(Medinet Habu Temple, West Bank, tel: 01232 78771) Caravanserai is a veritable Aladdin's cave of local crafts, pictures, pottery, gifts and jewellery. Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim, the owner, has sourced everything locally and is also supporting the local women's sewing group. The hand embroidery is particularly appealing, but the silver jewellery should not be missed.

Twinkies - The most popular cake shop in Luxor can be found next to the train station. Buy Egyptian sweets by the kilo and watch the kilos pile on. A very acceptable gift should you be invited to an Egyptian house.

Ragab and Sons is a new supermarket on Television Street, brilliant for anyone holidaying in self-catering apartment or looking for cheap lunch time snacks and drinks.

If you are looking for gold, the shop called Radwan near the Sheraton has the widest range. Check the gold price per gram BEFORE you go shopping as they charge by weight, not workmanship. Wonderful semi-precious jewellery and silver as well as gold available.