Family-Friendly 7-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor

The open-air museum of the ancient world is certainly Luxor, an ancient city located on the fertile banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt. This must see destination is a hotspot for families due to the incredible number of ancient temples, tombs and statues. Spending seven days in Luxor means you have plenty of time to get a true immersive experience of both the East & West Banks. Families will have plenty of time to explore the East Bank of the Nile River, home to the life-giving, sun-worshipping and state-temple centres of Ancient Egypt, and the West Bank, home to the setting sun and resting places of the Pharaohs. There will be plenty of time to spend a few hours swimming in your pool in the middle of the day, taking peaceful Nile River boat trips, camel rides through the desert, historical live experiences and explore the colourful markets. Take a look below to see how you can plan the perfect balanced holiday for your family.

Day 1

You will arrive into Luxor via domestic flight, sleeper train or Nile Cruiser. Check into your family friendly hotel or resort located on the East Bank of the Nile River.

Relax & Settle In

Enjoy a lazy morning or afternoon by relaxing by the pool and getting used to the warm climate of Upper Egypt. Children will enjoy watching the traditional wooden feluccas drift down the river while surrounded by the beautiful Theban hills.

Explore Luxor Temple

As the day is drawing to a close and the temperatures begin to drop, enjoy your first tour of Luxor Temple located in central Luxor. This is a magical time to visit Luxor Temple as it is lit up with golden lights. Children will be in awe of the beautiful sight of the large pylon walls, grand seated statues of Ramesses II and tall papyrus columns. Children can also walk along the remaining part of the Avenue of Sphinxes. This is a beautiful stone pathway lined with hundreds of human headed and ram headed Sphinxes that used to connect Luxor Temple to Karnak. Enjoy a relaxed evening meal in a river-side restaurant. Try some freshly baked Egyptian breads, skewers and mild dips.

Day 2

Cross the Nile River early in the morning to explore the West Bank of Luxor.

Valley of the Kings

Start your morning off by exploring the famous Valley of the Kings. This is a hidden valley in the desert where Pharaohs of the New Kingdom are buried in large rock-cut tombs. The children will enjoy riding in a mini open-top electric train from the visitor centre to the entrance of each tomb. Families can explore the large underground tombs (Ramesses III, Ramesses IV or Merenptah) by walking down the brightly coloured corridors and discover the huge stone coffins. Children will be amazed by how well preserved the ancient artwork is. The beautiful bright blue, yellow and red colours have been beautifully painted onto the walls to show the children the stars of the sky, protecting Gods and ancient spells from the Book of the Dead.

Hatshepsut’s Temple & Colossi of Memnon

Explore this amazing Mortuary Temple carved into the beautiful limestone cliffs. This is a stunning three storey terrace dedicated to one of the most famous female Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. Children will learn how Hatshepsut reigned as king and can see it portrayed in the reliefs on the walls wearing his royal clothing. On the way back to the river, stop to see the impressive Colossi of Memnon. These are two 18m high stone statues of Amenhotep III and offer the perfect photo opportunity.

Sunset Nile River Felucca

After a hot afternoon relaxing back at your hotel, head down to the river. Board a traditional wooden Felucca boat as the sun begins to set. The boat will gently glide down the Nile River as you relax, enjoy the traditional music and watch the skyline light up.

Day 3

Take a look into the fascinating lives of the ancient artisans and visit one of the best preserved fortress temples in Egypt.

Deir el-Medina

In the morning explore Deir el-Medina. This is a village where the artians, stonemasons and painters lived who built the Royal Tombs. This offers a more personal insight into the lives of the people. Explore the underground tombs (Tomb of Sennedjem). The children will love seeing how brightly coloured the tombs are. The rooms are decorated with cheerful scenes of farming, gardening and pets.

Medinet Habu & Banana Island

Visit this impressive Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. This is famous for having beautifully detailed reliefs on the walls that were preserved in their original colours. This temple has high tower walls making you feel like you are walking into a medieval castle. In the late afternoon take a boat ride to Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz). Children can enjoy walking around the shaded banana trees and taste some delicious fresh bananas. Enjoy a relaxed evening meal with a beautiful sunset view across the river.

