Mankind came into being within her...

Contents
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4| Luxor 8| Luxor Today 11| East Bank Monuments 12| Luxor Temple 15| Karnak Temples 16| Luxor Museum 17| Mummification Museum 19| West Bank Monuments 20| The Colossi of Memnon 22| The Theban Necropolis, Valley of the Kings, Queens, Nobles and Workers 24| Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari)

28| The Ramesseum, Mortuary Temple of Ramses II 29| Medinat Habu, The Mortuary Temple of Ramses III 30| Things to Do in Luxor 36| Practical Info in Luxor 41| Tourist Information Offices in Luxor 42| Nile Cruises 45| Your Journey Around Luxor 47| Your Journey in Egypt Continues 50| Practical Info 55| Egypt Map Back Cover| Luxor Map

This Brochures Section Photos

Cover: Karnak Temple p.2 Luxor Temple p.6&7 Luxor Corniche p. 10,11 Luxor Temple p.18&19 Aerial Shot of the West Bank

LUxOR

Waset is the pattern of every city mankind came into being within her, to found every city in her true name Ancient Egyptian Text

Medieval Egyptian scholars were fascinated with the traces of Pharaonic antiquity evident in Luxor. But it wasnt until the 1822 decoding of the Rosetta Stone, discovered by Napoleons troops north of modern-day Cairo in the Nile Delta, that the key to hieroglyphics was unlocked, and the monuments could be understood in their true historical context. Luxor has provided a nearly permanent home to international archeological missions, and their discoveries have captivated generations, the most well-known of which was Howard Carters dramatic discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922. Even now, in a continually unfolding tale, amazing discoveries are being made. Some scholars predict that 70 percent of the glories of Luxors ancient past still lie buried beneath the sands.

The hot, dry climate of Luxor, and the relative obscurity of these monuments for millennia, has given future generations a priceless gift by helping to preserve these wonders. At a staggering distance of thousands of years, we can still experience Luxors grandeur through the most diverse and abundant collection of antiquities on earth. Its an amazing legacy - some 450 tombs, a constellation of temples and other buildings, and rich inscriptions and paintings, some of whose colors are still as fresh as the day they were painted. Preserving this priceless heritage while making it accessible to millions of annual visitors is a complicated and delicate task.

Luxor is an open-air museum and one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world The Valley of the Kings, with its 62 fabulous royal tombs, can bring us back to the greatest discovery in the history of archaeology, the tomb of Tutankhamun..

Luxor T emple

The ancient Greeks called it Thebes, city of a hundred gates, and its present name derives from al-Uqsur, the Arabic word meaning palaces. But to its ancient inhabitants, Luxor was known as Waset The City, greatest of all capitals. Home to one of the earliest flowerings of human civilization, at its height, Luxors population reached one million, and the wealth, knowledge and technical abilities of its people made it a center of the ancient world for more than half a millennium. When its glories at long last began to give way to Memphis in the north, around 1085 BC, Luxor had held sway over ancient Egypt for over 2000 years. When the Greek historian Herodotus visited in 450BC, he told tales of a fabled Thebes whose long age of glory already belonged in the past.

Statue of Ramses II at Karnak Temple

LUxOR TODAY

LUxOR TODAY
Luxors ancient history is so remarkably dominant that many guidebooks forget to mention the towns modern-day beauty, with gardens, greenery and graceful colonial-era buildings. Straddling the Nile 670km south of Cairo, Luxor has some 450,000 inhabitants, mostly involved in farming, tourism or antiquities-related work. The relative absence of industry means the desert air is pure and dry, ideal weather for preserving the treasures of this massive open-air museum.
The lifeblood of the ancient Egyptian civilization, the mighty Nile River cuts Luxor in half, and much of your time in Luxor will be spent not far from its banks. The urbanized East Bank is home to most of Luxors tourist infrastructure and temples, including the Karnak and Luxor Temples, many hotels, ranging from spartan chic to refined elegance, and transport infrastructure including the train station and airport. The city center area on the East Bank is fairly compact, and much can be explored on foot. A range of transport options, from ferries, feluccas and boat taxis, to bikes, taxis and horse carriages, make accessing the more distant sights simple. Across the river on the West Bank sometimes referred to as the Theban Necropolis, and long used as a burial ground for ancient Luxors rulers is situated the Valleys of the Kings, Queens and Nobles. Less urbanized than the East Bank, the West Banks idyllic countryside gives travelers a glimpse of how Luxor appeared in days gone by. While most hotels are located across the river, the West Bank offers some delightful hotel options, particularly for those looking for more of a rural or off the beaten-track option. A regular passenger ferry connects the two banks, alongside private boats that can be hired. A road bridge links Luxors East and West Banks 9km south of town. Moving around the West Bank takes a bit more planning, and most visitors choose to move around by bus or taxi, though most of the major sites can be visited with the assistance of a sturdy bicycle.
Tip Throughout its long history, Luxor Temple served as the dwelling place of a form of the god Amen closely associated with ideas of fertility and rejuvenation.

