Ancient Gods and famous Pharaohs

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.

A mid-size city situated on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt, Aswan is a true hub of culture and ancient history. There are a number of archaeological sites in Aswan, but it lacks the urban chaos of Cairo, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore Egypt's rich history away from the hustle and bustle. Visitors can take a traditional boat ride along the river to see the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, which dates back to 180 B.C.; check out Elephantine Island, which served as the cult center of the ancient god Khnum; visit the Nubian Museum; go for a camel ride at the Nubian Village or visit the Aswan Market where locals shop for food, spices and other goods.

Edfu beckons travellers with its rich historical allure. Home to the splendid Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian architectural grandeur. Visitors can explore well-preserved hieroglyphics, massive statues, and intricate carvings. Beyond its archaeological wonders, Edfu offers a chance to immerse in local culture, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and wanderers alike.

A mid-size city situated on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt, Aswan is a true hub of culture and ancient history. There are a number of archaeological sites in Aswan, but it lacks the urban chaos of Cairo, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore Egypt's rich history away from the hustle and bustle. Visitors can take a traditional boat ride along the river to see the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, which dates back to 180 B.C.; check out Elephantine Island, which served as the cult center of the ancient god Khnum; visit the Nubian Museum; go for a camel ride at the Nubian Village or visit the Aswan Market where locals shop for food, spices and other goods.

A mid-size city situated on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt, Aswan is a true hub of culture and ancient history. There are a number of archaeological sites in Aswan, but it lacks the urban chaos of Cairo, making it an ideal destination for those who want to explore Egypt's rich history away from the hustle and bustle. Visitors can take a traditional boat ride along the river to see the ruins of the Temple of Khnum, which dates back to 180 B.C.; check out Elephantine Island, which served as the cult center of the ancient god Khnum; visit the Nubian Museum; go for a camel ride at the Nubian Village or visit the Aswan Market where locals shop for food, spices and other goods.

Edfu beckons travellers with its rich historical allure. Home to the splendid Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, this site offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian architectural grandeur. Visitors can explore well-preserved hieroglyphics, massive statues, and intricate carvings. Beyond its archaeological wonders, Edfu offers a chance to immerse in local culture, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and wanderers alike.

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.

Once known as Thebes, Luxor served as the base for Egypt's ruling class for thousands of years, and its temples and tombs are among the wonders of the ancient world. Almost all Nile River cruises embark from the Luxor cornice, a pedestrian pathway on the river's East Bank, and you'll likely spend at least two days exploring ruins in the surrounding area.

The city itself is concentrated on the east side of the Nile, where you'll also find the Temple of Karnak -- the world's largest ancient religious site -- as well as Luxor Temple and the bulk of Luxor's museums, hotels and restaurants. The West Bank is home to some of Egypt's most famous tombs, including the necropolis within the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, and memorials like the Colossi of Memnon.

If the temples become tiring, take a break to check out some of Luxor's more "modern" attractions (modern being relative when your city dates back past 2,134 B.C.). Of these, the Old Winter Palace -- now a hotel run by Sofitel -- provides afternoon tea, a refreshing break from the city's hot desert climate. And, of course, many tourists can't leave Luxor without taking an early morning balloon ride over the ruins; even if you're not the one aloft, their colorful fabric makes for wonderful pictures against the typically bright blue sky.