Cairo and Luxor: cultural exploration

Luxor, the dynastic and religious capital of Middle Kingdom (circa 2050-1710 BCE) and New Kingdom (circa 1550-1080 BCE) Egypt, has much to offer visitors, from huge temples to ancient royal tombs, through spectacular desert and river landscapes and vibrant modern life.

Thebes, Egypt's World Heritage-listed ancient capital, was located on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor. Most of Luxor's ruins and tombs are located there. The modern city of Luxor is on the east bank. In this area are the train and bus stations, most hotels and restaurants, some museums, tourist shops and so on. Most visitors (and almost all travel groups) stay on the east bank and travel across for the tourist sights, but in recent years there has been an increase in hotels on the west bank and many independent travellers stay there.