Steigenberger Nile Palace

Home to some of the greatest antiquities in the world, Luxor is a city where the past and the present meet and come to life.

Extend your diving adventure with a trip to the City of Palaces!

Luxor, built on the site of ancient Thebes on the banks of the great River Nile, is often described as the World’s Largest Open Air Museum. Home to some of the greatest antiquities in the world, Luxor is a city where the past and the present collide and come to life. It is a charming destination, combining historical sites, colourful street life, markets and bazaars, which will give you a true taste of the real Egypt.

Famous for its wealth of history, culture and sun-filled days, most people visit Luxor for the abundance of ancient sites. The city also offers good shopping, fine restaurants and great hotels to relax in after the hustle and bustle of the lively streets. Sun loungers round the pool, poolside bars with views of the Nile and magnificent scenery all make for great memories of your time spent in Luxor.

Luxor History

This ancient city rose to prominence in the 11th dynasty of ancient Egypt, from 2050 BC. Known to locals as Waset or the ‘city of the sceptre’ and to the Greeks as Thebes, this thriving city became the cultural and religious capital of the New Kingdom. The city was considered by ancient Egyptians to be the home of Amun, ‘God of Gods’ and acted as a direct link between the Gods and Egyptian Royalty. The city remained the key religious centre in Egypt until the time of the Greeks.

Luxor Highlights

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luxor is awash with incredible history. As you approach the West Bank, stand in awe at the Collossi of Memnon, two vast statues that portray the Pharoah Amenhotep III. Visit the Valley of the Kings, the spectacular resting place of 63 Royal Pharaonic tombs dating from 2100 BC. The Temple of Amun Ra is the grand centrepiece of the Karnak Temple complex, the most important place of worship during the new Kingdom. Other highlights include the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut sitting below rugged 300-metre-high cliffs and the Luxor Temple in the heart of the modern town. 

Luxor Options

It is possible to visit Luxor as an extension to most resort-based or liveaboard diving holidays in the Red Sea. Regaldive offer three or four-night extensions. These can be arranged before or after your diving depending on your itinerary, and include accommodation, private transfers and guided excursions - contact us for more information.

Luxor is situated on the River Nile, around five hours drive from the Red Sea coast. It is a vibrant, bustling city, benefitting from its own international airport.

Getting Around

The town and accommodation options are primarily located on the eastern bank of the Nile and the main town can be explored on foot, with a range of shopping options and places to eat. There are historical monuments such as the Luxor Temple within the town, along with other monuments on the western bank. We recommend a guided tour to fully appreciate Luxor’s many historical treasures.

Climate

The hottest time of the year is July and August with a temperature of over 30ºC. The coolest time is January with the temperature at around 20ºC. Rainfall is negligible and it is invariably sunny but breezes can be cool.

Time

Egypt is 1 or 2 hours ahead of GMT depending on the season as Egypt does not operate Daylight Saving Time.

Currency

Egyptian pounds or LE.

We recommend that you take some money in cash to Egypt, however there is a currency exchange desk available at the hotel. Please note that Scottish notes are not accepted in Egypt.

Tipping

Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to travellers for personal recognition of the services offered. We would advise that you allow approx. £10 for gratuities for local staff for the duration of your stay.

Flight Information

Weekly direct flights are available to Luxor from the UK. Alternatively, it is possible to fly via Cairo or direct to Hurghada. There are a number of direct flights from UK airports to Hurghada each week.

Flight duration: Approx 5½ hours to 7 ½ hours

Transfer times: Transfer time from Luxor Airport is around 10 minutes. Transfer time to or from Hurghada airport or your Red Sea Resort is 5–6 hours.

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.