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.

THREE-NIGHT LUXOR EXTENSION ITINERARY 

Four-NIGHT LUXOR EXTENSION ITINERARY 

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. Approximately £1 = 20LE

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.

ROUGH PRICE GUIDE

• Local beer: 65LE
• Snack meal (pizza / sandwich): 130LE
• Bottle of mineral water: 25LE
• Soft drink: 35LE

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.

PASSPORTS

Passengers travelling to Egypt must have six months valid on their passport from the date of departure from Egypt.

VISAS

A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required for all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively on arrival at Hurghada airport, or in advance via the new e-visa portal - Visa2Egypt.

Other nationalities should check with consular office.

VACCINATIONS

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to Egypt, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt, it is generally not present in the tourist resorts.

Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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