Luxor

Luxor is where most Nile cruises begin, and it is the reason the route exists. Built over ancient Thebes, the city is split by the river: the East Bank holds the living city and its two great temple complexes, while the West Bank holds the necropolis where the pharaohs were buried.

On the East Bank, Karnak is the largest religious building ever constructed and takes a full morning to do properly. Luxor Temple sits in the middle of town and is at its best in the evening when it is lit.

On the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings contains 60-plus royal tombs including Tutankhamun’s, the Temple of Hatshepsut is carved into the cliff at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon stand on the road in. Quieter sites reward a second visit: Deir el-Medina, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and the Luxor Museum.

Most cruise itineraries allow one morning on each bank, which is tight. Travellers who want the West Bank without rushing usually add a night in Luxor before boarding. Hot air balloon flights launch over the West Bank at dawn and are booked separately.

The trips listed below all include Luxor, whether as the embarkation point for a Luxor to Aswan sailing or the final stop coming the other way.