Looking for a cheap flight to Luxor via your search engine would be a good way to begin your Egyptian journey. Luxor Airport was upgraded in 2005 to cater to increased numbers of passengers and has consequently improved its facilities substantially. You'll find ATMs in the arrivals hall, a foreign exchange counter, bank, and post office. To save time in arrivals, be sure to get a visa before you get on your Luxor flight. You'll need to book a private transfer to get to the hotel if you don't want to compete for a taxi.

Car hire is generally unnecessary in Luxor as the city is relatively small and the traffic conditions are treacherous. Taxis are a cheaper and safer alternative in this instance. The city of Luxor is situated on the banks of the Nile River, and as you walk along the promenade you'll see a number of small sailboats, called felucca, available for river transport. There's really no better way to see Luxor than on foot. An easy half-hour walk will take you past many ancient monuments, temples, and the shopping district.

Luxor is primarily famous for its proximity to the Valley of the Kings, which lies directly across the Nile and over the mountain. Though bus tours are available, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most to ride a felucca across the Nile and be greeted by a guide with a donkey. Riding a donkey is an experience you won't soon forget, though trekking the narrow mountain trail is surprisingly comfortable.

The Valley itself is the resting place, most notably, of Ramses II and Tutankhamen, and their tombs are available for viewing daily, as are many others. The Temple of Hatshepsut lies on the river side of the valley, and back in Luxor you'll find the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Colossi of Memnon.

Use the money you saved on your airfare to Luxor to do some shopping. Old Market Street behind the Luxor temple hosts an eclectic mix of colorful street stalls, selling everything from textiles and jewelry, to locally made alabaster items, musical instruments, souvenirs, and papyrus paintings. Shop around for the best prices, as many of the stalls sell similar items.

Aboudi's bookshop in the tourist bazaar stocks books and international newspapers, and there's an internet café right there. Taking a flight to Luxor will be one of the highlights of your Egyptian journey of discovery!