Luxor temple

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EAST BANK MONUMENTS

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LUxOR TEMPLE
Located in the middle of modernday Luxor, with its main axis running parallel to the Nile, Luxor Temple is the towns centerpiece. Largely built by Amenophis III Some rare paintings from this period, located on the south end of the main axis, were recently restored. Diocletian was known for persecuting Christians, but a couple of centuries after his death portions of the temple were converted once more, this time into churches. boat that during religious celebrations was paraded through town. Under Roman Emperor Diocletian (284 - 305 AD), the temple became a military camp. (1417-1379BC) and Ramses II (13041237BC), and dedicated to the Theban Triad (Amun-Min, Mut and Khonsu), this temple has a richly layered history, much of which can still be discovered in its inscriptions and carvings. Alexander the Great converted one of the antechambers into a sanctuary for the sacred boat of Amun, a replica of the gods solar Later still, the Mosque of Abul Haggag (named after the 12th century Baghdad-born mystic who lived and died here) was built alongside a temple wall. Luxor Temple was largely covered in sand until the late 19th century, and as a result is wonderfully preserved. Like other local monuments, it owes its survival partly to a favorable climate, but above all to the mastery of its builders. The Egyptians called their temples the houses of eternity and they have, so far, outlasted time

Al-Nasseriyya St. 095/235 7209 6am-10pm summer 6am-9pm winter

Time Out Stop by the caf located within the temple walls beneath a grove of trees, overlooking the regal Avenue of the Sphinx. The small adjacent bookstore is well-stocked with Egypt-related publications in several languages as well as other sundries. In case you need a break from antiquity, Luxor Temple is located next door to the Winter Palace, and in front of the towns souk.

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Avenue of Sphinx in front of Luxor Temple

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Tip sound and light. Not to be missed, this dramatic narration, offered nightly in several languages, helps make sense of karnaks long and complicated history. but the best part is the amazing experience of walking around the temple by the light of the moon and stars. check with your hotel for show times in your preferred language. tickets may be purchased in advance or on-site. 095/237 2241 www.soundandlight.com.eg Tip the karnak temple is so vast and so grandiose that the egyptians must have designed it for men one hundred feet tall, said jean-francois champollion, the frenchman who first deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs
Karnak Temple is the towns centerpiece

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KARNAK TEMPLES
In 1798, Napoleon paid Egypt a visit, hoping to add it to Frances empire. Troops were dispatched to secure Upper Egypt, and on January 27th, 1799, during the long march south along the Nile, the soldiers caught sight of Karnak rising defiantly from the sands. Without an order being given, wrote one lieutenant, the men formed their ranks and presented arms, to the accompaniment of the drums and the bands. Karnaks aweinspiring power is timeless, a tribute to those who built and understood it as the home of the gods. Located to the north of the city center, Karnak is perhaps the largest religious complex ever constructed. Its original name was Ipet Isut, meaning the most select of places. Over the course of two millennia, it was enlarged by consecutive Pharaohs until it comprised an area of 247 acres. Centered on the Temple of Amun (begun during the 11th Dynasty, 2134-1991 BC), it served as a spiritual center but also as an economic hub, containing administrative offices, treasuries, palaces, bakeries, breweries, granaries and schools. Karnaks grandest feature is the Great Hypostyle Hall, but its wonders include the Chapel of Senusert, which dates back to the Middle Kingdom, the obelisks of Thutmose I and Hatshepsut, and the socalled botanical garden of Thutmose III, decorated with reliefs of the plants, trees and animals the Pharaoh brought home from his military expeditions. But the massive compound contains countless treasures beyond these. Take a walk around Karnaks perimeter, where fewer travelers tend to venture. The ground is strewn with inscribed blocks and fragments of statues, where pieces of an age-old puzzle still await reassembly, and treasures await discovery.

Al-Nasseriyya St.

095/238 0270
6am-5.30pm Oct-Apr, to 6am May-Sep

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LUxOR MUSEUM
Why visit a museum in Luxor, you may ask, when the entire town can be thought of as an open-air museum with antiquities and treasures lying almost everywhere you look? The answer is that every item in this small, permanent exhibit is a priceless masterpiece, lit and displayed to perfection. Here youll find key discoveries from decades of excavations, the space and quiet to enjoy them, and the descriptions to understand them. Located on the corniche about half way between the Karnak and Luxor Temples, the museum can be an ideal break on a journey between the two. One of the recurrent themes in temple art is the Pharaoh in his chariot, with arms extended, his bow and arrow drawn. In the Luxor Museum youll see the bows and arrows and a perfectly intact chariot, its leatherbound wheels and wooden yoke looking as ready as ever for a pair of feisty steeds. On a softly illuminated platform in a darkened room lies the mummy of an unknown Pharaoh, whose strange fate was to travel to Canada in the luggage of a 19th century tourist as a souvenir, and is now reunited with his ancestral home.

Al-Nasseriyya St. 095/238 0269 Oct.-Apr.,9am-1pm/4pm-9pm, MaySept. 9am-1pm/5.00pm-10pm.

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MUMMIFICATION MUSEUM
Across from the Luxor Museum, take the stairs from the corniche down towards the Nile, and spend a lively half-hour contemplating the immortal dead. Aside from humans, some animals sacred to the gods enjoyed the status of mummification, including crocodiles, fully-grown and infant, rams and baboons. The art and science of mummification was an Egyptian specialty, and this tastefully organized little museum shows how, and with what ingredients, it was done. . Al-Nasseriyya St. 095/237 0062 except Fridays, 9am2pm and 5pm-10pm.

