Family-Friendly 12-Days in Egypt Itinerary in Luxor

Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, is home to the best outdoor museum in the world. Located along the lush banks of the Nile River in Upper Egypt, there are incredible numbers of ancient temples, royal tombs and statues carved from huge stone blocks. Spending a full twelve days in Luxor will ensure you have the perfect relaxed pace for your family.

Being based in Luxor for the whole 12 days means you can explore all areas in detail. You’ll start on the East Bank where the ancient Egyptians would celebrate with life, sun and state temples. Then move onto the West Bank where the sun sets and the Pharaohs would be buried. The 12 days includes plenty of relaxation by the pool during the middle of the day, sailing on the Nile, camel riding in the desert, visiting living history villages and plenty of countryside excursions to Dendera, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abydos & the southern border of Aswan.

Day 1

You arrive into Luxor either by flight, sleeper train or cruise on the Nile. Check into your family friendly accommodation or river front hotel.

A. Relax

Relax by the pool after checking into your hotel. Get used to the warm climate of Upper Egypt and enjoy some local drinks. Watch the traditional wooden feluccas float past.

B. Luxor Temple at sundown

As it starts getting cooler in the late afternoon head to Luxor Temple which is centrally located in the city. A magical place to visit with the children! As the sun sets, the beautiful temple is lit up with warm lights. You can walk along the remaining section of the Avenue of Sphinxes with your children. This was a long road paved with stone with hundreds of human and ram headed sphinx statues that connected Luxor Temple to Karnak. Enjoy a relaxed evening meal at a riverside restaurant.

Day 2

Cross the Nile in the morning to visit the West Bank.

A. Valley of the Kings

Start your day off by visiting the famous Valley of the Kings. This is a hidden valley in the desert where the Pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried in deep tombs. Fun for the children to ride the small open top electric train from the visitor centre to the entrances of the tombs. Explore the deep underground tombs of Ramesses III, Ramesses IV or Merenptah. Walk down the colourful corridors to see the huge stone sarcophagi. The children will love seeing how well preserved the ancient paintings on the temple are. They will be in awe of seeing the bright blue, yellow and red colours of the paintings. The paintings show images of stars, protective Gods and ancient spells from the book of the dead.

B. Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon

Next visit the stunning Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. This temple has been carved into the rock face of the cliffside. It is a stunning 3 story temple that honours one of the most famous female Pharaohs. The children will learn about the story of Hatshepsut ruling as king. This can be seen with the paintings on the temple walls showing her wearing her royal clothing. Whilst heading back to the river stop off at the Colossi of Memnon. These are 2 huge 18 metre high statues of Amenhotep III. A great photo opportunity!

C. Felucca Cruise

Have a relaxed afternoon back at the hotel. Head down to the riverbanks at sunset to enjoy a traditional wooden felucca cruise. The boat will glide along the Nile with a gentle breeze. Sit back and relax whilst listening to traditional music.

Day 3

Discover the daily lives of ancient craftsmen and see one of the best preserved fortress temples in Egypt.

A. Deir el-Medina

Start your day by visiting Deir el-Medina. This was the village where the craftsmen, stonemasons and painters lived that built the Pharaohs tombs. This gives a real insight into what life was like for the workers. The children will love seeing the underground tombs of the workers. For example the Tomb of Sennedjem. The tombs have bright and cheerful paintings on the walls. Showing farms, gardens and pets. Often these tombs are much more welcoming than the Pharaoh tombs.

B. Medinet Habu & Banana Island

Next visit the huge Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III. This is famous for having amazing detailed reliefs on the walls. The temple has lots of towers and stone walls which give a feeling of walking into a medieval castle. In the late afternoon take a boat ride to Banana Island (Geziret el-Moz). The children can walk through the shaded banana plantations. Try some of the sweet bananas and enjoy a relaxing evening meal with a view.

Day 4

Enjoy a magical hot air balloon ride at sunrise and visit the largest religious temple ever built.

A. Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

For a truly magical experience brave family members & older children can enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Watch the sun rise over the Eastern Desert as you float over the Nile, sugarcane fields and lit up monuments of the West Bank.

B. Great Forest of Columns - Karnak Temple

Head back for breakfast and a short break. Visit the huge Karnak Temple Complex on the East Bank. This temple was mainly dedicated to the God Amun-Ra and was the main state temple of the New Kingdom. The children will be in awe of the Great Hypostyle Hall. This area has 134 huge sandstone columns with amazing detailed hieroglyphics. You can visit the sacred Scarab Beetle statue. Local legend says that if you walk around the statue 3 times you will have good luck!

C. Karnak Sound & Light Show

In the evening return to Karnak to enjoy the amazing Sound & Light Show. Walk through the temple with the children as they enjoy hearing the stories of the Pharaohs and Gods come to life. This gives a really exciting visual recap of Egyptian history.

Day 5

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

A. Temple of Hathor - Dendera

Drive along the Nile for 2 hours to reach Dendera. The children & parents will be in awe of this huge temple complex. Built during the late Ptolemaic & Roman periods. The main temple is famous for the huge Hypostyle Hall with 24 huge columns. Each column has a cow headed Hathor on top. This is the Goddess of music, joy & love. Unlike most ancient ruins this temple has a fully intact stone roof.

