About this experience
In Luxor, you can touch the unique Egyptian culture, full of mysticism and mystery. You will walk through an open-air museum that has preserved a third of the architectural monuments of the ancient world. Visit the 'City of the Living' and the 'City of the Dead', see monumental temples and statues of ancient gods, learn how pharaohs and their family members were buried in the past.
What to Expect
Once the Nile River divided the city into two parts. People lived on the east bank, called the 'City of the Living', and on the west bank was the pharaohs' necropolis—the 'City of the Dead'. During our journey, you will visit both sides and also see the marvelous mountains of Egypt resembling chunks of chocolate halva, the mighty blue Nile and its green banks adjacent to the golden sands of the desert. So, the program includes:
- Our first stop is the Karnak Temple in the 'City of the Living'. It is the largest of the preserved temple complexes. On the premises, you will see the Avenue of Sphinxes, the room with an altar, the statue of the sacred scarab beetle, the courtyard of obelisks, the hypostyle hall, the sacred lake. You will learn when and how this complex was built.
- Next, we will head to the Valley of the Kings—the famous 'City of the Dead', where pharaohs were buried for 5 centuries. This is the most grandiose cemetery in the world. In 1922, the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered here, the treasures and secrets of which still intrigue researchers to this day. The Egyptologist guide will explain the rituals observed during the burials of pharaohs, as well as the religion and customs of the ancient Egyptians.
- We will also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the wife of Pharaoh Thutmose II. During her reign, this temple was built into the cliffs, impressing with its size and architectural solutions. You will learn how the sculptures decorating it ended up buried in the sand and how modern archaeologists managed to revive this monumental structure.
- Next, we will see the Colossi of Memnon. These statues were originally located at the entrance to the temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. After the visit, you will understand why they were called 'singing' and why they stopped 'singing'.
- After a hearty lunch, you will enjoy a boat ride on the Nile to Banana Island, rich in vegetation resembling jungles.
Organizational Details
- Possibility to increase the number of participants by agreement. Price for a group of 3 to 7 people is $490.
- The price includes: transfer in a comfortable sedan car or minivan Toyota Hiace on the route Marsa Alam—Luxor—Marsa Alam, lunch (buffet), entrance tickets, services of a Russian-speaking guide
- Separately paid visits to the tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses V and VI, Seti I (2800 Egyptian pounds for all) and drinks during lunch
- Bring your passport, snacks (which should be pre-ordered at the hotel reception), money for personal expenses, a head covering, and sunglasses
- I will personally conduct this tour for you or another guide from our team will