Mummification Museum

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WEST BANK MONUMENTS

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THE COLOSSI OF MEMNON

This pair of time-worn monoliths on the main road from the river, standing guard over the threshold of the Theban Necropolis, are all that remains of a temple built by Amenophis III around 2400 years ago. At 18m high and weighing 1000 tons, they have remained strong and steady despite years of a change in their surrounding landscape. Surrounded by fields, the Nile waters rose each year, until upriver dams ended the annual floods in 1964 to reach the Colossis feet. Legend has it that they could once sing; a whistling sound documented by the ancient Greeks was probably produced as the statues stones, warmed by the suns early morning rays, gradually expanded and rubbed against one another along an existing crack. Outraged that they wouldnt sing for him, Roman Emperor Septimus Severus (193-211 AD) repaired the crack and left them silent. A stele at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo poetically describes the temple as being built from white sandstone, with gold throughout, a floor covered with silver, and doors covered with electrum. It takes a visit to the Colossi to truly understand the experience of this description. .

Tip
To locate the Colossi, ask for the antiquities inspectorate ticket office. They are only a few feet behind it.

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The Colossi of Memnon

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THE THEBAN NECROPOLIS

The Theban Necropolis is the sprawling, secluded cemetery located in the hills and wadis (valleys) of the Niles West Bank. The ancients called it the place of truth and the Western Lands, where lifes journey ended and another, everlasting one, began. When French author Andr Malraux remarked that Egypt invented eternity, he spoke a poetic truth, since Egyptian civilization was based on a compelling belief in the afterlife. For the Ancient Egyptians, the suns daily transit from east to west, its night-time disappearance and its return at dawn, was a symbol of both inevitable death and eternal renewal. At first, eternity was reserved for pharaohs; only those who could afford proper mummification and well-equipped tombs could achieve immortality. Over the course of several dynasties, however, funerary rites became available to a wider public, starting with high-ranking officials, but also eventually extending to funerary workers. The royals are buried in a rocky labyrinth, whose inaccessibility helped protect their remains. The vivid drawings and inscriptions of tomb interiors were not mere decorations, but prayers and incantations addressed to the gods, along with celebrations of the deceaseds familylife and achievements. Against the odds, and benefited by Luxors warm, dry climate, many are still intact. But the imprint of millions of

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annual visitors has taken its toll. Some tombs are under restoration, others allow only limited access. Check with your guide or ticket vendors for the latest information about which are open for viewing. The Valley of the Kings, offering a plethora of splendid tombs, warrants return visits. Nearby lies the Valley of the Queens, once known as Ta- Set-Neferu, the place of the beautiful ones. The tombs of the royal ladies and their children are less in grandeur than the kings, but equal in the artistry and mastery of their inscriptions. While the burial grounds of highranking officials, the Valley of the Nobles, was more accessible, and therefore more subject to raiding a few important examples remain. This astounding necropolis suffered from tragic devastation as a fashion for everything Egyptian swept Europe in the early 19th century, and the resulting craze for artifacts was fed by unscrupulous tomb raiders long before the principles of modernday archaeology were developed. Visitors through the ages have left disfiguring graffiti scratched into walls and statues, destroying artwork that thousands

of years had spared. The phenomenon is not new; people have always left their mark, and Luxors tombs and temples bear examples of ancient Greek, Coptic and Latin graffiti, as well as the flowery script of 19th century travelers. Todays visitors, however, are able to enjoy these priceless treasures in the atmosphere of respect and reverence that the monuments deserve.

bs in the tom One of gs the Kin of Valley

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MOR TUARY TEMPLE OF HATSHEPSUT (DEIR EL-BAHA RI)

Set in a curving bank of steep cliffs with a commanding view of the river valley, the Temple of Hatshepsut was built in perfect harmony with its majestic surroundings. Seen from a distance, its three-level faade looks almost futuristic testimony to the timelessness of great art. Designed by Hatshepsuts steward and architect Senenmut, it took eight years and tremendous manpower to build a fitting tribute to the woman who ruled Egypt as pharaoh for nearly half a century (15031452BC). Hatshepsut called it the splendor of splendors, and some still consider it one of the most striking architectural works on earth.
6 am-4.30 pm Oct-Apr, to 5 pm May-Sep

The faces of the statues decorating the colonnades show traces of ochre, a reminder that these monuments were once vividly colored and must have presented an even more dazzling spectacle than they do today.

Hatshepsut Tapna

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Hatshepsut Temple

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Deir el-Medina

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TOWN OF THE UNNAMED WORKE RS (DEI R EL -MEDINA)

While the tombs of the Theban Necropolis seem almost miraculous in their construction, they were created by human hands, sweat and blood. Deir el-Medina is the town and burial place of the mostly unnamed workers whose craftsmanship ensured the lasting glory of their pharaohs. Recent excavations show the footprints of their humble dwellings, and while their tombs are small, they were decorated with the same artistry and skill as the burial chambers

of their employers. The site includes a small temple built by Amenophis III, rebuilt 1100 years later by Ptolemy IV.. 6am-4.30 pm Oct-Apr, to 5pm May-Sep

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THE RAMESEUM , MORTUA RY TEMPLE OF RAMSES II

For the pharaohs, temple building was a way of thanking the gods for military triumphs, demonstrating their greatness to their people, and ensuring their memory would be honored in posterity. Ramses II (19th Dynasty, 1304-1237BC) was a prolific builder, and the great temple at Abu Simbel was amongst his most exceptional works. While the Ramesseum lies half in ruins, it is nevertheless one of the loveliest sites in Egypt. The temple precinct is scattered with shards of ancient pottery and fallen blocks, the most sensational of which is a large sculpture of Ramses IIs muscular torso. His monolith, carved into a single piece of Aswan granite, once stood almost 17 meters high, dominating the local countryside. Even now the Ramesseum, with its wind-gnarled trees full of chirping birds, has an ambiance full of the romance of a great, but fallen, power.

