Luxor Upper Egypt draws millions each year to cruise along the magical Nile between Luxor and Aswan.

Upper Egypt draws millions each year to cruise along the magical Nile between Luxor and Aswan. In keeping with ancient customs, most Egyptians live on the east bank as the west bank is traditionally left as burial ground. Measuring 6,680 kilometres in length, the Nile is the longest river in the world and the country’s lifeline.

The enthralling Valley of the Kings is located on the west bank of Luxor and was once the ancient capital, known as Thebes. When deciding when to visit, is should be considered that temperatures here are high, rarely dropping below 35 degrees and rising to 65 during the months of July and August. Of the 62 tombs, several are open for exploration, including the tomb of Tutankhamen which contains his body and can be viewed for an additional cost. To help preserve the priceless artwork in the tombs, they are carefully monitored by the Egyptian Department of Antiquities to ensure temperature and moisture levels do not rise above a certain level.

Sitting at the northern end of Luxor is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple. Spanning 1,500 years of construction, destruction, modification and renovation, the expansive complex had some 30 pharaohs contribute to its building, enabling it to reach a scale not seen anywhere else. You’ll find yourself dwarfed when standing near the imposing columns and structures. At the other end of town is the smaller Luxor Temple. Its entrance was originally adorned by two obelisks, one of which is now in the centre of the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Excavations revealed an ancient 3 kilometres walkway between the two great temples. Lined with an estimated 1,300 sphinx statues, it is known as the Avenue of the Sphinx’s and will take many more years of restoration before it is completely excavated.

Stark contrasts hug the Nile River, from lush vegetation and crops at waters edge to the desert sands just a few hundred metres away. Sail north from Luxor to visit the well preserved temple at Dendera, famous for one of the few depictions of Cleopatra and her son. The leisurely pace of a Nile cruise enables you to catch glimpses of traditional lifestyles that have been unchanged for centuries.