Luxor is probably the center of the tourism trade in Egypt. There are more
antiquities to be explored within a 10 mile radius than anywhere else in
Egypt and people flock here to see them. There's the riverside Luxor Temple
right in the heart of town. Karnak Temple is only 2.5 km north. Across the
Nile there's the Valley of the Kings - famous for where King Tut's tomb is
located, but having a multitude of other far more interesting tombs. There's
Deir el-Bahri, a mortuary temple built for the only woman that was ever
Pharoah over all of Egypt. There's also the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu, Deir
el-Medina, the Valley of the Queens, and the Tombs of the Nobles. Most
people tire of ancient Egypt long before seeing all there is to see here.
Cruise ships constantly move between Luxor and Aswan, so if that mode of
travel appeals
to you, it's easy to make arrangements on the spot. Simply walk onto any
ship and inquire. If
one ship is full, there are dozens of others. Actually, if time is no object,
this isn't such a bad way to go. For about $30/night you get a decent room,
all meals provided, and comfortable leisurely transportation and the company
of other tourists.
As a tourist in Luxor, expect to be assailed by caleche drivers, felucca
captains, merchants, and beggars. It will be almost non-stop, particularly if
you walk along the Nile.
To give you an idea of the scenery,
I'll start with a photo of the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor.
Some merchants take their goods around through the neighborhoods of Luxor on
donkey-drawn carts.
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Food is abundant throughout Egypt. The
Nile flood basin is fertile and the climate ideal for growing crops. The
outdoor markets reflects this.
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The market in Luxor is an active, vibrant place.
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Donkeys are commonplace as a means of transportation - moving both people and
the crops harvested from around the city.
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Purchase photographic prints of Egypt here:
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