Travelling in convoy, sit back and enjoy unfolding views of barren mountains, flat desert and fertile areas as your guide introduces you to the history of Upper Egypt.
Visit one of the greatest places of worship in Egypt’s history, the breathtaking Temple of Karnak. The scale of Karnak surpasses any other temple complex in the entire ancient world with the sheer size and solidity of these structures being quite staggering. The original temple was built in honour of Amon-Ra, the sun god, but successive pharaohs enlarged and enriched the sanctuary over a period of nearly 2,000 years. There are avenues of ram-headed sphinxes, courts and pylons, and the Hypostyle Hall is a mass of over 100 pillars, every square inch of which seems to be covered with carved figures and hieroglyphics.
Relax and enjoy a buffet luncheon with wine, beer or soft drink at a leading hotel, before continuing your adventure on the East Bank.
Arriving in Luxor, drive across the Nile to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings. Known as the City of the Dead, this is where the dead were buried due to the life-giving sun which set in the west. The longer a pharaoh reigned the larger and more elaborate was his tomb. Sixty-four pharaohs' tombs have been found in the Valley of the Kings, but perhaps the most famous in the whole valley is that of Tutankhamun, since it was discovered virtually intact in 1922. All of the golden treasure is now in the Cairo Museum and his tomb remains open for a limited amount of time each day at an additional entrance fee. (Time permitting your guide will assist purchasing a ticket for you, if you wish). You will however have the opportunity to visit three of the other Royal Tombs.
Before crossing the Nile to the East Bank, there will be a photograph stop at the magnificent statues of Amenophis III, known as the Colossi of Memnon, standing exactly where they once flanked the entrance to the Temple 5,000 years ago.
A final short photographic stop will be made outside the Temple of Luxor, a vast complex completely covered with rubble until less than a century ago. Built by Amenophis III and Ramses II, it was dedicated to Amun-Ra, the god of Thebes.
This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The convoy of coaches will be police escorted for security reasons. On the way to Luxor the security changes from one area to another, which may cause a slight delay. The journey to Luxor will take 3½ hours and there are no hotels or suitable comfort stops en route. The journey will be undertaken without a break. Coaches will be equipped with toilets, guests will be provided with amenity and snack packs. You are advised to wear modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat and protection from the sun are strongly recommended. It is advisable to carry bottled water and to drink regularly to avoid dehydration.
This tour involves walking over uneven ground and up inclines, with numerous stairs at the tombs. Please be informed that on arrival at the Valley of the Kings, coaches will park at the parking area and you will walk through the visitors’ centre to a waiting, motorised chain of wagons for the transfer to the entrance gate (thus avoiding a 20 minute, uphill walk in the heat). No official shopping stops have been planned into this tour itinerary.
No cameras or videos are permitted inside any of the visited tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Camera or video fees do not apply at Karnak or Luxor.
This tour involves walking over uneven ground and up inclines, with numerous stairs at the tombs. Please be informed that on arrival at the Valley of the Kings, coaches will park at the parking area and you will walk through the visitors’ centre to a waiting, motorised chain of wagons for the transfer to the entrance gate (thus avoiding a 20 minute, uphill walk in the heat). No official shopping stops have been planned into this tour itinerary.
No cameras or videos are permitted inside any of the visited tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Camera or video fees do not apply at Karnak or Luxor.
