Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Luxor with Friends

Luxor's Embrace: A Journey Begins

After months of anticipation, Lena and I finally touched down in Luxor! The journey from Berlin, with a layover in Cairo, felt long, but the excitement kept us going. I’ve always been fascinated by ancient civilizations, and Luxor, with its incredible history, seemed like the perfect place to start our Egyptian adventure. It's a far cry from Pano Lefkara, but the sense of history is just as palpable. I'm eager to share every moment of this trip with you all.

Our first day was packed, a whirlwind of ancient wonders and culinary delights. Stepping out of the Iberotel Luxor Hotel, the warmth of the Egyptian sun greeted us – a welcome change from the chilly Berlin weather we left behind. I almost forgot my sunglasses, a rookie mistake I thankfully remembered before we headed out! The hotel itself is lovely, offering stunning views of the Nile, a sight that never gets old.


Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Luxor at Iberotel Luxor Hotel, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from the city center.

Our first stop was the magnificent Luxor Temple. Walking through the towering columns and gazing at the intricate hieroglyphs, I felt a connection to the past. It's hard to believe that people walked these same paths thousands of years ago. The scale of the temple is simply breathtaking, a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Egyptians. I found myself snapping photos at every turn, trying to capture the grandeur of the site. I know Lena was getting annoyed, but I couldn't help myself. I want to remember every detail! It’s amazing to think that the Luxor Temple is a part of the annual Sphinx Avenue Parade, a tradition that brings the past to life with music and dance. Perhaps we can catch it next year.


Explore Luxor Temple, an archaeological gem in Egypt, where ancient history comes alive through breathtaking architecture and rich cultural heritage.

“To walk through the Luxor Temple is to walk through the heart of Ancient Egypt, feeling the pulse of a civilization that continues to inspire awe and wonder.”

Next, we ventured to the Karnak Open-air Museum, a hidden gem within the larger Karnak Temple complex. This museum houses a collection of reconstructed chapels and structures, offering a unique glimpse into the evolution of ancient Egyptian architecture. It was fascinating to see the intricate details and vibrant colors that have been preserved over centuries. Lena, with her artistic eye, was particularly captivated by the craftsmanship. The museum provided a sense of the magnificence of the structures and architecture of ancient Egypt, giving us a unique perspective on its cultural tours. As a software developer, I'm always amazed by the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. They achieved so much with so few tools.


Discover the architectural splendor and rich history of the Karnak Open-Air Museum, a must-visit historical landmark in Luxor, Egypt.

For lunch, we decided to try The Lantern Room Restaurant, a local favorite known for its blend of Egyptian and international cuisine. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. I opted for a traditional Egyptian dish, while Lena, ever the adventurous one, tried something new. We both agreed that the food was delicious, a perfect introduction to the flavors of Egypt. It was really close to the hotel too, which was a bonus. According to the reviews, the chef/owner is excellent, and the food is tasty, so it was a great choice. It was the perfect place to relax and refuel after a morning of exploring.


Discover exquisite flavors at The Lantern Room Restaurant in Luxor – where tradition meets modern culinary excellence.

In the evening, we indulged in an authentic Egyptian dining experience at Sofra. The restaurant's Middle Eastern ambiance was charming, and the food was simply divine. We started with a mezze platter, sampling a variety of traditional dips and appetizers. For my main course, I had the Tagin Lahma Bil Kawerma, a tagine-style veal dish that was absolutely incredible. Lena chose the Saniyet Kofta, a baked minced lamb dish that was equally delicious. The service was impeccable, and the staff made us feel like honored guests. Apparently, if you're heading to the Valley of the Kings, Sofra is the perfect place to feast afterwards! I made sure to book in advance, because I read that it gets busy.


Experience the vibrant flavors of Egypt at Sofra, where traditional meat dishes meet modern café culture in Luxor.

After dinner, we decided to experience Luxor's nightlife at Murphys Irish Bar. I know, I know, an Irish bar in Egypt sounds a bit odd, but it came highly recommended. The bar had a lively atmosphere, with friendly staff and a great selection of drinks. We enjoyed a few pints of Guinness, chatting with fellow travelers and locals alike. It was a fun and unexpected way to end our first day in Luxor. It reminded me a bit of some of the pubs back in Berlin, but with an Egyptian twist. I’m looking forward to seeing some live music there, if we get the chance.


Immerse yourself in the authentic charm of Murphys Irish Bar, a cozy Irish pub in Luxor offering great drinks, food, and friendly vibes.

As I sit here writing this, reflecting on our first day, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Luxor has already exceeded my expectations, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. We're planning to visit the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Medina, two more must-see attractions. I've heard that the Valley of the Kings is home to the tombs of some of Egypt's most famous pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. I'm particularly excited to see the tomb of Hatshepsut, Egypt's great female pharaoh. I’m also hoping to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs at SHOP SANDOUK to remind us of our trip.

Tomorrow, we will have breakfast at the Iberotel Luxor Hotel Restaurant, and then lunch at Al Sahaby Lane Restaurant. For dinner, we will eat at Kam Thai. I'm also looking forward to trying some local cuisine, and I'm sure Lena will be eager to explore the local markets.

This trip is already shaping up to be an unforgettable adventure, a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. I can't wait to share more of our experiences with you all. Stay tuned for more updates from Luxor!

Luxor is already proving to be an assault on the senses, in the best possible way. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes are all so different from anything I've experienced before. It's a world away from my quiet life in Berlin, but I'm embracing every moment. And who knows, maybe I'll even pick up a few new photography skills along the way. After all, there's no better place to practice than in the land of the pharaohs!

It’s wonderful to think that the weather will be good and mild during our visit, and that visitors can enjoy the Easter vacation here, too.

I’m already looking forward to the Moulid of Abu Al-Haggag in June 2025. This celebration honors the Sufi saint Abu Al-Haggag with a lively procession, music, and horse-riding displays, and is a spiritual and communal experience unique to Luxor. The celebrations include communal feasts featuring local staples like koshari and sweet dishes like ataif. It’s marked by colorful parades and traditional Sufi music, drawing visitors and locals alike. Rooted in Sufi traditions, the Moulid reflects Luxor's deep spiritual heritage and community spirit.