B. Celestial Paintings & Underground Caverns

Look up to see the beautiful ceilings. The ceilings have been restored to their original colours with fantastic celestial paintings. The children will love exploring the narrow underground caverns within the thick base of the temple. Climb up the stone staircases to see how the ancient Priests would climb up the roof during New Year celebrations. Return to Luxor

In the late afternoon after a relaxing countryside lunch.

Day 6

Visit 2 amazing temples from the Ptolemaic period.

A. Temple of Horus - Edfu

Drive South in a private vehicle. First stop Edfu to visit the stunning Temple of Horus. The Temple is extremely well preserved. The children will love arriving at the huge temple. They can pose for photos next to the huge black granite Falcons. The outer walls are huge and have intact roof rooms.

B. Double Temple - Kom Ombo

Continue driving down the river to Kom Ombo. This special temple is a double temple dedicated to 2 Gods equally. Sobek the crocodile god & Haroeris the Falcon god. The children will love seeing the carvings showing ancient surgical tools. The Crocodile Museum is also next to the temple. This houses ancient mummified crocodiles from the Nile. Return to Luxor

In the late afternoon for a relaxing evening by the pool.

Day 7

Discover the tombs of the Queens, ancient Princesses and the modern discoveries that led to uncovering Tutankhamuns tomb.

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

Drive across to the West Bank in the morning and visit the Valley of the Queens. Explore the underground tombs of the Queens & young Princes from the New Kingdom. For example Prince Khaemwaset. The tombs have beautiful paintings on the walls showing young Royalty being presented to the Gods by their protective Mothers.

B. Howard Carter House & Fake Tutankhamun Tomb

Visit the famous Howard Carter House. This is at the entrance to the Valley of the Kings. The children can enter the original mud brick house that Howard Carter lived in whilst searching for King Tuts tomb. The gardens surrounding the house have a life size replica of Tutankhamuns tomb. There are information boards to show how the treasures were discovered in 1922.

Day 8

Visit some hidden gems of archaeology and enjoy some hands on activities.

A. Tombs of the Nobles & Ramesseum

In the morning visit the Tombs of the Nobles. These include the Tomb of Nakht or Menna. These small tombs are beautifully preserved with cheerful paintings. The children can see paintings of fishing, catching birds in the papyrus reeds & harvesting vineyards. Have a short visit to the Ramesseum. The children can stand next to the huge fallen statue of Ramesses II. This is what inspired Percy Bysshe Shelley to write his famous poem Ozymandias.

B. Camel Ride & Alabaster Workshops

Enjoy a gentle camel ride through the peaceful farming villages & sugarcane fields on the West Bank. In the late afternoon visit local artisan workshops in Gurna. Watch the master craftsman carve beautiful alabaster vases, scarabs & statues.

Day 9

Take a special day trip to the North West to visit the holy pilgrimage site of Abydos.

A. Great Temple of Seti I

This temple is famous for holding the legendary Abydos King List. This shows a list of all the Pharaohs in order on the limestone walls. This temple is famous for having some of the most delicate low reliefs in Egypt. The children will love seeing how colourful the walls are. There is also a mysterious building called the Osireion.

B. Return to Luxor

Have a relaxed lunch locally. Enjoy a scenic drive back through the farming heartland of Upper Egypt. Return to Luxor

In the late afternoon.

Day 10

An exciting day trip to Aswan, the southern border of Ancient Egypt.

A. Temple of Isis - Philae Island

Drive comfortably to Aswan in the morning. Take a short boat ride across Lake Nasser to reach the island temple of Philae. This temple is dedicated to Isis, the Motherhood & Healing Goddess. The temple is surrounded by blue water. The children love arriving by boat. Explore the temple with its columns, reliefs & beautiful Kiosk of Trajan.

B. Nubian Village

In the afternoon take a traditional boat to a colourful Nubian Village on the West Bank of Aswan. The children will love the brightly coloured domed houses. They will enjoy the traditional hospitality & local crafts. Enjoy some traditional Nubian Tea & pastries. Return to Luxor

In the evening by private transport.

Day 11

A relaxed day visiting world class museums.

A. Luxor Museum & Mummification Museum

Visit the Luxor Museum in the morning. This museum is widely thought to be one of the best & most thoughtfully designed museums in Egypt. The museum showcases beautifully lit statues from local temple treasures, ancient weaponry & gold items. Next have a short visit to the nearby Mummification Museum. The children will enjoy seeing the tools, natural resins, animal mummies & rituals used by ancient embalmers to give them physical immortality.

B. Relax by Pool or Tea

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool or have a peaceful family tea with views over the Nile.

Day 12

Spend your final day shopping for souvenirs and enjoy a final celebratory meal.

A. Local Souk

Before leaving visit the covered market (Souk) in Luxor. The children can practise their polite haggling skills. Buy personalised souvenirs including stone scarab beetles, hand carved alabaster vases, small papyrus paintings or silver cartouche necklaces with their name written in hieroglyphics.

B. Final Meal

Your 12 day itinerary in Luxor comes to an end with a celebratory meal. Enjoy some national delicacies including fresh flatbreads, skewers & sweet Egyptian pastries. Return to the airport/train station by private transport.