Tour Overview
Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and culture. Situated on the east bank of the Nile River, this city was once the glorious capital of ancient Egypt, known as Thebes. Today, it offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Egypt’s past. The East Bank Day Tour is a popular excursion that takes you to two of Luxor’s most impressive sites: the Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. These architectural marvels stand as testaments to the ingenuity and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization.
This tour focuses on Two key highlights:
- Karnak Temple Complex
- Luxor Temple
On this tour, you’ll explore vast courtyards, towering columns, intricate hieroglyphics, and colossal statues. You’ll walk in the footsteps of pharaohs and priests, gaining insight into the religious and political life of ancient Egypt. The tour typically starts in the morning at the Karnak Temple Complex and concludes in the afternoon at Luxor Temple, allowing you to experience these sites at a comfortable pace.
Karnak Temple Complex
Construction at Karnak began in the Middle Kingdom (2080-1640 BCE) and continued into the Ptolemaic period (305-30 BCE). Each pharaoh sought to outdo their predecessors, resulting in an ever-expanding and increasingly elaborate complex.
The name “Karnak” comes from the nearby village of el-Karnak. The ancient Egyptians called the complex Ipet-isut, meaning “The Most Selected of Places.”
The most impressive feature of Karnak is undoubtedly the Hypostyle Hall in the Great Temple of Amun. Covering an area of 54,000 square feet, this hall features 134 massive columns arranged in 16 rows. The central two rows are higher than the rest, with the tallest columns reaching 80 feet.
Luxor Temple
The temple was built around 1400 BCE, primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II. Unlike the other temples in Thebes, Luxor temple is not laid out on an east-west axis, but is oriented towards Karnak, emphasizing the temple’s ceremonial function during the annual Opet Festival.
For centuries, the temple was buried beneath the streets and houses of Luxor. Eventually, excavation began in 1884, leading to the discovery of this remarkable site. Even today, modern buildings have been cleared away to restore parts of the Avenue of Sphinxes, highlighting the ongoing process of archaeological discovery and preservation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Luxor is between October and April when temperatures are milder. Summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C).
I recommend starting your tour early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Karnak is particularly stunning in the early morning light, while Luxor Temple is beautiful in the late afternoon as the sun begins to set.
Recommended Attire and Accessories
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
- Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated
Remember, these are not just tourist attractions but sacred sites with thousands of years of history. Approach them with respect and an open mind, and you’ll find your visit to be not just educational, but profoundly moving.
