I have now visited Luxor three times and would recommend it as a holiday to anyone.
We have visted twice in July and the advantage of this is that it is one of the few travel destinations which is cheaper in the school holidays, howver the heat is incredible and if possible you should avoid this. It is possible to stay in a good quality hotel for around 400 pounds for a week in July which if cost is a consideration is a very reasonable cost.
We spent new year in Luxor and this was totally different to summer as it was possible to walk freely without being overcome by heat. It made us wonder why we were vere daft enough to visit in summer.
The hassle is the main disadvantage of the place with people rtying to sell you souveniers or to go in their carriage. If you are really not interested a firm no will usually do the trick.(it must be firm) and after a day or two they will recognise you and largely leave you alone.
If you want to visit the sights on the West Bank independently (which will be much cheaper than an organised tour) it is worth getting the same taxi driver each day. They will be happy to wait for you and pay them on return to your hotel. We have generally found the locals to be very honest. They might try to charge you ridiculous money for their fake papyrus but if you dropped your wallet in the street the likelihood is they would return it.
Depending on your level of interest it is possible to spend 2 - 5 days exploring the tombs and temples on the West Bank. early starts generally beat the heat of the day and carry lots of small notes or pens (cheap biros are fine) as tips for impromptu guides.
2 places worth visiting in Luxor are Sunshine childrens home. A charity for abandoned and orphaned children. It is currently situated on television Street but moving to new premises soon. The other is the Horse Veterinary hospital which looks after the many cruelly treated horses (and many other animals). It is situalted on the edge of the town but if you get a callege (Horse and cart) to take you there they will wash his horse (for free) whilst someone will show you around. Both are charites seeking donations (however small) and do sterling work in Luxor.
The hotels all are well equipped with pool and restaurants and it is possible to spend a week in Luxor and never see the town. Since we first visited restuarants in the town have improved greatly and it is possible to eat cheaply and safely. However be prepared I have not yet visited without a samll stomach upset.
Many people combine a week in Luxor with a Nile cruise which can be a good option.
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Never been to Luxor, but it's on the list! Nice review, although some more detail on the place would improve your ratings. Steve
n13roy 13.01.2007 09:16
Nice, easy to read and informative travel review there, I've been to Luxor twice and loved it, and we did indeed combine it with a Nile cruise too...........Roy.....
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Jan 12th, 2007
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