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We're hoping to visit Luxor in January. Just a bit worried about the mosquitoes Anyone know what its like in January. Any recommendations of must sees
Posts: 2 | From: Northern Ireland | Registered: Nov 2005
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Mosquitoes aren't that much of a problem but I would bring repellent. There is no malaria in Luxor.
Stuff to see, there is so much. So here is a cut and paste from my tour suggestions. Should give you some ideas. The links are to articles I have written.
LUXOR
West Bank Highlights
Valley of Kings Site of the burial of some of the most famous names in Egyptian history, this remote Valley houses some 64 tombs dating from the XVIII to XX dynasty. The most famous being Tutankhamen, (a separate ticket is required to visit this tomb).
Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el Bahri This unique temple was built by Queen Hatshepsut and designed by her architect Senmut. On the walls there are scenes of the most famous events of her reign, her divine birth, the expedition to Punt, the building of two gold covered obelisks.
Valley of the Queens The recently restored tomb of Nefertari has been be closed for conservation reasons. However there are other tombs in the Valley which are included in the standard ticket e.g. Amunhirkhepshat, Queen Titi and Khaermweset
Colossi of Memnon These two statues front the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, arguably the largest temple on the West bank. But now little remains but the so called Colossi
Quiet West Bank
This is an attempt to show you the other side of Luxor, you get away from the crowds at the main sites and often are the only tourists in there locations, although this can not be guaranteed. Suggested sites are:
Tomb of Ay The Western branch of the Valley of the Kings is a haven of tranquillity after the over commercialism of the main valley. The tomb of Ay is very similar in style to that of Tutankhamen and still bears influences from the reign of Akhenaton.
Khokha Tombs This small group of Nobles tombs Nefronpet, Dhutmosi and Nefersekheru contains some excellent relief’s, with wonderful colours. There are judgement scenes, ka statues and scenes from the Amun temple treasury.
Ramesseum Thus is Ramses II mortuary temple and the inspiration for Shelley’s poem Ozymandias. The walls have scenes from Ramses famous battle against the Hittites and are a spin doctor’s delight as they show Ramses victorious and Hittite records tell a very different story.
West Bank at Leisure
Still want more, well there is much more to see and here are some further ideas.
Medinet Habu This is the mortuary temple of Ramses III and shows scenes of the king’s triumph in battle and there are chapels dedicated to Ptah, Osirus and Soktar. Rare scenes of sea battles can be seen on the exterior wall. How did they count the dead, see the piles of hands and genitals!!
Tombs of the Nobles Rahmoses, Userhat and Khaemhat are just one of the many groups of Nobles tombs. Each group of tombs requires a separate ticket and depending on your stamina and level of interest you can visit more if you wish. We can direct you to the least visited tombs where you can enjoy the pictures in isolation.
Recently opened are the tombs of Roy and Shu Roy which although small are very interesting. As they are not yet in the guide books they are seldom visited however they are superb examples of Nobles tombs.
Deir El Medina This is a chance to see how the men who built the tombs lived, worshipped and died. The site consists of their temple dedicated to Hathor and Ma’at, the remains of the village and houses clearly showing rooms, cooking sites and sleeping platforms and their unique tombs with both royal and noble decoration styles. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/medinahathor.htm
Temple of Seti I Seti I was the father of Ramses II and the remains of his mortuary temple near the village of Gurna Ta’rif are still being excavated. It is dedicated to Amun, Seti and his father Ramses I. It is one of the quieter locations and can often be found deserted.
Temple of Merenptah Although little remains of Merenptah’s mortuary temple enough is visible to do a comparison between those of his father (Ramses II) and grandfather (Seti I). There are also some fantastic, very colourful, remains of Amenhotep III temple including his monumental gateway and the contents of a small museum. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/mortuarytemples.htm
East Bank
Karnak Temple – The centre of Amun worship since the 12th Dynasty, large enough to contain 10 cathedrals. Built and added to over a period of 1500 years. Lose yourself in the forest of columns in the hypostyle hall. Don’t miss the Open Air Museum, a quiet part of Karnak with many reconstructed shrines and temple parts.
