East bank at dawn, west bank at dusk, and a balloon in between. A tested plan for travellers who only have a weekend.
By Omar Shafik, Senior Travel Writer5 Aug 2026 9 min read 27.4k views
Luxor rewards early risers. The temples are open before the heat arrives, and the light on sandstone at 6am is the reason photographers keep coming back.
Day one
Karnak first, then Luxor Temple in the late afternoon when the columns throw long shadows across the court of Ramesses II.
Day two
Cross to the west bank before sunrise for the balloon flight, then the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's terraces and Medinet Habu.
