Luxor

Lying on the east bank of the Nile in southern Egypt, Luxor is built upon the historic site of Thebes, the pharaoh’s capital during 16th – 11th century BC. Chock-full of ancient monuments and temples, it is also the best place to stay for those wishing to see the royal tombs at the Valley of the Kings.

A surprisingly modern city in many ways, the backdrop of the lesser-known Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile makes the setting a beautiful contradiction. Explore the lands and find a scattering of wonderous discoveries, from the temples of Karnak in the east, the cathedral-like tomb of Seti I, to the many tombs across the Nile. While you likely won’t be visiting for the nightlife, there is plenty on hand, such as the Fellah’s tent in the grounds of the Jolie Ville. Just make sure you’re up early enough to see the sites with smaller crowds and lower temperatures.

Often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum, nothing in the world compares to the scale and grandeur of what ancient Thebes left behind for you to discover in Luxor.