Family-Friendly 11-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor

Luxor is the outdoor museum of the ancient world. An incredible concentration of massive temples, royal tombs, and huge stone statues await you among the fertile banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. Spending 11 days in Luxor means the perfect hassle-free holiday for families. There's no chance of becoming tired of seeing sights as your 11 day break allows you to explore at a leisurely pace. You will have plenty of time to see the East & West Banks in detail. You can also enjoy plenty of breaks in between with a relaxing pool break in the middle of the day, a peaceful felucca cruise, camel ride through the village and a great day trip to the countryside to see Dendera, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Abydos! The following detailed breakdown shows how you can create a memorable 11 day break for your family.

Day 1

You arrive in Luxor either by domestic flight, sleeper train or Nile cruise. You will check into your family friendly hotel/resort on the East Bank.

A. Chill out

Your family can relax after checking into your hotel. Spend the afternoon chilling by the pool and getting used to the warm Upper Egyptian climate. Your children can watch traditional wood feluccas float past.

B. Luxor Temple at sunset

In the late afternoon temperatures begin to drop and you head off to visit Luxor Temple. This is a magical time to visit the temple as it becomes illuminated by warm lights. This gives a magical atmosphere to the temple as the huge pylon, huge seated statues of Ramesses II and papyrus columns light up. Your children can walk along what remains of the Avenue of Sphinxes. This is a beautifully decorated path made from stone which was once lined with hundreds of sphinxes with human and ram heads connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak. You can enjoy a relaxed evening meal by the river.

Day 2

Head across the Nile River in the early morning to explore the West Bank.

A. Valley of the Kings

Start your day with a visit to the famous Valley of the Kings. This is a hidden valley in the desert where Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried. Young children will enjoy riding the little open top electric train from the visitor centre to the entrance of the tombs. Inside the tombs of Ramesses III, Ramesses IV or Merenptah your family can walk through beautifully painted corridors and see huge stone sarcophagi. Your children will be amazed by how well preserved these ancient paintings are. Vibrant blue, yellow and red paint covers the walls with images of stars, protective gods and ancient spells from the book of the dead.

B. Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon

You then head to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This temple was created on the rock face of the mountains and has 3 levels of terraces to honour one of ancient Egypt's most famous female Pharaohs! Your children will enjoy learning about how Queen Hatshepsut ruled as a King shown in the wall carvings with her royal clothing. On the way back to the river you can stop to see the impressive Colossi of Memnon. These are huge 18m tall statues of Amenhotep III sitting quietly in the landscape. This is a great photo opportunity.

C. Felucca Cruise

In the hot afternoon you can relax back at your hotel. In the evening you head down to the river banks to get onto a traditional wood felucca boat. The gentle wind will take you smoothly along the river. Parents and children can relax and enjoy listening to traditional music.

Day 3

Discover the interesting lives of ancient craftspeople and discover one of the best preserved fortress temples in Egypt.

A. Deir el-Medina

In the morning you will visit Deir el-Medina. This was the village where the craftsmen, stonemasons and painters lived who built the royal tombs. This is a very personal place to visit compared to the grand temples. You can visit the underground tombs of the craftsmen such as the Tomb of Sennedjem. These are brightly painted with happy scenes of farming, gardens and animals. Children often find this more friendly than royal tombs.

B. Medinet Habu & Banana Island

You then head to Medinet Habu. This is the large Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. This is famous for being incredibly detailed with wall carvings which were preserved in their original colours. The temple has strong towers and stone walls giving you a feeling of being in a medieval castle. In the late afternoon you can enjoy a boat ride to Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz). Your children can walk through the shady banana plantations and taste some sweet fresh bananas. You can enjoy a peaceful meal watching the sunset over the river.

Day 4

Enjoy a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride and visit the biggest religious temple ever built by humans.

A. Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

This is a spectacular experience. Brave family members and older children can enjoy a hot air balloon ride before sunrise. As the sun rises over the Eastern Desert you will gently float over the Nile River, lush green sugar cane fields and illuminated temples on the West Bank. You will get a spectacular view of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.

B. Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple

After returning for breakfast and a short break you can visit the massive Karnak Temple Complex on the East Bank. This was mainly dedicated to the God Amun-Ra and was the main state temple of the New Kingdom. Your children will be in awe of the Great Hypostyle Hall. This is a forest of 134 huge sandstone columns with amazing carved hieroglyphics. You can visit the sacred scarab beetle statue near the Sacred Lake. Local legend says that if you circle the statue 3 times you will have good luck!

C. Karnak Sound and Light Show

In the evening return to Karnak to enjoy the Sound and Light Show. As you walk through the temple you will be told stories and sound effects will bring the Pharaohs and Gods to life. Watching the show under the stars will give children an exciting visual of Egyptian history.

Day 5

Enjoy a comfortable private day trip to visit one of the best preserved temples in Egypt.

