Family-Friendly 5-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor

Luxor, formerly known as Thebes, is undoubtedly the outdoors museum of the ancient world. It is located along the lush banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. This incredible location contains many impressive structures including; magnificent temples, underground tombs and giant stone sculptures. Spending 5 days in Luxor is the perfect way to immerse your family in the rich history of Luxor. With 5 days to explore you will experience everything the East Bank has to offer, including ancient Egyptian festivals celebrating life, sunshine and state temples. In addition you will also experience the West Bank, land of the sunset; where Pharaohs were buried after death. You will have plenty of time to relax at the pool, cruise around on boats, enjoy live history experiences and visit some great local market stalls. By looking at our day-by-day itinerary you will discover how to make an unforgettable holiday in Upper Egypt.

Day 1

Arrival and Check-In

You will arrive in Luxor via domestic flight, sleeping train or Nile cruise. You will then check in to your family friendly resort or riverside hotel.

A. Relax

Once you have checked in you will spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel pool, getting used to the warm Upper Egyptian weather and enjoying some local refreshments. Your children will love watching the traditional wooden Felucca boats glide across the water, with the golden hills of Thebes in the background.

B. Luxor Temple Sunset

As it gets later in the afternoon the temperature will drop. It is the perfect time to head off to Luxor Temple that lies right in the middle of modern Luxor. Your children will absolutely love exploring this incredible sanctuary at sunset. At this time of day the temple is illuminated with warm lighting highlighting the massive pylons, huge seated statues of Ramesses II and tall papyrus columns. Your kids will love walking along the remaining part of the Avenue of Sphinxes. This is a paved pathway lined with hundreds of human headed and ram headed stone Sphinxes. They lead from Luxor Temple to Karnak. In the evening you will enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant enjoying freshly baked Egyptian flatbreads, grilled skewers and mild local dips.

Day 2

West Bank – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temples

You will start today by crossing the Nile River early in the morning to explore the West Bank.

A. Valley of the Kings

You will begin your day exploring the famous Valley of the Kings. This is a remote area of the desert where the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in deep rock tombs. Your children will love riding the small open topped electric trains from the visitor centre to the entrance of the tombs. Once you are inside you will walk along the brightly coloured halls to massive stone sarcophagus. Your children will be amazed to see how well preserved the wall paintings in the tombs are, such as those of Ramesses III, Ramesses IV or Merenptah. The paintings are bright and colourful, showing the stars of the heavens, protective gods and spells from the book of the dead.

B. Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon

Next you will visit the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This incredible three-tiered temple has been carved into the rock face of the limestone cliffs. This temple honours one of the most famous female Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. Your children will learn about how Hatshepsut ruled like a King as they will see beautiful wall paintings showing her wearing her royal clothing. Whilst driving back to the river you will stop at the Colossi of Memnon. This is an incredible sight to see with two 18 metre statues of Amenhotep III sitting in silence.

C. Felucca Cruise

To finish your day you will return to your hotel to relax during the hot afternoon. When it gets to sunset you will head down to the river banks and board a traditional wooden Felucca boat. This will gently float down the Nile as you relax, enjoy traditional music and watch the skyline light up.

Day 3

Ancient Life – Medinet Habu and Banana Island

Today you will see what life was like for ancient craftsmen and visit one of the best preserved fortress temples in Egypt.

A. Deir el-Medina

You will start your day by visiting Deir el-Medina. This is the village where the craftsmen, stonemasons and artists lived who built the tombs. This gives you a real insight into everyday life, unlike the big state monuments. You will visit the underground tombs of the workers, such as the Tomb of Sennedjem. They are brightly painted with happy scenes of farming, gardens and pets in their homes. These are often much more appealing to children compared to the Royal tombs.

B. Medinet Habu & Banana Island

Next you will visit Medinet Habu, the large mortuary temple of Ramesses III. This is famous for having amazing deep carvings in the wall reliefs, which have kept their original colours. This temple has amazing castle-like towers and stone walls. In the late afternoon you will take a boat trip to Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz). Your children will love walking around the shady banana plantations. You can taste some sweet fresh bananas and enjoy a relaxing sunset meal.

Day 4

Hot Air Balloon & Great Karnak Temple

Today you will enjoy an exciting hot air balloon ride in the morning and visit one of the largest temples ever built.

A. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Start your day with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride if you have any brave family members or older children. As the sun rises over the Eastern Desert you will float gently above the Nile, lush green sugarcane fields and glowing monuments of the West Bank. This gives you a birds eye view of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.

B. Great Forest of Columns

Once you have returned for breakfast you will visit the huge Karnak Temple Complex. This temple is mainly dedicated to the God Amun-Ra and was the main state temple of the New Kingdom. Your children will be amazed walking through the Great Hypostyle Hall. This is an amazing sight with 134 huge sandstone columns. The columns are beautifully carved with deep carvings of hieroglyphics. You can visit the sacred scarab beetle statue near the Sacred Lake. Local legend states that if you walk around the statue three times you will bring good luck.

Day 5

Museums & Local Souk

Today you will finish your holiday slowly. You will visit some amazing museums.

A. Luxor Museum & Mummification Museum

In the morning you will visit the Luxor Museum. This is an amazing air conditioned museum and is often seen as one of the best and most thoughtful museums in Egypt. You will see beautifully lit statues that were found in local temple caches, ancient weapons and golden artefacts. After this you will visit the nearby Mummification Museum. This is a short visit but your children will love seeing the incredible tools, natural resins, animal mummies and sacred rituals used by the ancient embalmers to give them physical immortality.

B. Souvenirs & Farewell

Before you leave you will visit the covered market (Souk) of Luxor. Your children will enjoy practicing their polite haggling skills and buying some unique souvenirs. This could include stone scarab beetles, hand carved alabaster vases, small papyrus paintings or silver cartouche necklaces with their name carved in hieroglyphics. To finish your 5 day itinerary in Luxor you will enjoy a celebratory meal with a view of the Nile. You will then be transferred privately to the airport or train station.