2-Day Luxor and Abu Simbel Tour from Cairo

The best currency to take to Egypt is the local currency, the Egyptian pound. However, GBP, Euro, and US dollars are highly exchangeable at local banks, currency exchange offices, and ATM machines.

Luxor, with its rich history and stunning landscapes, offers a range of adventure activities that you can include in your two-day tour itinerary to make your visit even more exciting. Some adventure activities to consider on Luxor's two-day tours are:

Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Luxor's ancient sites from above by taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. You'll get a unique perspective of the temples and the Nile River.

Quad Biking in the Desert: Go on an off-road adventure by renting a quad bike and exploring the desert surrounding Luxor. It's an exhilarating way to experience the arid landscapes and enjoy some adrenaline-pumping fun.

Horseback or Camel Riding: Explore the West Bank of Luxor on horseback or camelback. You can visit archaeological sites like the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in a unique way.

Felucca Sailing: Take a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile River, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the water and the picturesque scenery.

Nile Kayaking: For a more active adventure, consider kayaking on the Nile River. Guided tours are available for kayakers of various skill levels.

Mountain Trekking: Explore the desert mountains near Luxor on a guided trek. You can discover hidden valleys and take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Scuba Diving: If you're a certified diver, Luxor offers opportunities for scuba diving in the Red Sea, with vibrant coral reefs and marine life to discover.

Parasailing: Experience the thrill of parasailing over the Nile, enjoying views of Luxor's iconic temples and the lush riverbanks.

Rock Climbing: Adventure enthusiasts can find rock climbing opportunities in the desert around Luxor. Guided climbing experiences are available for all skill levels.

Safari Tours: Consider a desert safari that includes sandboarding, dune bashing, and the chance to witness stunning desert sunsets.

Abu Simbel is the name of a special place in Egypt. It is named after an ancient king called King Ramses II, who built a big temple there. The name "Abu Simbel" means "Father of Simbel" in Arabic, which is the language spoken in Egypt. So, it is called Abu Simbel to honor King Ramses II and his temple.

Exploring Luxor, often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum" due to its wealth of archaeological and historical sites, is a rewarding experience for travelers interested in ancient Egypt. Luxor offers a wide range of attractions, from temples and tombs to the beautiful Nile River. To make the most of your visit, here are some recommendations for the best ways to explore Luxor:

Guided Tours: Consider joining guided tours led by knowledgeable Egyptologists or local guides. They can provide insights into the historical significance of the sites and help you navigate the vast number of attractions. Popular tours include visits to the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Karnak Temple Complex: Karnak is a vast temple complex and one of Luxor's most iconic sites. Spend time exploring its various temples, statues, and hieroglyphics. The sound and light show held in the evenings is also a great way to experience the temple's history.

Luxor Temple: Luxor Temple is located right in the heart of the city. It's a beautiful temple, especially when illuminated at night. Don't miss the Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak Temple.

Valley of the Kings: This is where the tombs of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, are located. You can visit some of the open tombs and explore their stunning decorations.

Valley of the Queens: Visit the Valley of the Queens to see the tombs of queens and princesses from ancient Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon: These massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III are a popular photo spot, and their history is intriguing.

Temple of Hatshepsut: Explore the unique architectural design of this temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahri.

Luxor Museum: The Luxor Museum houses a remarkable collection of artifacts from Luxor's temples and archaeological sites. It's a great place to deepen your understanding of the region's history.

Felucca Ride: Take a leisurely sail on a traditional felucca boat along the Nile River. These rides offer a serene experience and beautiful views of Luxor.

Balloon Ride: Consider a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise for breathtaking aerial views of the city and its archaeological sites.

Historical Luxor Market: Visit Luxor's historical market, where you can shop for souvenirs, textiles, spices, and more.

Local Cuisine: Don't miss the opportunity to savor traditional Egyptian dishes and street food at local restaurants and cafes.

Cairo is not regarded as one of the safest cities in the world, and you need to take care when traveling to keep yourself and your valuables secure. Hiring a local guide is a good method to feel at ease and understand the hazards of touring the area.

Exploring all of Luxor's temples in a single day can be quite challenging due to the number and size of the sites. However, it's possible to visit some of the main temples and archaeological sites within a day if it's planned strategically and efficiently. Here's a suggested itinerary for exploring Luxor's temples in a day:
Morning:

Karnak Temple: Start early at Karnak Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt.
Lunch Break: Take a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant or café.
Luxor Temple: Head to Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city.
Optional Additions (If Time Permits):
Mummification Museum: If interested, visit the Mummification Museum to learn about ancient Egyptian burial practices. It's relatively small and can be explored quickly.
Luxor Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from the Luxor area, including items from the Valley of the Kings.