6am-4.30pm Oct-Apr, to 5pm May-Sep

Temple of Ramses II

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MEDINAT HABU, THE MORTUA RY TEMPLE OF RAMSES II

Grandiose and gracefully proportioned, set apart from the majority of the other West Bank buildings, Medinat Habu is second in size only to the Great Temple at Karnak. Ramses III admired and imitated his ancestor Ramses IIs style of building, and like him was an aggressively successful military leader. Statues of the lionheaded Sekhmet, fierce goddess of revenge. The first pylon and inner court graphically depict the pharaohs victories over the Libyans and Phoenicians. The complex was added by later rulers, and the decoration of the second court - dedicated to religious matters and later made into a church - creates a very different mood. Remnants of its original mud-brick enclosure wall are interspersed with the ruins of Jeme, the Coptic town inhabited for centuries and abandoned around 800AD.

Medinat Habu Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, hieroglyphics

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THIN gS TO DO IN LU xOR
SHOPING
Luxors souks (markets) offer all sorts of souvenirs, clothing and jewelry, some of it kitsch, some fine and uniquely crafted. As you visit the necropolis, now as in centuries past, souvenir sellers will display statuettes of the animal-headed gods made of alabaster and stone. The Valleys of the Kings and Queens are dotted with alabaster workshops, where this translucent local stone is handcrafted into vases, bowls and statues. The mud-brick buildings are covered with brightly colored paintings showing scenes of ancient and modern Egyptian life. The main souk, with its recently widened central artery (entrance near the east side of the Luxor Temple) is fragrant with spices, perfumes and incense, and open from around 10am until midnight. Near its northern end, on the way to the Luxor Museum, the local market begins. Especially on Tuesday mornings, townspeople flock there to buy groceries and fresh produce. The Nile corniche also offers colorful shops and mini-bazaars. Be sure and take the stairs located at various intervals along the Corniche to the lower, river-side level, near where Luxors cruise ships dock. There youll find more shops, restaurants and cafs in a pleasant pedestrian-only environment

TEA TIME
For a taste of Victorian luxury, visit the Sofitel Winter Palace for high tea (4-6pm daily), served in a grand salon overlooking one of Luxors oldest and loveliest gardens. Built in 1886, the Winter Palace helped establish Luxor as a glamorous winter spot for Europes well-to-do and formed the back-drop for many a diamond-drenched party. A variety of cafs with lovely river side ambience are located along the lower river walkway along the East Bank corniche.

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BOOKSTORES
Gaddis Bookstore, located beside the Winter Palace at the southern end of the Luxor Temple, is a century-old family business that began as one of the first Egyptian-owned photographic studios. A wonderful collection of prints from the Gaddis archives are on sale dating from the 1920 -1930s, in addition to an eclectic selection of souvenirs, jewelry and clothing. 9am-10pm, Closed June and July. 095/238 7042
For a variety of Egypt-related books and daily newspapers, visit the Abboudi Bookstore, between the southern end of Luxor Temple and the Winter Palace.

9am-10pm
095/237 2390

Collection of souvenirs

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THE LuxOR MARATHON

In 1977, Egyptologist Ahmed Moussa discovered an ancient inscription describing a 100km footrace for the pharaohs soldiers. With this historic sporting event in mind, the first annual Luxor Marathon was first held in 1993 and is now a prominent international event, attracting some 2000 participants each year. The Luxor Marathon is held in the cool and dry month of February on the scenic West Bank. More info: www.egyptianmarathon.com.

MOuLID Of ABuL HAGAG

Islam doesnt have saints per se, but every village has a holy person, or wali, in its history whose life is honored with annual celebrations. The moulids have a carnival-like atmosphere, and the Moulid of Abul Haggag, centered on the Abul Haggag mosque in Luxor Temple, is held three weeks prior to the Muslim month of Ramadan (during the summer months for the next few years). During the featured procession, local Sufi brotherhoods display their banners, and in the case of Abul Haggag, a wooden boat is carried aloft, echoing a pharaonic tradition. 32

Tip Coptic Excursions St. Mark brought Christianity to Egypt in the first century AD. Some of the earliest churches and monasteries were founded within the walls of temples. Luxors Coptic community and traditions remain vibrant. Some masses are still celebrated in their original language, which is closely linked to that of the pharaohs. Historic texts say that the Holy Family traveled through Egypt, seeking refuge from the death-threats of Jerusalems King Herod. The stops along their way became the sites of religious communities, including Deir El Muharraq. Between August 7-21, thousands of pilgrims attend the Feast of the Consecration of the Church of the Virgin. On the 11th of November, the Church of St. George holds its annual celebration. Egypts churches (and many of its monasteries) welcome visitors all year-round.

Tip Up, Up and Away. Have an experience youll never forget riding a hot air balloon and taking pictures of your great memories from the Luxor sky, which is sure to multiply your awe with the magnificence of the citys history from up above. If you dont mind waking before dawn (and dont suffer from vertigo!), several local companies provide 45-minute hot-air balloon rides featuring a privileged, birds-eye view of the West Bank monuments. Ask your hotel concierge or any Luxor travel agent for details.

