Luxor: The land of the pharaohs

Plan your visits:

There are a variety of means of transport for your visits and outings: taxis, tuk-tuk, bicycles, horse-drawn carriages, camels and even horses! There are also feluccas, barges and cruise boats. And the ferry (to change banks).

To gain entry to the sites, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism has introduced a number of practical passes:

The Luxor Premium Pass gives you unlimited access to all the sites, including museums, the tombs of Seti I and Nefertari, for 5 days for €180 per person.

The Luxor Standard Pass gives you access to all sites (except the tombs mentioned above), including museums, for 5 days for €90 per person.

The Luxor Pass including the tombs costs $100 per person. It is valid for 5 days.

You can buy them at the Valley of the Kings ticket office, at Karnak Temple and at the Luxor Inspection Public Relations Office (open from 9am to 3pm every day). This office is behind the Luxor Museum.

Please note that you can't buy them online, and you won't be able to pay for them on the spot by credit card, only in cash, dollars or euros.

You will also need to provide a passport photo and a copy of the page of your passport containing your civil status details.

Please note: visits to each tomb are limited in number, generally to 150 people per day. So it's best to be among the first to arrive, in other words, early.

Health precautions and vaccinations

First of all, one thing you should know: there are two rather nasty parasites in Luxor and around the Nile in general that you'd be better off not contracting: the Nile fluke (liver fluke) and bilharzia.

The fluke is a widespread parasite that nests in stagnant water in and around the Nile. As larvae, they settle in and feed on our organs, then grow to the size of a finger.

Nile fluke larvae are common in watercress beds, which are contaminated by sewage. Do not eat watercress - often used to decorate starters or dishes - or raw vegetables (salad, tomatoes, etc.).

Bilharzia is a less serious and treatable parasite, but still very disabling. This parasite enters through the skin. Wear closed shoes and avoid stagnant water or crops.

For reasons of microbial contamination this time, do not drink tap water. If you buy bottled water, make sure it is properly sealed (and not recapped). The Lifestraw process is said to be 99.99% safe and is accredited by the World Health Organisation.

Alternatively, ask your pharmacist about the best method for purifying your water.

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travelling to Egypt. However, it is very advisable to check that your vaccinations are up to date and to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and even typhoid.

Finally, don't touch any mammals, as they can carry rabies, as is the case throughout the Middle East and neighbouring North Africa. If you are with children and stray animals (dogs, cats, etc.) turn up, give your children a hug. A simple lick on the mouth is contaminating.

Documents and visa:

You will need to obtain a tourist visa and check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival on Egyptian soil. You will also be asked for a copy of your plane ticket, or a travel certificate.

Currency and cash:

As with any trip, make sure you have sufficient means of payment for your stay: cash, traveller's cheques and credit cards.

Check with your bank to find out the maximum amount of cash you can withdraw with your credit card, which is generally subject to a ceiling.

As you will see in our article, there are some activities that you will not be able to pay for in Egyptian pounds, or by credit card, but only in cash, euros or dollars, such as buying a pass to access the sites. Find out more.

To avoid any problems if your credit card is lost or stolen, make sure you have the emergency number to contact before you leave, so that you can cancel your card.

Best time to visit:

We advise you to travel to Luxor, and more generally on the Nile, during our winter, and more specifically between November and April. During the summer, the heat is such that it becomes a handicap, the air seems to run out.

Security:

As the risk of terrorist attack remains high, French tourists are advised to be as vigilant as possible. Stay away from all crowds and/or gatherings. Take care when travelling. Ask your travel agent about the measures and any restrictions imposed by the Egyptian authorities.

Do not leave the beaten track or the main roads, as the risk of mines is high in desert areas. Although crossed by the Nile, Luxor is in the middle of the desert.

Finally, in the event of a serious problem, you can contact the emergency line of the Crisis and Support Centre on +33 1.53.59.11.00 (toll-free).

Rules for living in society

Women are strongly advised to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs at least below the knees in public places.

Alcohol consumption is restricted to your hotel and any tourist restaurants you may frequent.

Outward displays of intimacy or affection are considered contrary to public decency.

What to bring back

The pantheon of Egyptian gods is immortalised in the form of alabaster, basalt or soapstone statuettes and... resin imitations sold at temple entrances (3 to 6 euros each). You'll also find beautiful cotton fabrics: damask tablecloths and 12 napkins (14 euros); T-shirts (5 euros); chèches (1.50 to 3 euros). To be sure of bringing home a real papyrus, visit Dr Ragab's institutes. Buy jewellery in silver and gold (cheap), turquoise and lapis lazuli and the essential cartouche with your name engraved in hieroglyphics.