Exploring the Ancient Wonders of Luxor with Friends
Day 12: Luxor's Farewell Embrace: Discovering Hidden Gems on My Final Day
Unveiling Luxor's hidden gems, from the serene Mut Temple to the vibrant Corniche, as I bid adieu to this ancient city with friends.
A Fond Farewell to Luxor
Today marks the end of our incredible journey through Luxor. As much as I'm looking forward to getting back to Berlin, I’m feeling a pang of sadness as our Egyptian adventure draws to a close. We decided to spend our last day exploring some of the lesser-known treasures of this ancient city, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere one last time with my friends.
Our day began, as most days here have, with a hearty breakfast at the Iberotel Luxor Hotel Restaurant. I savored the familiar tastes, knowing I’d soon be trading the fresh Egyptian bread and flavorful cheeses for my usual German Brotchen. After fueling up, we set off to explore the Mut Temple.

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Luxor at Iberotel Luxor Hotel, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from the city center.
The Mut Temple, dedicated to the goddess Mut, the mother of the pharaohs, was a serene escape from the bustling Karnak Temple complex. Though partially in ruins, the temple exuded a palpable sense of history. Walking through the grounds, I could almost hear the echoes of ancient rituals and prayers. The sheer scale of the temple was impressive, and the numerous statues of the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet were particularly striking. It was fascinating to imagine the temple in its full glory, a vibrant center of worship and royal power.
Explore the Mut Temple in Karnak, Luxor, where ancient Egyptian culture and stunning architecture come together to create an unforgettable historical experience.
The temple is within the Karnak Temple Complex, and is one of the four key ancient temples that creates the Karnak Temple Complex. It is approximately 325 meters (1,066 feet) south of the precinct of the god Amun. The precinct itself encompasses approximately 90,000 square meters (968,751 square feet) of the entire area. The Mut Precinct contains at least six temples: the Mut Temple, the Contra Temple, and Temples A, B, C, and D.
Lena would have loved this place. She has always been fascinated by ancient civilizations, and I think she would have found the Mut Temple particularly interesting.
After immersing ourselves in the history of the Mut Temple, we were all feeling a bit peckish. We decided to head to Restaurant El-Kababgy Luxor for lunch. The aroma of grilled meats wafted through the air as we approached, and I knew we were in for a treat. We ordered a selection of kebabs, salads, and traditional Egyptian dips, all of which were bursting with flavor. The restaurant had a lively, local atmosphere, and it was a great spot to soak in the everyday life of Luxor.
Experience authentic Egyptian cuisine at El-Kababgy Luxor, where every meal is a flavorful journey along the Nile.
With our bellies full and our spirits high, we strolled along the Luxor corniche. The corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade that runs along the east bank of the Nile River, offered stunning views of the river and the West Bank of Luxor. The Corniche is a popular destination for both tourists and locals and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Nile. The weather was perfect for a leisurely walk, and we enjoyed watching the feluccas glide across the water. The vibrant energy of the corniche was infectious, with street vendors, families, and fellow travelers all enjoying the beautiful day.
Experience the beauty of the Nile at Luxor Corniche, where history meets leisure in a stunning riverside setting.
Sometimes, the most profound travel experiences come from simply being present in a place, absorbing its atmosphere, and connecting with its people.
We stopped at a local café for some traditional Egyptian tea, the strong, sweet brew providing a welcome boost of energy. Sitting there, sipping tea and watching the world go by, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Luxor had captivated me with its ancient wonders, its vibrant culture, and its warm, welcoming people.
As the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Nile, we decided to treat ourselves to a pre-dinner drink at the Royal Bar. Located within the Sofitel Winter Palace, the bar exuded an old-world charm. The deep red walls, damask fabrics, and rich wood paneling created a cozy and elegant atmosphere. We sipped on champagne and French wines, enjoying the soothing sound of classical piano. It was the perfect way to reflect on our adventures and toast to new friendships.
Experience the charm of Luxor at Royal Bar, where exquisite drinks and stunning Nile views create unforgettable memories.
For our final dinner in Luxor, we chose Kaya Restoz, a restaurant known for its modern take on Egyptian cuisine. The menu was innovative and exciting, and we eagerly sampled a variety of dishes. Each plate was a work of art, and the flavors were both familiar and surprising. It was a fitting end to our culinary journey through Egypt.
Discover Kaya Restoz in Luxor: where Native American flavors meet Egyptian hospitality along the Nile.
As we walked back to the Iberotel Luxor Hotel, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights. The sounds of laughter and music filled the air, and the scent of spices lingered in the breeze. I knew that I would carry these memories with me long after I returned to Berlin.
Although our Luxor adventure has come to an end, the memories we've made here will stay with me forever. From the majestic temples to the vibrant streets, Luxor has offered us a glimpse into a world of ancient wonders and timeless beauty. It’s been an honor to share these experiences with my friends, and I know that we’ll all cherish the memories we’ve created together.
While this marks the end of our Luxor itinerary, it’s not goodbye, but rather, au revoir. I am already looking forward to returning someday and exploring even more of this fascinating country. Until then, I’ll keep sharing my travel experiences and inspiring others to discover the world.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more adventures from around the globe!
Discover Luxor's ancient wonders with friends, exploring the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple while enjoying a blend of history and relaxation.
Meet this Featured Explorer
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Occupation: Freelance Software Developer
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Country: Germany
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Age: 35
Ah, Evendo – welcome to my corner of the internet! I'm Giorgos, a software developer by trade, but a traveler and photographer at heart. Born and raised in Cyprus, I've always been drawn to history and culture. Now based in Berlin with my amazing wife, Lena, I spend my free time exploring the world, one click and snapshot at a time. This blog is where I share my adventures, offering tips, stories, and photos to inspire your own journeys. From ancient ruins to hidden gems, I'm all about authentic experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Join me as I uncover the world's wonders!
- History
- Archaeology
- Technology
- Cypriot Culture
- Mediterranean Cuisine
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Iberotel Luxor Hotel
Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Luxor at Iberotel Luxor Hotel, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from the city center.
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Mut Temple
Explore the Mut Temple in Karnak, Luxor, where ancient Egyptian culture and stunning architecture come together to create an unforgettable historical experience.
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Luxor corniche
Experience the beauty of the Nile at Luxor Corniche, where history meets leisure in a stunning riverside setting.
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Restaurant El-Kababgy Luxor
Experience authentic Egyptian cuisine at El-Kababgy Luxor, where every meal is a flavorful journey along the Nile.
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Kaya Restoz
Discover Kaya Restoz in Luxor: where Native American flavors meet Egyptian hospitality along the Nile.
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Royal Bar
Experience the charm of Luxor at Royal Bar, where exquisite drinks and stunning Nile views create unforgettable memories.