Hot air balloon over Luxors West Bank

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Felucca on the Nile

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LuxOR LIBRARy AND CuLTuRAL CENTER

Inaugurated in 2007, the library offers a selection of Egyptology related books, a well-equipped maproom, and multi-media presentations describing local history. A childrens play, study area and internet facilities make the library a welcome addition to the community and a place for amateur Egyptologists of every nationality to deepen their knowledge. Karnak Temple St. (Shara Maabad al- Karnak).

a stop for a quick bite, you can visit the Nubian tent. Get a henna design, or dress up in Nubian attire; the Nubian village will present you with unforgettable fun.
095/928 0688

fELuCCA RIDES
For a leisurely journey, choose a felucca (Nile sailboat) available near the ferry landing and at intervals along the corniche. Book it for an hour or two, take a picnic, and meander along the Niles lush, still untouched banks powered only by wind and currents. Prices vary depending on the number of occupants

10.30am-9pm except Mondays 095/237 3086, 095/237 3142.

NuBIAN VILAGE
Live the Nubian lifestyle in the Nubian Village. With their unique customs and lifestyle, a fascinating experience awaits you 7km south of Luxor city center. Watch Nubian women making handicrafts, and after

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P R A C T I CA L I N F O I N LU xO R
GETING THERE AND AWAy
EgyptAir has daily flights between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Luxors International Airport is located about 20 minutes from city center. 095/237 2306. Trains leave Luxor to Cairo and Aswan several times daily, some with overnight compartments offered by Abela Egypt Sleeping Train (www. sleepingtrains.com). Luxor Train Station: 095/237 0259. The bus station is located approximately 1km from the airport. Tickets for the bus can be purchased at office, near the train station. Buses heading to Cairo leave early in the morning. Be sure to book ahead of time. There are six daily buses that go to Hurghada and a daily bus to Sharm el Sheikh. Bus Station: 095/232 2218 Limousine services are available in Luxor. Several companies offer you to rent a car, with a driver, for one or more days, if you have your own tailor-made plans.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Horse Drawn Carriages Walking along the Nile corniche, men in horse-drawn carriages call out, caleche! caleche! hoping to offer you a ride. Also known by their Arabic name, hantour, these old-fashioned carriages provide a romantic and convenient means of transport. Be sure and agree on a price, and specify the currency, beforehand with the driver. River-Going Transport One of Luxors special pleasures is getting out on the wondrous river. With the local bridge located 12km south of town, most locals opt for the large and affordable (1LE) public ferry running regularly from the

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landing in front of the Luxor Temple, to the West Bank, operating from 6am-11pm. If youre in a hurry and willing to pay a little more (5-10LE), youll find colorfully decorated motor boats docked adjacent to the ferry landing that can be hired for the crossing. Taxis are plentiful in Luxor. Its always better to settle with your driver on a price before setting off..

VISA ExTENSIONS
Visit the passport office (Saturday-Thursday 9am-1pm) on the south end of the corniche, across from the Steigenberger Hotel. Passport Office 095/238 0885

Tip For the more energetic, the West Bank is perfect for cycling, and bicycles are available for rental near the ferry landing, from hotels, and other locations along the main roads.

Horse-drawn carriages are convenient in Luxor

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COMuNICATIONS
Telephones
Egypts three major mobile phone carriers (Vodaphone, MobiNil, Etisalat) are represented in Luxor, selling SIM and charge cards should you desire local usage. Egypt Telecom, on the south end of the Nile Corniche (Khaled Ibn el Walid St., next to the Steigenberger Hotel) is one of several places where you can make an international call, apart from hotels. International calling cards are also widely available. Note that Egypts country code is +2, and Luxors area code is 095.
Tip WI-MAx Technology-savvy tourists will be glad to know that the city of Luxor has now established Wi-Fi hotspots in key areas around the city to allow easy access to the Internet. The wireless coverage spans a 7km distance along the Nile, where theres a high concentration of hotels, Nile cruise ships and cafs, in addition to Al-Karnak temple and the Luxor Museum. To take advantage of the wireless Internet service, you can buy scratch cards that are sold to tourists in places close to Wi-Fi covered areas, starting from 5 euros ($7.2) for a one-hour card, to 15 euros ($21.7) for the whole day.

Postal Services

The main Luxor post office is located across from the entry to the tourist souk, behind Luxor temple. Its closed on Fridays.

095/237 5158 www.egyptpost.org

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Luxor temple and the Nile

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BANKS AND ATM SERVICES

Many Luxor Banks host ATM machines (including several on the corniche) and offer foreign currency exchange services, in addition to Thomas Cook (beside the Winter Palace), and the adjacent American Express.
American Express Corniche el Nile 095/237 8333 Banque Misr Karnak Temple St., 19888 HSBC Bank Khaled Ibn El Walid St., Corniche El Nile 095/235 7853 CIB Bank Khaled Ebn El Walid St., Plaza Center 19666 useful Numbers Tourist Police 126 or 095 237 6620 Police 122 Fire 180 Ambulance 123 Telephone directory 140

Old Winter Palace bar

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fOD AND ENTERTAINMENT

Luxor has a wide range of cafs, restaurants, and selfcatering establishments, ranging from top-end dining to fast-food to small local eateries serving Egyptian dishes. While most of the restaurants in Luxor serve local cuisine, there are also a host of international options available. After a day spent enjoying the local sights, a wide range of cultural events awaits you in the evening. Not to be missed is the distinctive Saidi music, making use of the mizmar, or twin pipe clarinet. Belly dance and the famous Egyptian Galabiya shows are some of the night-life activities available in hotels across Luxor.

