Luxor: the West Bank at dawn, and the tombs that cost extra

Luxor's West Bank (the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, Medinet Habu) is best from 6 a.m., before the heat and the buses; cross by the public ferry or a hired boat and arrange a driver on that side. The main Valley ticket includes three tombs; Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramesses VI cost extra, and Seti I is the one worth it. Visit Karnak in the late afternoon and Luxor Temple after dark, when it's lit. The hot-air balloons fly at sunrise.