2-Day Itinerary for Karnak Temple & Luxor, Egypt
Luxor is often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum due to its vast collection of temples, tombs, and ancient wonders. This 2-day itinerary ensures you explore Karnak Temple, nearby historical sites, and enjoy cultural experiences.
Day 1: East Bank - Exploring Karnak & Luxor Temples
Morning: Karnak Temple Complex (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Best Time to Visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Location: East Bank of the Nile, Luxor
Ticket Price: Around 300 EGP ($10), additional fees for the Open-Air Museum
1. Explore Karnak Temple (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM)
- Hypostyle Hall: A breathtaking forest of 134 towering columns
- Sacred Lake: Used for purification rituals by priests
- Avenue of Sphinxes: A processional walkway lined with ram-headed sphinxes
- Obelisks & Temples: Admire the obelisks of Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis I
2. Visit the Karnak Open-Air Museum (Optional, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
- Houses reconstructed chapels and rare artifacts
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
Recommended Restaurants:
- Al-Sahaby Lane: Authentic Egyptian food with rooftop Nile views
- Sofra Restaurant: Serves traditional Egyptian dishes in a historic house
Afternoon: Luxor Temple (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM)
Location: 3 km from Karnak Temple
Ticket Price: Around 260 EGP ($8)
- Built by Amenhotep III & Ramses II, famous for:
The Grand Colonnade: A 100m-long avenue of colossal columns
Statues of Ramses II: At the entrance
Avenue of the Sphinxes: Extends between Karnak and Luxor Temple
Evening: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Ticket Price: Around 375 EGP ($12)
- Experience Karnak Temple illuminated at night while learning about its history
Where to Stay in Luxor?
Luxury: Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor – Historic 5-star hotel
Mid-Range: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa – Stunning Nile views
Budget: Nefertiti Hotel Luxor – Affordable & central
Day 2: West Bank - Valley of the Kings & More
Morning: Valley of the Kings (8:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Location: West Bank of the Nile
Ticket Price: Around 600 EGP ($20) for three tombs (Tutankhamun's tomb is extra)
- A royal burial ground for pharaohs like Ramses II & Tutankhamun
- Recommended Tombs to Visit:
Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) – Small but famous (Extra ticket needed)
Tomb of Seti I (KV17) – Most beautifully decorated
Tomb of Ramses III (KV11) – Colorful reliefs
Lunch Break (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)
Recommended Restaurants:
- Marsam Restaurant – Near the Valley of the Kings, great local food
- Africa Restaurant – Riverside spot with fresh grilled fish
Afternoon: Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon (2:00 PM – 4:30 PM)
1. Temple of Hatshepsut (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)
Location: Near the Valley of the Kings
Ticket Price: Around 240 EGP ($8)
- A magnificent mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh
2. Colossi of Memnon (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Location: On the way back to Luxor
Ticket Price: Free
- Two gigantic statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III
Evening: Felucca Ride on the Nile (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
- Relax on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (Felucca) and enjoy the sunset on the Nile
Summary of Your 2-Day Luxor Itinerary
Day 1: East Bank – Karnak & Luxor Temples
Morning: Karnak Temple & Open-Air Museum
Afternoon: Luxor Temple & Avenue of Sphinxes
Evening: Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple
Day 2: West Bank – Valley of the Kings & More
Morning: Valley of the Kings (Tombs of Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III)
Afternoon: Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon
Evening: Felucca Ride on the Nile
Travel Tips for Visiting Luxor
Start early – The heat gets intense by midday
Wear comfortable shoes – Lots of walking
Carry cash (Egyptian Pounds) – Some places don’t accept cards
Stay hydrated – Bring a water bottle
Hire a guide – For deeper insights into Egyptian history
Beware of scams – Politely decline aggressive vendors
This 2-day Luxor itinerary offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxation, ensuring you fully experience Karnak Temple and its surroundings.