A. Temple of Hathor

After a 2 hour scenic drive along the Nile you will arrive in Dendera. This large complex was built in the late Ptolemaic and Roman eras. Your children and parents will be amazed by this temple. The main temple is famous for it's high Hypostyle Hall with 24 huge columns with the head of Hathor (Godess of music, happiness and love) on top. Unlike many ancient ruins this temple has a complete stone roof so you can walk through the temple.

B. Celestial Paintings & Underground Crypts

Inside the temple you can look up to see beautifully restored original colour paintings. These show celestial maps, constellations and the goddess of the sky Nut. Your children will enjoy exploring the narrow crypts inside the thick base of the temple. They can also climb the stone steps up to the roof which were used by ancient priests during New Year celebrations. Return to Luxor in the late afternoon after a relaxing meal in the countryside.

Day 6

Enjoy a day trip to visit 2 amazing well-preserved Ptolemaic temples.

A. Temple of Horus

Travel south in your private vehicle. Your first stop will be Edfu. This is home to the amazingly preserved Temple of Horus (falcon headed god). Your children will adore walking up to the huge temple pylons and taking photos next to the huge black granite falcon statues. The outer walls are high with the roof chambers still intact giving you a glimpse into ancient temple architecture.

B. Double Temple of Kom Ombo

Continue south along the river. You will arrive in Kom Ombo. This is a unique double temple which was built to equally honour both gods. Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon god). Your children will enjoy seeing the carvings showing ancient surgery tools. There is also a Crocodile Museum nearby to visit. This is home to mummified ancient Nile crocodiles found in nearby catacombs. Return to Luxor in the late afternoon to relax by the pool.

Day 7

Discover the tombs of the royal queens, ancient princesses and discover how the tomb of Tutankhamun was uncovered!

A. Valley of the Queens (Biban el-Harim)

In the morning head across to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Queens. Explore the underground tombs of the New Kingdom Queens and young Princes such as Prince Khaemwaset's Tomb. The walls are brightly painted with scenes of young royalty being presented to the gods by their mother.

B. Howard Carter House & Replicated Tutankhamun Tomb

Visit the historic Howard Carter House. This is located close to the entrance of the Valley of the Kings. Your children can visit the beautifully preserved mud brick house where archaeologist Howard Carter lived whilst searching for King Tutankhamun's tomb. The gardens surrounding the house have an accurate replica of Tutankhamun's tomb. There are interactive information boards to explain how they discovered the treasures in 1922.

Day 8

Enjoy a relaxing day visiting some hidden archaeological treasures and enjoy some hands on culture.

A. Tombs of the Nobles & Ramesseum

In the morning visit the Tombs of the Nobles (Nakht's Tomb/Menna's Tomb). These are small beautifully preserved tombs with happy scenes of fishing, catching birds in the papyrus reeds and harvesting vines. After your visit you can have a quick visit to the Ramesseum. Your children can stand next to the huge fallen Colossal statue of Ramesses II which inspired the famous poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

B. Camel Ride & Alabaster Workshops

In the late afternoon enjoy a gentle camel ride through the peaceful villages and sugar cane fields of the West Bank. After your ride you can visit local artisan workshops in Gurna. Watch master craftsmen carving beautiful glowing vases, scarabs and statues from alabaster stone.

Day 9

Enjoy a special day trip to visit the holy ancient pilgrimage site of Abydos.

A. Great Temple of Seti I

This temple is famous for being home to the legendary Abydos King List. This is a timeline of Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs carved into the limestone walls of the temple. It is famed for having some of the most beautiful detailed low reliefs in Egypt. Your children will be fascinated by how well coloured the walls are. Behind the temple there is also a mysterious building called the Osireion.

B. Return to Luxor

After a relaxed local meal near the temple you can enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the agricultural land of Upper Egypt. Return to Luxor in the late afternoon to relax.

Day 10

Enjoy a relaxing day visiting world class museums.

A. Luxor Museum & Mummification Museum

In the morning visit the Luxor Museum. This is one of the best and most thoughtfully designed museums in Egypt. The museum has beautifully lit statues from local temple hoards, ancient weapons and golden artefacts. After your visit you can have a quick visit to the nearby Mummification Museum. Your children will enjoy seeing the tools, natural resins, animal mummies and sacred rituals used by ancient embalmers to achieve physical immortality.

B. Relax by Pool

Enjoy your afternoon by relaxing by the pool.

Day 11

Shop for souvenirs and say goodbye.

A. Local Souk

Before you leave visit the covered market (souk) of Luxor. Your children can practise their polite haggling skills and purchase personalised souvenirs. These can include stone scarab beetles, hand carved alabaster vases, small paintings on papyrus and silver cartouches with their name carved in hieroglyphics.

B. Final Meal

Your 11 day itinerary ends with a celebration meal. Enjoy some national dishes such as fresh flatbreads, grilled skewers and sweet Egyptian pastries. You will then be taken back to the airport/train station in private transport.