an intimate time to be grateful. 😇🙏😇
As I leave the Cathedral, I am also slowly leaving a piece of me in Egypt. By tomorrow, I will fly to Cairo and return to Dubai then Manila. It was very fortunate to visit this Church while in Luxor.
Since the sun was setting down, I decided to take a cab going back to my hotel. Blessed, I found a driver on the other side of the street who spoke English well. The cab driver also knew my hotel location so I had no problem returning. As we passed by the Nile River, the sun was setting beautifully! It was a moment to remember! 😍🥰😍
I recalled what Ahmed said to me, the pharaohs chose Luxor as their final resting place as the sun sets there. And when you say “sun sets”, it was beautifully setting down! 🌅
Expenses in Luxor
For my expenses in Luxor, please see below. Please note that the conversion was from last June 2025. Expenses displayed below do not include dinner and other expenses such as laundry and souvenirs. Adding these expenses not to brag but for you to have an idea of how much you can spend in Egypt.
Click here
Last in Luxor
On my last day in Luxor, I woke up early as my flight to Cairo was early too. I booked a cab in Booking.com. My driver arrived on time. However, when he was loading my luggages, the police officer who was guarding our hotel stopped him. After some minutes, they settled. The police officer thought that I will go to Hurghada. Hurghada is a costal city near the Red Sea. My cab driver told me that to go there, there should be a security clearance. However, since our route is to airport, we will not need that clearance.
After that small misunderstanding, we drove to Luxor International Airport. It was like a 10-15 minutes drive from my hotel. As my driver unloaded my luggage, my heart stopped somehow and I whispered to myself “This is it, I will be leaving Egypt”. 😭😥
Sad but grateful! 😭😇 I was very blessed to travel to Egypt! My almost 2-weeks travel here was a series of fortunate events! 🙏🙏🙏 I was very lucky and blessed to see and feel Egypt on my own! My last moments in Luxor specially the hot air balloon, all the places I travelled to and my self-paced walking tour were memories I will cherish forever! 💜💜💜
I was like in wonderland. Luxor and the entire country of Egypt was a place I will never ever forget. This once in a lifetime experience gave me different and fresh perspectives in life. I will never ever forget too all the people I met! 💜💜💜
Shkran, Egypt! 💜💜💜
Off to the last leg of my travel! We’re returning to Dubai! 💜
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