Day 4

Wake up early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride and visit the largest religious temple complex ever built.

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the West Bank at Sunrise

This will be a memorable experience! If you have any brave members in your family or older children wake up extra early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Luxor. As the sun rises over the Eastern Desert, you will float over the Nile River, sugarcane fields and glowing monuments on the West Bank. The children will be in awe of the beautiful views of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple from above.

Karnak Temple – The Great Forest of Columns

After enjoying your breakfast and a short rest, head to the impressive Karnak Temple Complex. This is the main state temple of the New Kingdom and was mainly dedicated to the God Amun-Ra. The children will be in awe as they walk into the Great Hypostyle Hall. This looks like a huge forest with 134 tall sandstone columns. Each column has beautifully detailed hieroglyphs. Families can visit the sacred Scarab Beetle statue. Local legend says if you walk around it three times you will have good luck!

Karnak Sound and Light Show

In the evening return to Karnak to enjoy the amazing Sound and Light Show. The children will enjoy walking around the temple while listening to the story being told through the lights. As the stars twinkle above, the Pharaohs and Gods will come to life with the use of sound effects. This is such a exciting way to see a visual summary of Egyptian history.

Day 5

Enjoy a comfortable private tour to the north of Luxor to visit one of the best preserved temples in Egypt.

Temple of Hathor – Dendera

After a two hour scenic drive along the Nile River, you will arrive to Dendera. Both children and parents will be in awe of this impressive complex. This was built during the late Ptolemaic and Roman eras. The main temple is famous for its tall hypostyle hall. This has twenty four huge columns topped with the head of Hathor (Godess of Music, Joy & Love). Unlike most ancient sites, this temple still has the full stone roof meaning you can enter the temple to explore the beautifully preserved halls.

Astronomy Ceilings & Underground Halls

Look up and enjoy the beautifully restored ceilings. The ceilings have been returned back to their original colours and show astronomical patterns, constellations and the Goddess Nut. The children will enjoy exploring the narrow underground halls located within the thick walls. They can also climb up the stone staircases to walk across the roof. These were used by ancient Priests during New Years celebrations. Return to Luxor in the late afternoon after enjoying a relaxed meal in the countryside.

Day 6

Relax and explore some hidden archaeological treasures and enjoy some hands on experiences.

Tombs of the Nobles & Ramesseum of Ramesses II

In the morning explore the Tombs of the Nobles (Tomb of Nakht or Menna). These are small beautifully preserved tombs with cheerful scenes of fishing, catching birds in the papyrus reeds and picking grapes from the vineyards. After visit the Ramesseum for a short time. The children can stand next to the huge fallen statue of Ramesses II that inspired Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley to write their famous poem Ozymandias.

Camel Ride Through West Bank Village & Alabaster Workshops

In the late afternoon enjoy a gentle camel ride through the peaceful villages and sugarcane fields. The children will enjoy watching the sun set over the desert hills. After return to visit some local artisan workshops in Gurna. Watch master craftsmen carve beautiful glowing vases, scarabs and statues from alabaster stone with traditional hand tools.

Day 7

Finish your holiday in Upper Egypt by visiting some world class museums and souvenir shopping.

Luxor Museum & Mummification Museum

In the morning visit the air conditioned Luxor Museum. This is regarded as one of the best museums in Egypt. It showcases beautifully lit statues that were found in temple hoards, ancient weaponry and gold artefacts. After visit the nearby Mummification Museum for a short time. The children will love seeing the amazing tools, natural resins, animal mummies and rituals used by ancient embalmers to give them physical immortality.

Souvenir Shopping & Saying Goodbye

Before leaving Luxor visit the covered market (Souk). The children will enjoy practicing their polite haggling skills. Purchase unique souvenirs such as stone scarab beetles, hand carved alabaster vases, small papyrus paintings and silver Cartouche necklaces with their name in Hierglyphics. Finish your 7 day Luxor holiday with a celebration meal overlooking the Nile River. Your private transport will transfer you to the airport/train station.