Work began on the huge Temple of Karnak 46 centuries ago and went on for hundreds of years.
Luxor is very dense with ancient sites and includes the Temple of Luxor, the Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut was buried. Luxor is more interesting and much less commercialized than the pyramids in Giza. One of the high points is the $5M restoration of the Nefertari tomb, which only allows a few visitors each day. You must buy tickets very early in the morning for specific later time for the tour.
Note that the daily temeratures can reach 120 degrees but the nights are beautiful and perfect for late night for cruise on small Nile sailboats callled fellucas. Its still not as hot as the Sahara Desert though which can get to 135 degrees.
Queen Hatshepsut's tomb looks like it could have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and not over 3,000 years ago. It's beautiful place but was also the scene of the slaughter of 70 tourists by fundamentalists in 1998.
The Tomb of Menna on the West Bank of the Nile is for a royal scribe, and shows a more sophisticated painting style (above).
Best Time to Go: Winter when it is a bit cooler
How Long to Stay: Spend at least 3 days here as the great sites are plentiful.
General Costs: High
What To Do: Temple of Luxor and Karnak, Valley of Kings and Queens
UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes as a part of the ancient Thebes area
Weather: Very Hot - 120 degrees some days
Language: Arabic
How Long to Stay: Spend at least 3 days here as the great sites are plentiful.
General Costs: High
What To Do: Temple of Luxor and Karnak, Valley of Kings and Queens
UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes as a part of the ancient Thebes area
Weather: Very Hot - 120 degrees some days
Language: Arabic
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