Family-Friendly 3-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient capital of Thebes, is one of the greatest open-air museums in the ancient world. Located on the fertile banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, this incredible location has tonnes of amazing sights including incredible temples, royal tombs and stunning statues. It is the perfect place to take your children on a holiday as there are easy distances to travel, incredible sights and lots of culture to keep kids entertained. A 3 day trip will give you the chance to see the beautiful East Bank temples, where the ancient Egyptians would celebrate life and the sun and sun temples, and the West Bank that would be the resting place of the Pharaohs. Discover how to get the most out of your 3 day trip using our detailed itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival & Luxor Temple in the Evening

You will arrive into Luxor by either plane, sleeper train or Nile cruise. Check into a great family friendly resort or Nile-side hotel.

A. Relaxation

Once checked in, families can relax by the pool during the morning or afternoon, adjusting to the hot Upper Egyptian weather. Children can enjoy watching traditional wooden feluccas float across the Nile and past the beautiful golden hills.

B. Luxor Temple

As it begins to get later in the afternoon and the temperatures start to drop, head to Luxor Temple. This incredible temple in the centre of Luxor is a magical place to visit in the evening as the temple is illuminated with wonderful warm lighting highlighting the huge pylons, towering statues of Ramesses II and tall papyrus columns. Children will love walking along what is left of the Avenue of Sphinxes which is a stone pathway lined with hundreds of human headed and ram headed sphinxes which would lead from Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple. Head to a beautiful Nile-side restaurant to enjoy a relaxed evening meal and try some fresh Egyptian flatbreads, BBQ skewers and mild dips.

Day 2 – Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut's Temple

Across the Nile in the morning you will visit the West Bank.

A. Valley of the Kings

Start your morning by visiting the world famous Valley of the Kings. This hidden valley in the desert is where the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in deep cut rock tombs. Ride a little open top electric train from the visitor centre to the entrance of the tombs which makes it fun for little ones. Enter the tombs (Ramesses III, Ramesses IV or Merenptah) and walk along brightly painted corridors to the huge stone sarcophagus. Children will love seeing how well preserved these incredible carvings are with bright blue, yellow and red colours to show the stars of the heavens, gods to protect them and ancient spells from the Book of the Dead.

B. Hatshepsut's Temple & Colossi of Memnon

Head next to the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This incredible temple built into the limestone cliff faces has 3 tiers. It is dedicated to one of the most famous female Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt. Children will learn about how Hatshepsut was a great Pharaoh and how she ruled as a king. This can be seen on the wall carvings as she is wearing her royal regalia. As you head back towards the river stop off at the Colossi of Memnon. These are 2 huge 18m stone statues of Amenhotep III and are a brilliant photo opportunity.

C. Felucca Cruise in the Evening

Head out onto a traditional wooden felucca boat in the late afternoon. Sailing up the river with the warm late afternoon breeze. Stop off at Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz) to walk through the shady banana trees, taste the sweet fresh fruit and enjoy the peaceful sunset. Head back to Luxor as the sun sets.

Day 3 – East Bank Temples, Museums & Souvenir Shopping

Today you will visit the huge state temples, museums and local markets.

A. Great Hypostyle Hall (Karnak Temple)

Start early and head to the impressive Karnak Temple Complex. This is the largest religious temple ever built. Mostly dedicated to Amun-Ra, this was the main state temple during the New Kingdom for over 1500 years. Children will be amazed as they walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall which has 134 huge sandstone columns. These are all beautifully carved with deep hieroglyphics. Stop by the sacred Scarab Beetle statue near the Sacred Lake. Locals say that if you walk around it 3 times you will have good luck!

B. Luxor Museum & Mummification Museum

Head next to the amazing Luxor Museum. This is widely regarded as one of the best and thoughtfully designed museums in Egypt. You can view beautifully lit statues from local temple treasure troves, ancient weapons and golden artefacts. Next head to the nearby Mummification Museum. Children will love seeing how the ancient embalmers would use tools, natural resins, animal mummies and sacred rituals to give them physical immortality.

C. Souvenir Shopping & Saying Goodbye

Before you leave head to the covered market (souk) in Luxor. Children can practice their polite haggling skills to purchase some unique souvenirs. These could include stone scarab beetles, hand carved alabaster jugs, small papyrus paintings or silver cartouches with their name carved into them in hieroglyphics. Finish your 3 day trip with a celebratory meal overlooking the Nile. You will then be transferred back to the airport/train station in private transport.