One Day in Luxor: What to See and in What Order
A one-day Luxor itinerary: the West Bank in the morning, Karnak and Luxor Temple in the afternoon, and the sunrise balloon if you can.
With one day in Luxor, start early on the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple and the Colossi of Memnon, have lunch, then spend the afternoon at Karnak and finish at Luxor Temple as it is lit up in the evening. If you can, add the sunrise balloon before breakfast.
Morning: the West Bank
Go to the Valley of the Kings first, before the heat and the tour buses. The standard ticket covers three tombs; a few, like Tutankhamun's, need an extra ticket. Then visit Hatshepsut's terraced temple and stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back.
Afternoon: Karnak
After lunch, cross to the East Bank for Karnak, the largest temple complex of ancient Egypt. Allow at least two hours; the Great Hypostyle Hall alone is worth the trip.
Evening: Luxor Temple
Finish at Luxor Temple in the centre of town. It is lit after dark and looks its best at dusk, at the end of the Avenue of Sphinxes that links it to Karnak.
If you have a second day
Add the quieter West Bank sites: the Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum, or go north to the temples of Dendera and Abydos.
