EASYJET is poised to relaunch flights to the "world's greatest open-air museum" for the first time in 10 years.
While most holidaymakers heading toEgyptvisit resort towns on the Red Sea Coast, there are plenty of other destinations that shouldn't go overlooked.
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This winter, easyJet will be relaunching flights from London Gatwick Airport to Luxor in Egypt.
The route, which was scrapped more than a decade ago, is set to make its return in November.
Flights will operate every Monday and Tuesday throughout the winter, as reported by Travel Weekly.
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Services will depart London Gatwick Airport at 9.05am before arriving in Luxor at 4.25pm.
Return flights will then leave Luxor at 5.15pm, touching back down in the UK at 9.10pm, with a flight time of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
Sun Online Travel have found return flights for £196 in November.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: "We’re delighted to be launching even more new routes from airports across the UK to a fantastic range of leisure destinations, meaning we’re now offering over 41 new routes including three brand new destinations on our network from this winter."
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Meanwhile, Paul Bixby, chief commercial officer at easyJet Holidays, added: “Our new Nile cruises make the grandeur of ancient Egypt more accessible than ever with a range of options to choose from, including the Iberotel Crown Empress and the Jaz Crown Jubilee."
The airline will also run a new winter service from Liverpool to Sharm el Sheikh.
The new £16.3billion attraction to open in Egypt with luxury hotels and marina
Interesting facts about Luxor
AS the former capital of Ancient Egypt, there are plenty of interesting facts about Luxor, here are some of our favourites.
- Once the capital of ancient Egypt, the city flourished during the New Kingdom Period (1550-1077 BCE) - and was even dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
- Luxor used to be known as the "City of one hundred doors".
- In Arabic, Luxor translates to The Palaces.
- Luxor Temple was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
- It's also often called the "world's greatest open-air museum" thanks to its well-preserved tombs and temples.
- Movies like Death on the Nile, The Spy Who Loved Me and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen were all filmed in and around Luxor.
Why Luxor?
Thanks to its ancient sites and affordable prices, Luxor is already a popular spot with holidaymakers.
Luxor is located in southern Egypt on the east bank of the River Nile and is known for its ties to the ancient world.
Once known as Thebes, Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt from the 16th to the 11th century BCE during the New Kingdom Period.
The Egyptian city is divided by the River Nile, with both the West Bank and the East Bank holding different societal roles.
It's modern city centre is located on the East Bank, which is where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located.
Meanwhile, the West Bank is home to the world-famous Valley of the Kings as well as the Valley of the Queens.
Popular attractions on the East Bank include Luxor Temple, which was built by Amenhotep III in the 14th century BCE.
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The sprawling temple site is home to colossal statues and a towering column covered in ancient hieroglyphs.
There's also the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple.
Arguably more famous, Karnak Temple is a vast temple complex that's home to towering columns, large halls and even a scared lake.
Inside the sprawling complex, holidaymakers will be able to find other ancient sites like the Temple of Thutmose III, the Precinct of Amun-Re and the Chapel of Osiris.
Other tourist attractions on the East Bank include Luxor Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts, statues, jewellery, and other relics.
Even non-history buffs will be impressed by the sheer scale of the structures
Meanwhile, the world-famous Valley of the Kings is located on the West Bank on the opposite side of the River Nile.
There are more than 60 ancient tombs located in the valley.
Each of the tombs were built for an Egyptian Pharaoh, with many tombs carved deep into the hills.
Most of the tombs have a long corridor and several chambers, and it is also thought that their walls were painted or carved with hieroglyphics.
The highlight is Tutankhamun’s Tomb, which was discovered by the British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922.
There's also the Valley of the Queens where queens, princes and princesses were buried.
There are other ways to explore Luxor, including luxury cruises along the Nile and hot air balloon rides over the ancient temples.
What's it like in Luxor?
Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited Luxor, here's what she had to say:
"The main attraction is the Valley of the Kings, home to 62 tombs including that of Tutankhamun, although you’ll be hard-pressed to visit more than a few in one day.
"Even non-history buffs will be impressed by the sheer scale of the structures and how well-preserved many of the colourful drawings and hieroglyphs are some 3,500 years later.
"I fell in love with the Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of the only female leaders, who was forced to pretend to be male for people to accept her as their ruler.
"It worked and she had a short but peaceful ten years before being laid to rest in her tomb.
"Egypt certainly has one of the most impressive histories in the world, and it was a highlight of the trip by far."
What else do I need to know about Luxor?
The best times to visit Luxor are fromMarch to April and between October and November, when the weather is slightly cooler.
Temperatures remain warm in the winter, with highs of 23C in January and 26C in February.
According to travel website Budget Your Trip, a weekend in Luxor can cost as little as $50 (£40).
Sun Online Travel have found hotel rooms for as little as £10 per night per person.
The local language is Arabic but most hotel staff will speak English.
There is just two hours time difference, with the UK two hours behind.
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP) - £10 is 370.55 EGP - although most resorts accept the British pound or US dollar.
There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits will need a visa to visit Luxor, which costs around £25.
Yourpassportmust have at least six months left on it on arrival to the country.
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Travel Holiday Deals to Luxor
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- Flights to Luxor from £120
- 7 nights B&B at 4* Iberotel Luxor from £499pp
- 7 nights B&B at 5* Steigenberger Achti Resort Luxor from £529pp
- 7 nights B&B at 5* Sofitel Luxor Winter Palace from £649pp
- 7 nights full board Nile Cruise on 5* Iberotel Crown Empress from £740pp
Egypt is home to plenty of winter sun spots too including theresort town of El Gouna.
El Gouna is a 30-minute drive away from Hurghada Airport, and it boasts a warm 24C in the winter.
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