HEALTH
There are several well-equipped hospitals in Luxor ready to help in a medical emergency. Pharmacies, many of which have English speaking staff, are easy to find around town. All hotels have a doctor on call, and all cruise ships include a staff member certified in First Aid. Luxor International Hospital Luxor City Centre, Hospital St., 095/238 7194/3/2 Tourists who cant enjoy their travels without their accompanying pets can enjoy peace of mind while in Luxor, thanks to animal care centers that have recently been established. Brooke Hospital for Animals El-Khotabaa Village 095/238 1305,095/928 1100,095/236 5051

Egyptian Tourist Authority (ETA) Tourist Information Offices Visit Luxors ETA offices for event updates and friendly assistance in several languages. Head office Le bureau principale : Beside Luxor railway station 095/237 3294 Luxor station: Inside railway station of Luxor, in tickets hall 095/237 0259 Luxor museum: In front of Luxor museum 095/928 0004 Luxor International Airport: Inside the International Luxor Airport 095/237 2306 www.egypt.travel

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NILE CRUISES
The pharaohs sometimes visited their Nile-side temples by royal barge, and boat traffic along the river remains the most dramatic way to reach the monuments. Since 1869, when Thomas Cook and Son launched their Upper Egypt excursions, steamships were popular with those who wished to travel in style, and see the sites at a comfortable pace. While some of todays cruise ships are nearly as well-appointed as the royal barge, there are packages to suit every budget, offering itineraries of varying lengths. Several jewellike monuments are located on the banks of the river between Luxor and Aswan, including the Temple of Khnum at Esna, the Temple of falcon-headed Horus at Edfu, and the temple of the crocodile god Sobek at Kom Ombo. All may be visited by car from Luxor, as well as by cruise ship to Aswan, south of Luxor, whose attractions also merit an extended stay.

Tip
From Aswan you may embark on a 3-4 night Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel, visiting the monuments of Nubia along the way.

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A Cruise on the Nile

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YOUR JOURNEY IN EGYPT CONTINUES

DANDARA AND AByDOS TEMPLES

Luxor is easy to get to from Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh and Siwa. To make a longer, more unforgettable, journey, why not add two or three of these fabulous destinations together?

Dandara, accessible via a 65km drive north from Luxor, offers a glimpse of the Egyptian countryside with its palm groves, sugarcane fields and traditional rural lifestyle. Located on a site settled since the Old Kingdom (2613-2181BC), this imposing temple complex was dedicated to Hathor, The Great Mother, goddess of music, beauty and love. Many visitors continue by road from Dandara to Abydos, 100km north of Luxor, a sacred ancient pilgrimage site, and center of the cult of Osiris, god of death and resurrection. The Temple of Seti I (19th dynasty) is built in white limestone and its seven sanctuaries - dedicated to Horus Isis, Osiris, Amun-Ra, Ra-Harakhte, Ptah and Seti himself - are decorated with extremely from fine bas-reliefs. The daily convoy by road for Dandara and Abydos view The f Luxors assembles at 6pm. The temples are also accessible via a cruise ship o s one staurant from Luxor ile re N

LuxOR

ARuOND

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THE RED SEA

In just over four hours by car from Luxor, you arrive at Safaga on the coral-studded Red Sea coast. You may well want to stay longer to enjoy Egypts breathtaking trilogy of desert, mountains and turquoise sea. In less than 5 hours of driving, or an hour by air, on a beautifully paved road that pierces through valleys and mountains, you can head from Luxor to one of the most charming Red Sea cities, Hurghada. Intrepid travelers may want to head 40km south of Marsa Alam to Wadi el Gemal (valley of the camels) National Park, one of Egypts many protected areas, for untouched and unforgettable desert landscapes. Further north, the popular resort and yearround residential community

of El-Gouna is built on manmade islands surrounded by crystalline lagoons. Its lively town center features hotels, restaurants and shopping venues, in addition to the resorts excellent golf course, private airstrip and marina. .

LuxOR

ARuOND

Port Gha lib marina in Marsa A lam

Tip Located 285km north of Luxor, Hurghada boasts a scenic coastline and various watersports. Some 50km south of Safaga is the seaport of Quseir with its 16th century Ottoman fortress built to protect trade links with India.

iver at Corals D Sea the Red

TIP Mangrove trees line portions of the rugged, pristine coast near Marsa Alam, 200 km south of Safaga. Once a fishing village, Marsa Alam is a must-see spot for divers thanks to its sunken shipwrecks and teeming aquatic life.

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ASWAN
Aswan is the gate to Nubia, a realm of marvelous calm and the favorite destination of the Aga Khan and Francois Mitterrand to name but two famous people who succumbed tine Elephan to its wonderfully Island relaxing charms. There are ancient temples, the incredible high dam, Elephantine island and ancient monasteries all there to help you create the holiday story of lifetime. You can get to Aswan by boat from Luxor, flying direct from Alexandria, or by vehicle from Luxor or Cairo.

