Dedicate this morning to the must-sees of Luxor’s West Bank. Take a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride to see the ruins and landscapes from on high, then follow up with a half-day tour of the treasures, including the Valley of the Kings’ tombs and Temple of Hatshepsut.

After a morning outdoors, escape the afternoon sun at the Luxor Museum. This atmospheric attraction houses some precious Tutankhamun-era artifacts—including the boy king’s chariot—and a guided tour will ensure you hear their stories and secrets. Alternatively, slow the pace with a horse-and-carriage ride around Luxor’s bazaars and boulevards.

Cap your day with a serene sunset cruise on the River Nile. Settle into a traditional white-sailed felucca and watch Luxor’s sights glide by as the sun glints on the water. Many trips let you choose your departure time for flexibility and include convenient round-trip hotel transfers.

Use your second morning to discover Luxor’s East Bank big-ticket sights, studded in and around the city. Explore the shadowy sanctuaries and courts of Karnak and Luxor Temple on a private walking tour that ensures you cover all the highlights and hear their backstories.

Having checked off the key sights, indulge in some retail therapy on a shopping tour. With a guide providing navigation and bartering tips, trawl Luxor’s bazaars for souvenirs such as gold, papyrus, and jewelry. Alternatively, enjoy one of Luxor’s quintessential experiences: a gentle Bedouin-style camel ride along the West Bank’s desert trails.

End your Luxor stay in style with another look at magnificent Karnak—this time cast in a spectacle of color. Book a ticket for the Sound and Light Show and explore the temple as a festival of lights, lasers, video projections, music, and booming commentary conjure up the days and designs of its pharaoh builders.