Dinners in Luxor

On face value, Luxor is all about ancient history. Its slew of tombs, temples, and monuments shed light on the civilizations of bygone centuries, drawing in crowds from across the globe.

But there's more to this city than pyramids and sphinxes; it's also a heavily underrated foodie hot spot, with a variety of restaurants offering both traditional Egyptian fare and cuisines from around the world.

Whether you follow your culinary instincts around town, or join an organized dinner tour, expect your dinner in Luxor to be nothing short of a delicious journey through a range of flavors.

Here's all you need to know about dinners, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Luxor.

What are the best dinners tours in Luxor?

You have several options when it comes to dinner tours in Luxor — sunset dinners, Nile cruises, combination tours and tours. Let's take a look at the most popular options.

Dinner cruise on the Nile River

Winding most memorable through the city, a Nile River cruise is one of the most special ways to experience Luxor. A dinner cruise gives you a felucca chance to savor delicious traditional Egyptian food at an all-you-can-eat buffet while enjoying beautiful views of both banks of the river.

Most cruises include live music and belly dancing performances and many offer packages that include drinks. Depending on which company you choose, you may be offered a pick-up and return service to your hotel too.

Traditional Egyptian dinner at a local family home

Popular for anyone seeking an authentic experience, a dinner at a local family home is an unforgettable — and delicious — introduction to Luxor. You'll get the chance to learn about traditional cooking techniques and sample dishes prepared especially for you by a gracious host.

While every night is different, you can expect to sample staples like fattah, kushari, stuffed vegetables, molokhia, lentil soup and mossaqa, to name a few.

Traditional sunset felucca ride with dinner

For centuries, the felucca — a traditional Egyptian sailing boat — has been used to get from place to place on the Nile. Today, these boats are still available for tourists to cruise on.

If you're looking to have dinner in Luxor, a sunset felucca ride with dinner is the perfect option. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you down to the Nile on the felucca to Banana Island, where you'll disembark and be served an authentic meal of salads, grilled meats and fish.

There are multiple departure times to suit your schedule (including lunch, if you prefer).

Are there any combos available with dinner cruises in Luxor?

Yes, there are a handful of combo tours available that combine traditional meals with visits to Luxor's famous tombs and monuments.

The private day tour in the West Bank & Dendara with dinner cruise is one such example, combining a buffet dinner on a Nile River cruise with a visit to the Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut and other nearby sites.

Another popular option is the East Bank and dinner cruise combo tour, which starts by checking off Luxor's iconic East Bank attractions — like the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Dendera temple complex — before enjoying a hearty feed and some belly dancing on board a dinner cruise.

Which places are visited?

You'll visit different locations depending on which dinner package you choose. On a Nile River dinner cruise, you'll float through ancient landscapes and marvel at the views of Luxor's cityscape, illuminated in the night sky. The same goes for felucca tours, however, these also typically include a stop at Banana Island.

A traditional family dinner tour, on the other hand, takes you into a local's home for an evening of local culture. You'll get to see how the locals live, learn more about their customs and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

If you choose one of the combo tours, you can expect to visit some of Luxor's most iconic sites as well – the Valley of Kings, Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Luxor Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, to name a few.

How much do dinners in Luxor cost?

Basic Nile River cruises with dinner cost around US$35 to US$40 per person. Felucca boat dinners, including a stop at Banana Island, typically cost between US$30 and US$50 per person, which is about the same as a traditional family home dinner.

Private combination tours that include sightseeing are more expensive, between US$80 and US$90, depending on your group size.

What is included?

Dinner tours in Luxor typically include the meal, transport and, in most cases, an English-speaking guide. Nile cruises might also include a show or entertainment, such as belly dancing.

For traditional home dinners, expect delicious home-cooked food, often with the chance to help prepare the meal.

Combo tours usually include entry fees to the various sites visited, as well as hotel pickups or drop-offs too.

Gratuities are not included and it's recommended to check the fine print as some tours don't include things like drinks or transport.

Where does it start?

The majority of dinners in Luxor don't have a meeting place. Instead, you'll be picked up from your hotel or cruise ship. After dinner, you'll be taken back to your accommodation.

How long does it last?

Generally speaking, dinners in Luxor last around 2-3 hours. However, combination tours can last up to 12 hours. Be sure to check your itinerary before booking so you know exactly what's included and how much time you'll have.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, most tours are wheelchair-friendly and you'll find that most restaurants, hotels and attractions are also accessible. However, longer combination tours that involve sightseeing are typically not accessible due to the uneven terrain of the ancient sites.

Be sure to check with your tour operator in advance if you have any special requirements.

When is the best time for a dinner tour in Luxor?

The best time for a dinner tour in Luxor is during the cooler months, from October to April. Evening tours offer a respite from the heat of the day, starting around sunset, providing a captivating view of the ancient city.

Travel tips

• Luxor's popularity as a tourist destination means dinner tours can fill up quickly. Ensure availability by booking ahead.
• If you have dietary restrictions, notify the tour operator in advance so they can accommodate you.
• Egypt is a conservative country. Dress modestly to respect local customs and bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
• It's customary to tip for services in Egypt. Keep small bills handy for tipping guides and staff.