Luxor is a natural base for exploring Upper Egypt. The temples at Dendara (about 60km north) and Abydos (150km north) are among the best-preserved in the country and make a rewarding full-day trip by taxi or guided tour. Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo can be visited en route south to Aswan. The standard multi-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan covers all these sites if you have the time.