Philae Island

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24 HOuRS IN ALExANDRIA

Start with breakfast outside the Hotel Cecil, overlooking the magnificent double harbour of Alexandria. Ride a double decker bus to the Jewelry Museum and make sure you see the ex-kings diamond studded gardening tools. Keep going to take in the excellent Mahmoud Said modern art museum followed by the Library of Alexandria. Whizz along the Corniche for a top fish lunch at Abu Qir, and have coffee on the way back at stunning Salamak Hotel in Montazeh Bay. You should now squeeze in a visit to the Catacombs and Pompeys Pillar, before doing some shopping at the antique buying area of Attareen. Take in traditional music at the Opera house, and dinner at a great Greek restaurant downtown.

EGyPT

IN

tazah Mon k Par

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ess y Fortr Old Cit aly of Sh

SIWA

If you have time, Siwa makes for a great journey into the heart of the Western Desert. Only three or four hours along a good road from Marsa Matrouh, Siwa is an oasis town surrounded by large saline lakes of majestic beauty. Siwa is home to the ancient Oracle temple where Alexander the Great went after conquering Egypt. Other attractions of Siwa include hot springs, Roman ruins, the mud walled town of Shali and a magnificent eco-lodge where Prince Charles and many other luminaries have stayed.

SHARM EL-SHEIKH

Bay Sharks

Sharm el-Sheikh is the latest addition to the journey destinations of Egypt. Known originally as one of the worlds number one diving spots, it has great wreck and coral diving and is situated on the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. Nearby lies the immense charm of desert and mountain scenery and the ancient attraction of St. Catherines monastery and Mt. Sinai. To get to Sharm el-Sheikh from Alexandria is easy either by a short flight or by bus or long distance taxi via Cairo.

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s of Pyramid Giza

see pag e

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y Night Cairo b

CAIRO

Cairo usually features in any Egyptian experience. It is has, after all, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world the Pyramids, as well as the great Egyptian museum, the marvels of Islamic Cairo and the Citadel, the Nile, as well as numerous restaurants and nightspots. Cairo can be reached from Alexandria by the Alex desert road or by train. There is a rapid first class service that arrives in under three hours and provides for a meal along the route if required

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PRACTICAL INfO
Location : 31 05 to 22 N 25 02 to 34 56 E

Population: More than 83 million Large cities: Cairo (18 million), Alexandria (4 million), Aswan and Suez

makes the Egyptian provider of services for the tourist both experienced and able to anticipate what any tourist is likely to want to see. The Egyptian people have suffered under several waves of invasion, but have never been broken. Their talent is in flexibility and thinking up novel solutions to problems. With this is mind and a flexible approach of your own, you will have a marvelous time on holiday.

ENTRy AND DEPART uRE

Visitors will need a single-visit visa to enter Egypt. The visa is valid for 90 days. If the planned trip involves travel in and out of Egypt over the same period, then the best option is a multiple-visit visa. Obtaining a visa is straightforward. It can be arranged in advance through one of the Egyptian consulates dotted around the world, or purchased on entry at airports. All visitors will need to have a passport which must have at least six months remaining of its validity from the date of entry. Egypt applies strict customs rules about bringing items such as alcohol and cigarettes into the country, so to avoid any misunderstandings it is probably advisable to buy at an airport shop. Under no circumstances should you attempt to leave the country with antiquities

EGyPT TODA y
Since the end of the nineteenth century, Egypt has been evolving at a very high speed. Its political, economic and cultural life has undergone striking changes. From the inscription of the first hieroglyph to the construction of the new hi-tech Smart Village, Egypt has always been a pioneer on the frontier for emerging information technologies in the Arab world. Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world, its people are conscious of their ancient origin and proud of their heritage. This

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HEALTH
There are no vaccinations needed to visit Egypt. Sunburn and dehydration can be avoided by using plenty of sun cream, wearing light cotton clothing and a hat, and drinking lots of water. The health care facilities in Egypt are generally good and it is advisable to have health insurance.

ELECTRICITy
Egypts electricity works on 220v with sockets being of the two-pin European mainland variety. Its a good idea to pack an adaptor if planning to use personal items like mobile phone chargers.

COMuNICATIONS
Egypt has embraced internet services and now it is easy to go online at hotels, offices and internet cafes. Egypt has widespread wi fi service available. The telephone system is efficient and visitors should have no problem in finding public phones that take cards. You can buy visitor mobile cards that enable you to use your mobile. You can buy stamps and post your letters at post offices or from your hotel. Post offices are closed on Fridays

INfORMATION AND BOOKING

Flying to Egypt, is relatively straightforward. The main airline, EgyptAir (www.egyptair.com), runs regular and efficient service to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan from airports around the world. It also provides inexpensive domestic flights. Some visitors choose to arrive by road or by sea. Cruise ships often make Egypt a key stop on their itineraries. Booking holidays or short trips to Egypt is easily done via links from the Egyptian Tourist Authoritys website (www.egypt.travel), online direct with local agents, or by visiting your nearest travel agent. Also check (www.eha.com) to choose your hotel.

