The 8 Best Outdoor Activities in Luxor

The Nile has been the heart of Egypt for millennia, and cruising along it is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Luxor. You'll sail past ancient temples, palm groves and villages that still retain their traditional essence.

From the deck of the boat, you can watch golden sunsets over the river and visit places such as Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, where history blends with the tranquillity of the landscape.

Seeing Luxor from the sky is an experience hard to forget. A sunrise hot air balloon ride will allow you to fly over the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the ruins of ancient Egypt as the sun tints the desert with golden hues.

The sensation of floating in the air as the landscape spreads out at your feet is indescribable. It is also a unique opportunity to take spectacular photos of some of Egypt's most iconic sites.

If you're passionate about history, a trip to Edfu and Kom Ombo is a must. At Edfu, you'll find one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, with inscriptions telling stories of pharaohs and gods.

At Kom Ombo, you will discover a unique temple dedicated to two deities: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god. You can also visit an ancient nilometer and a museum with crocodile mummies.

Luxor is an open-air museum and the best way to get to know it is to combine a boat tour on the Nile with visits to its most emblematic temples.

You can visit the Temple of Karnak, the largest temple in ancient Egypt, stroll among the colossal columns of its hypostyle hall and marvel at the hieroglyphs that decorate every corner. You will also visit the Temple of Luxor, spectacularly illuminated at nightfall.

If you want to experience Egypt at your leisure, a four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the best option. This trip will take you to the most impressive temples on the Nile, with time to enjoy the scenery and the comfort of the boat.

Along the way, you'll visit sites such as the Temple of Philae, the Obelisk Quarry and the Temple of Abu Simbel, as well as enjoying quiet nights under the starry desert sky.

On the west bank of the Nile lies one of Egypt's most enigmatic sites: the Valley of the Kings. Here the pharaohs of the New Empire rest in rock-cut tombs decorated with paintings that have survived thousands of years.

Some of the most impressive tombs are those of Tutankhamun, Ramses VI and Seti I, with their hieroglyphic passageways and vibrant colours that still amaze visitors.

Feluccas are traditional sailing boats that have plied the Nile for centuries. Climbing aboard a felucca is a peaceful and authentic way to enjoy the river, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind as the wind pushes the sail.

At sunset, the reflection of the sun on the water and the silhouette of the temples on the horizon create an image you'll be hard pressed to forget.

Luxor's east bank is the epicentre of its pharaonic legacy. Here you will find two of the country's most imposing temples: Karnak and Luxor.

The Temple of Karnak is a masterpiece of Egyptian architecture, with its avenue of sphinxes and huge colonnaded hall. While Luxor Temple, linked to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes, takes on a special magic when lit up at night.