Egypt Holiday
Overflowing with ancient treasures from a bygone age, the captivating city of Luxor is truly the jewel of the Nile. Magnificent temples, shrines and monuments pepper the banks of the meandering river and provide a fantastic insight into a past where once great pharaohs and animal-headed gods reigned supreme. Sitting to the south of Cairo, it lies on completely flat land and has glorious views over the Egyptian flood plains. Not many resorts can boast such a treasure trove of ancient sights barely a stone's throw away from their luxurious hotel pool, but Luxor is actually built on the 4,000 year old ruins of Thebes. Undoubtedly, the focal point of the city is the illustrious Luxor Temple with its incredible statues, shrines and two splendid obelisks. There are also fascinating museums housing mummified exhibits as well as objects from Tutankhamun's tomb. Just north of Luxor is Karnak - a huge, ancient religious site that was built over 3,000 years ago in dedication to the Egyptian gods. In the evenings, an impressive sound-and-light show is projected here - definitely worth a visit. Across the Nile, most visitors make their way to the Valley of the Kings, burial place of King Tut and countless Pharaohs. There are 62 tombs in total, but only a few are open to the public. You can explore some of these intriguing chambers replete with hieroglyphics that will transport you back to this mystical era.
Shopping
You don't really come to Luxor for the shopping although with such an abundance of historical sights to see, the souvenir market is awash with trinkets to take home. Luxor has its own street markets in the old town that stay open well into the night. Narrow streets crammed with stalls and shops sell everything from bespoke jewellery and Egyptian handicrafts to woven carpets.
If you want to indulge in a spot of retail therapy, you won't be disappointed in Egypt. Luxor's streets simply brim with curio shops and lively bazaars where haggling is very much the name of the game - so don't be afraid to put your bartering skills to the test. From humble clay pots to wooden bowls, from gorgeous hand-made silks to Egyptian cotton sheets, there's so much to choose from. If you're after that ubiquitous Egyptian rug there are plenty of carpet shops, too. For a splash of local colour, head down to Luxor's weekly fruit and vegetable market on Sharia al-Souk and witness a flurry of activity as merchants sell ripe avocados, polished aubergines, vine tomatoes and fiery paprika. Similarly,Cairo offers an intoxicating shopping experience. The alleyways of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar are like an Aladdin's Cave of treasures made from gold, silver, copper and leather and the aroma of pungent spices and fragrant perfume hangs on the air.
Nightlife
The city is not renowned for its nightlife, with tourists mainly visiting for the sights. However, in addition to restaurants there are authentic Egyptian bars catering to western tastes and live music is played in some of the hotels. Much of the entertainment is hotel-based, with dazzling belly-dancing shows, live Egyptian folk music and opulent bars on offer.
Local Specialities
The cuisine of Egypt blends a delicious fusion of Arabic and Mediterranean influences. Falafel, round patties made from ground broad beans or chickpeas originate from here. Enjoy them in warm pitta bread accompanied by a crispy salad and tangy yoghurt sauce. The national dish is fool, a hearty stew made with broad beans, garlic, tomatoes and paprika, whilst veal is the most popular meat, along with lamb and pigeon. All of these delicious specialities, as well as international cuisine ranging from Chinese to Italian, can be enjoyed in the lively restaurants of Luxor.