I highly recommend an overnight excursion from Safaga, especially a private group that you can organize yourself with an excellent guide, which I've done several times. Favorite places where you will avoid the tourist throngs: Medinet Habu (INSTEAD of Karnak and Luxor Temples!); the workers village and the nearby funerary tomb with the most exquisite and colorful wall paintings; a side trip to Dendara to see the amazing blue-and-white ceiling paintings at the Temple of Hathor. There are some wonderful local restaurants in Luxor, and don't miss a chance to smoke some sheesha or at least have tea in a local coffee shop. We've been able to see more, do more and eat more, and for less $$ than a ship shorex!