Description
Discover the highlights of Luxor (ancient Thebes), when you tour the impressive temple of Karnak, the magnificent tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and the unique temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Tour Description:
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hurghada, to drive to Luxor. Your guide will meet you in Luxor to commence your trip to,
The Valley of the Kings:
The Valley of the Kings is one of the most important highlights of the development of the construction of the tomb in Egypt. It was called by the Ancient Egyptians (Ta-Maat) or the place of justice and truth.
It is a long, narrow defile in the west bank of Luxor, which was part of ancient Thebes. It was the burial site of almost all the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (1550-1080 BC).
The plan of the tombs varies considerably but consists essentially of a descending corridor interrupted by deep shafts to baffle robbers and by pillared chambers or vestibules. At the farther end of the corridor is a burial chamber with a stone sarcophagus in which the royal mummy was laid and store chambers around which furniture and equipment were stacked for the king’s use in the underworld.
In many cases, the walls were covered with sculptured and painted scenes depicting the dead king in the presence of deities, especially the gods of the underworld, and with illustrated magical texts similar to those found in funerary papyri, designed to help him on his journey through the Netherworld.
You will just visit three tombs of the opened ones; your guide will recommend you the best three tombs to visit.
Hatshepsut Temple:
The temple of Hatshepsut at El Deir El Bahary is unique among the Egyptian temples. It is built in three terraces to commemorate the coronation of Hatshepsut.
Hatshepsut’s famous expedition to the land of Punt (Somalia) is depicted on the second terrace.
Hatshepsut is the daughter of Thutmosis I, the sister-wife of Thutmosis II, and the mother-in-law of Thutmosis III.
She ruled Egypt around (1478) BC for 20-24 years and died naturally from diabetes.
The temple is now called Al Deir El Bahary, which means in English (the northern monastery) because the temple was used by the Christians for a while.
It is really amazing temple, you will like and enjoy it.
The Colossi of Memnon:
You will finish or start your tour of the west bank by a photo stop at Colossi of Memnon, two impressive statues (18 meters) high, left from a huge temple built by Amenhotep III.
They are now called Memnon, after the name of Aga Memnon, when the statues were making sounds created when the wind blew through the cracks of the statues at dawn.
It is a photo stop.
Karnak Temples:
The Karnak complex is the largest religious complex ever built in the universe till now.
The “Karnak” is Arabic for “the fort” or “the protected area”. But the complex was known as ” pr _ Imn” or” the house of Amon” for the ancient Egyptians, after that the name was changed by the Greeks to “ipt _ swt” or “the northern thrones”.
The complex was dedicated to the god Amon or Imn ” the hidden “, who was just a little, unknown local deity. When Luxor became the capital of Egypt, the god’s importance was increased. He then became like a national god. He was the creator, the sustainer, and the lord of the gods. His consort was the goddess Mut. The couple adopted the god “Khonsu” the moon god.
The complex was begun in 2000 BC, expanded through 1700 years, and is considered not completed.
You will approach the complex by the dock which leads you to the sphinx avenue, which takes you to the unfinished pylon “gate” of the temple.
In the 1st open court is the chapel of the Nubian king Tahraqa. To the right of the open court, is the small temple of Rameses III.
The great hypostyle hall is an awesome place with its 134 columns.
The obelisks of Tuthmosis I and Hatshepsut stand like two needles among the structures of the complex.
The sacred lake is amazing, was used for the purification of the priests.
The complex is very impressive. Don’t miss it.
Price is per person, min (2 people).
Tour includes:
- Hotel pick up and drop off.
- All transfers.
- Entrance fees.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Air-conditioned coach.
- Licensed tour guide.
Tour excludes:
- Tips for guide and driver.
- Drinks.
- Personal expenses.
Notes:
- Children from 1-5 years are free of charge.
- Children between 6-11 years get 50% off.
- All prices are in US Dollars, but Egyptian Pound, English Pound & Euros are accepted.