Luxor Temple - Linked to Karnak temple by an avenue of sphinxes and originally built by Amenhotep III and added to by Ramses II
Sound and Light at Karnak Temple - One of the most spectacular sounds and lights in Egypt, processional with a good historical commentary,
Mummification Museum – Everything you wanted to know about mummification but were afraid to ask.
Luxor Museum – everything is well labelled and presented, it was arranged by the Brooklyn Museum of New York. A new exhibit on Egyptian Military history has just been opened. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/luxormuseum.htm
Non ticketed sites. The palace of Amenhotep III is one of the many non ticketed sites you can visit, some need special permission and we can help with that. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/malkata.htm
Ramasseum Coffee shop We take you to a coffee shop next to the Ramesseum, this shop is owned by the family of a man who worked with Howard Carter on Tutankhamen tomb. You can see photos of the grandfather as a young boy wearing one of Tutankhamen pectorals.
Breakfast at Ibrahim’s Egypt’s answer to fast food, have a real Egyptian breakfast in a local café, no tourists here.
-------------------- Jane Akshar UK Co-owner of www.flatsinluxor.co.uk Appartments and Tours in Luxor Posts: 2791 | From: www.flatsinluxor.co.uk, Luxor, Egypt | Registered: Jan 2003
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Hi Deedee, I recently moved to Luxor, you can read about me on 'Living in Luxor' I'm from the UK & have met other like minded people on the site. Some of them are here on holiday in Jan too, so maybe our paths will cross. Enjoy your visit. Janet.
Posts: 33 | From: Luxor | Registered: Nov 2005
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Hi Janet, Thanks for the advice. We've never been to Egypt before but we're really looking forward to it. Looking forward to reading about you. Deedee
-------------------- dee Posts: 2 | From: Northern Ireland | Registered: Nov 2005
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I've been living in Luxor for the last 5 years...it's a wonderful place and I think it's true to say that when you visit once, you'll keep coming back!!
Mosquitoes shouldn't really be a problem if you use repellent. January is the perfect time to visit Luxor...the days are comfortably hot and sunny, although the evenings can be rather chilly - don't forget to bring along a jumper or two!!
On another point about 'must sees'...there's a Fellah's Tent evening at the Movenpick Hotel which always gets good feedback. It's a themed evening with oriental buffet dinner, snake charmer, whirling dervish etc. And I don't think a visit to Luxor would be complete without taking a hot air ballon trip...the views are breathtaking.
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Hi Dee i shall be visitng in Jan-and bringing my BIG coat with me yea i know i'm soft... Hope you have a great time and maybe we could ALL MEET up for a coffee xxxxxxK
Posts: 68 | From: england | Registered: Nov 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Luxorlover: If you are interested in chatting with any Europeans etc who have made the move there, then have a look at www.Luxor4u.com
DeeDee...I thoroughly recommend this site - you'll be able to find answers to all your questions from both expat residents in Luxor and people who wish they were!
Seriously - this site covers absolutely everything you could possibly imagine (and more!) about Luxor.
Posts: 41 | From: Egypt | Registered: Nov 2005
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I think Akshar has covered all you need to see and as she lives there she knows quite a lot about it. The weather will be lovely in the day but getting a bit chilly at nights. The Egyptian people are lovely and helpful and im sure you will have a wonderful holiday
Mozzies hopefully wont be too bad then, they wait for me at the airport!! but they know im not coming so might go for you!! some people get bitten and it doesnt bother them but me i seem to be allergic to the little darlings hubby says im too sweet lol
Most parts of Luxor are being refurbished so there is a giant building site on the east bank. The West bank is wonderful and like another world from the east.
I hope you have a wonderful time and you will be back
Yes I agree with Ayisha, Luxor is such a friendly place, I hope you have a good time, Im sure you will. Posts: 137 | Registered: Nov 2004
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hubby says im too sweet lol
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