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Thursday, June 5, 2008

Egypt Nile holidays

Home to ancient treasures, the city of Luxor is an amazing place to explore. Sitting on the East Bank of the River Nile, from here you can discover the Valley of the Kings, the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Temple of Karnak and the Avenue of the Sphinxes.

For a relaxing way to experience the history of ancient Egypt and see the beauty of the River Nile, why not try one of our Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan. During the day, explore the ancient temples of Egypt or just relax on the sundeck. Then in the evening, watch amazing sunsets and enjoy the on-board entertainment.


Memorable moment...

Discover royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.


Things to do

You can explore Luxor's East Bank, a bustling market town built around the striking Luxor Temple, with its courtyard and sanctuaries dedicated to the Theban gods. The Temple of Karnak also waits to be explored; lose yourself in its Great Hypostyle Hall.

Luxor's West Bank is home to probably the best known of Egypt's attractions, the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, as well as Deir el-Bahri, a temple built for Queen Hatshepsut, the longest reigning female pharaoh.

See fascinating artefacts in the Luxor Museum, from pottery and jewellery to furniture and statues, and learn about the embalming process at the Mummification Museum, where you can come face to face with a mummified high priest.

On your holiday in Luxor, you can have true once in a lifetime experiences like walking down the Avenue of the Sphinxes and marvelling at the towering statues of Luxor Temple.

You can explore the tombs and temples of ancient Thebes for a fascinating insight into Egypt's rich history.


To take in the romance and history of Luxor, you can amble along the banks of the Nile in a horse-drawn hantour carriage or linger over a candlelit dinner at the Old Winter Palace, where the great Egyptologists once stayed.

Beaches

Stop off at Luxor, on the Nile's East Bank, and spend some time relaxing after taking in all the amazing sights. There may not be any beaches to laze on, but many of the hotels along the Nile offer amazing views across the world's most famous river.

Explore your destination

Here's a little taste of what's on offer: for more excursion ideas, speak to your Rep.

Edfu Temple

Visit this farming town, found on the Nile's riverbank, where you'll see the amazing Egyptian Temple of Horus (the falcon god), which is almost completely preserved.

Luxor's West Bank

Be sure to see Luxor's West Bank, where Egypt's best known attractions can be found, including the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Food and drink

Egyptian cuisine is often aromatically spiced and traditional dishes include 'ful', a spicy stew of bean kofta kebabs and lamb.

The national drink is tea, Chai, usually served black with sugar, or try karkadé, served hot or cold, a deep-red infusion of hibiscus flowers.

Taste the refreshing local beer, Sakara, or for a tea break Egyptian style, sample the shisha, a pipe filled with a special kind of tobacco mixed with molasses.

Evening Flavour

Much of Luxor's nightlife is centred around its hotels, but it's well worth venturing out to experience the spectacular sound and light show at Karnak or watch belly dancers and snake charmers on the East Bank.

Shopping

Explore Luxor's bazaars and you'll find local crafts made from materials such as brass, Mother of Pearl and glass, and remember, it's considered rude not to haggle.

Handmade alabaster cups and vases, mainly sold on the West Bank, are a good buy and you can also find clay pots, hand carved wood, pottery, embroidery and beadwork to remind you of your holiday in Luxor.


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