Luxor, known in antiquity as Waset and later Thebes, contains nearly a third of the world’s most significant ancient monuments.
### Day 1: The Glory of the East Bank
Begin at Karnak Temple early in the morning when the sun casts long shadows through the 134 colossal columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall. In the late afternoon, walk down the Avenue of Sphinxes toward Luxor Temple as the twilight floodlights turn the limestone statues of Ramses II into glowing gold.
### Day 2: The Silent Majesty of the West Bank
Cross the river at sunrise. A morning hot air balloon ride provides an unmatched perspective of the desert valley before exploring the tomb of King Tutankhamun and Queen Hatshepsut’s terraced sanctuary.
### Day 3: Sailing and Hidden Treasures
Spend the third day sailing on a traditional unmotorized Felucca, visiting the Luxor Museum for its masterfully displayed royal mummies, and enjoying tea at the historic Winter Palace.