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LANGuAGE
The official language of Egypt is Arabic and other languages are widely spoken too, especially in tourist areas.. Talk like an Egyptian A little bit of Egyptian Arabic will go a long way as you meet locals during your trip. Here are some Arabic words to help you get started. Aywa ..................... yes La .......................... no shukran ................. thank you Min fadlak ............. please afwan ............................. youre welcome salaam aleikum ..... hello ahlan wasahlan ..... welcome maalesh ................. no problem

MONEy, ATMS AND CREDIT CARDS

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound, which is divided into 100 piasters. Cash is generally easily obtained from ATMs, which can be found in larger towns and cities. Most of the major hotels and stores accept credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, along with travellers cheques and certain foreign currencies like Euro, Sterling and Dollars. If venturing off the beaten track you will find that generally only the Egyptian pound in cash will be accepted.

PuBLIC HOLIDAyS
Holidays include the Coptic Christmas on January 7, Labour Day on May 1, Revolution Day on July 23, Armed Forces Day on October 6. The Islamic New Year, the Birth of the Prophet and Ramadan, the major religious period of fasting that precedes the Bairam Feast, change every year.

Every area of Egypt is different but there are similarities. For example, it is customary to pay after receiving a service not before- be it a drink, a meal or a taxi ride. Also you will find a level of trust absent in more developed countries. If you go into a shop and buy a paper and find you havent enough money the shop keeper will trust you to return with the right amount later- and let you take the paper with you!.

BuSINES HOuRS
Government, and banks from 9am to for Fridays, holidays. administrative offices are generally open 2pm each day, except Saturdays and public

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Most shops are open from 10am to 10pm every day except Sunday. Please note that all these times may vary in shopping centres and during Ramadan. Most historic sites and museums are open from 9am to 5pm daily, and often until 6pm in the summer.

TIME
Egypt is two hours ahead of GMT, except at the start of May and the end of September when it is three hours ahead.

may have a limited amount of time to explore is to travel from one city to another by air. There are also long distance buses and trains available. Travel within cities is probably best done by taxi or a minibus, although car hire is an option. Hiring a car with a guide by the day is a good idea if you have a tight schedule and want to see all the sights. If planning to go into the desert it is a must to take a guide to avoid becoming disorientated. Cairo also has an underground metro system, which is a good way to travel around the city.

in most of the country. December to February can be quite cold in the north. The sky is usually blue and cloudless. The temperature varies considerably in Egypt. It rains more often in Alexandria than in Aswan and Cairo.

criminal intent. Mugging is unheard of, burglary rare.

CLOTHING
Women need to be somewhat more careful when walking alone at night, as in any country, and wearing modest clothing makes obvious sense when away from the more developed resort areas.

POPuLATION
With more than 83 million inhabitants, Egypt represents one quarter of the population of the Arab world.

SAfETy CLIMATE
During the summer, from March to November, the climate is hot and dry Compared to New York and London, walking the streets of even the poorest neighborhoods of Alexandria, Luxor or Cairo you will not encounter any threat of physical violence or

TRANSPORT
As Egypt is such a vast country, the best way for holidaying visitors who

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IMPORTANT NuMBERS
Emergency Numbers in Egypt are very handy and can be contacted anytime. Country code +2 Egypt State Info. Service 22617345/22617344 www.sis.gov.eg

GALANTRy Of THE EGyPTIAN

Egyptian people are by nature very friendly and helpful. If you stop with a map on a street corner expect to gather a few helpers. If you need to ask directions people will be very happy to give you them. Here people are generous with time, and are not bothered if you interrupt them with some requests.

Ambulance 123 fire Brigade 180 Police 122 www.moiegypt.gov.eg Tourist Police 126 Traffic Police 128 Cairo Airport Shuttle Bus service 19970

flying hospital service 02/377 66393 Railway Information: Cairo 02/257 53555, Alex 03/392 0010 Cairo Old Airport Information 02/265 5000 Cairo New Airport 02/265 2029 www.cairo-airport.com Luxor Airport 095/237 4655

EgyptAir 1717 www.egyptair.com Telephone Directory 140/141 www.telecomegypt.com.eg Trunk Calls 10 Speaking Clock 150 www.luxorcity.net

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55

Temperatures (f)
City Luxor Mini Max Jan 50 73 Feb 52 81 March 54 84 April 59 91 May 68 93 June 70 99 July 72 100 August 77 104
Sept

Oct 64 86

Nov

Dec

68 95

54 77

50 75

Distances (Miles)
Abu Simbel Alexandria Aswan Bahariyya Oasis Cairo Dahab El Gouna El Quseir Fayoum Oasis Giza Hurghada Luxor Marsa Alam Nuweiba Sharm Siwa Oasis el-Sheikh Suez

Alexandria Aswan Kahire Dahab El Gouna El Quseir Fayoum Oasis Giza Hurghada Luxor Marsa Alam Nuweiba Siwa Oasis Svey Taba

911 162 749 364 139 500 677 421 199 134 425 636 595 456 408 367 222 412 712 610 752 317 285 513 610 312 113 188 749 702 949 515 706 226 586 507 604 281 221 512 599 798 537 490 240 309 499 379 281 316 64 5 313 448 391 416 480 466 83 273 272 529 380 324 442 638 612 43 53 826 211 87 92 285 256 587 204 174 434 384 748 198 388 376 419 294 149 82 526 477 988 290 480 60 291 404 603 380 329 521 143 311 497 460 322 275 461 88 278 203 169 439 390 752 203 393 199 635 588 839 402 592 609 559 1038 373 563 112 778 237 43 735 186 140 549 739 190

Bahariyya Oasis 793

772 959 478 449 827 767 473 275 349 1089

Sharm El-Sheikh 864

971 677 867

Please note that this chart displays rough distances

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