TUI launches first flights to cheap African city with 24C highs in winter
TUI has launched its first ever flights to a popular African city.
Luxor is now much easier to get to for Brits wanting some winter sun in Egypt.
Previously having to travel from Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, easyJet also announced its first direct flights earlier this year.
TUI has since joined with the new direct Luxor route, operating from both Manchester and London Gatwick airports.
Two flights a week will see them depart to Luxor on Thursdays, and returning on a Tuesday.
The season route, starting today, will run until April 24th next year, before returning in November 2025.
Lucie Hinton, Head of Aviation Business Development at Manchester Airport, said: “We are thrilled to see TUI launching this new service to Luxor.
“Manchester Airport is proud to connect the North with over 200 destinations worldwide – but this is our first Luxor service and will offer holidaymakers an unforgettable experience delving into the history and culture of Ancient Egypt.”
TUI has eight hours in the Luxor area, including a Hilton Luxor, as well as package tours exploring the tombs and temples.
The new flights are also part of TUI’s River Cruises, with the newly refurbished five-star ship, TUI Al Horeya, on it’s maiden voyage along the River Nile.
Passengers can book seven night, all-inclusive sailings from Luxor, that work with the new TUI flights.
Stopping at destinations such as Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, onboard is a swimming pool, dining space and even two Egyptologists.
Want to do both cruise and holiday? The Legends of the Nile package has seven-night cruise and seven night hotel stays included.
Katy Berzins, Head of TUI River Cruises at TUI River Cruises, stated: “We are excited to be welcoming our first passengers onto our first river cruise ship down the River Nile, TUI Al Horeya, this winter season on these inaugural flights from Manchester and London Gatwick airports.”
Also launching this week are easyJet‘s first flights to Luxor for the first time in a decade.
Starting on November 11, the new route will connect London Gatwick to the Egyptian city.
While holidaymakers often head to Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada – both being beach resorts, Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous attractions.
Previously named Thebes, it was the ancient capital, and now said to be one of the world’s “greatest open-air museums”.
It is home to the huge Valley of the Kings, as well as the tomb of Tutankhamun.
It isn’t a pricey destination either, with the average spend per day being between £20 and £40.
The Sun's Britt Vonow on Luxor
The Sun’s Associate Head of News Brittany Vonow recently visited Luxor – here’s her verdict.
“Luxor Temple was built by Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC and it is almost impossible to comprehend how these massive columns were made.,
“Each is intricately decorated with hieroglyphics next to rows of sphinxes with goat heads.
“The lonely obelisk has a sister in Europe – which is at the end of the Champs-Elysees in Paris.
“We strolled along a 3,400-year-old road, known as the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which links Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever made at about 200 acres.
“I’m lost for words as we take in the huge columns and tiny details of this Unesco World Heritage Site.
“The Valley of the Kings is where the mummies of pharaohs were buried with their jewels and supplies to get them through the afterlife although the riches are long gone.
“Just thinking about the sheer effort that it must have taken to build these structures is still awe-inspiring.
“What is still there is Tutankhamun’s mummy, discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter – and had its treasures intact.”
Also in Egypt is the world’s biggest museum, with the £1billion Grand Egyptian Museum opening in Giza earlier this year.
Egypt could soon be home to a new £84billion city the size of Barcelona with holiday resorts and even its own airport.