Luxor 1-day itinerary

Cross to the West Bank at dawn by local ferry (E£5) or taxi over the bridge. Head straight to the Valley of the Kings (E£600, includes 3 tombs) — the burial ground of pharaohs for 500 years. The tombs of Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX, and Merneptah have stunning wall paintings in vivid colour. The tomb of Tutankhamun (E£600 extra) is small but legendary. The tomb of Seti I (E£2,000 extra) has the finest art in Egypt.

Return to the East Bank for the Karnak Temple Complex (E£450) — the largest ancient religious site in the world, built and expanded over 2,000 years. Walk through the Avenue of Sphinxes, past the massive First Pylon into the Great Hypostyle Hall — 134 columns up to 24 metres tall, covered in hieroglyphics. The Sacred Lake, the granite obelisks of Hatshepsut, and the Botanical Garden section are all extraordinary. Allow 2–3 hours.

Walk the Nile Corniche at sunset to Luxor Temple (E£360) — which is most magical when illuminated after dark. The temple sits in the heart of the modern city, its massive columns and colossal statues of Ramesses II lit against the night sky. The Avenue of Sphinxes connecting Luxor Temple to Karnak (2.7km) has been recently excavated and restored. Dinner at Sofra restaurant — traditional Egyptian food on a rooftop with temple views (E£150–300).