Explore the West Bank of Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon

Valley of the Kings - Begin your journey at the Necropolis of Thebes, located in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. This ancient burial ground is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Luxor. Here, you can explore four royal tombs, including those of Ramses, Horemheb, Merenptah, and the renowned King Tut. Discovered nearly intact in 1922 by Howard Carter, King Tutankhamen’s tomb is the only one of its kind in the Valley of the Kings. While Tut’s iconic golden mask is displayed at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, visitors can marvel at the royal mummy of the young king here.

Tomb of Ramses VI - King Ramesses VI, the third pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, was originally named Amonhirkhopshef. As the fifth son of Ramesses III, he was appointed crown prince in the twenty-second year of his father’s reign after the passing of his four elder brothers. The tomb is rich in color and detail, with the ceiling above the sarcophagus featuring the goddess Nut. Despite some deterioration, the tomb remains one of the most elaborately decorated in the valley.

Tomb of Merenptah - In Egyptian mythology, Ptah is the creator god of Memphis, revered by craftsmen and architects. The falcon form of this deity was placed in tombs to protect the deceased on their journey to the West of Luxor. Tomb 8, located in the Valley of the Kings, served as the burial site for Pharaoh Merneptah, a son of Ramesses II and Queen Isis-Nofret. Discovered by Howard Carter in 1903, the tomb features fewer lateral rooms but significantly taller corridors and chambers. Merneptah abandoned the jogged axis used since Horemheb’s time, opting for a single-axis design and a notably wider entrance.

Tomb of Ramses III - Known as KV 11, the tomb of Ramesses III is a complex structure in the Valley of the Kings. Famous since ancient times, its stunning decorations include colorful sunken reliefs depicting traditional ritual texts (such as the Litany of Ra and the Book of Gates) and Ramses before the gods. Unique secular scenes in the entrance corridor’s side rooms showcase foreign tributes, detailed pottery from the Aegean, the royal armory, boats, and the blind harpists, earning it the nickname ‘Tomb of the Harpers.’

Temple of Hatshepsut - After exploring the tombs, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (Deir el Bahari), the only woman to rule Egypt as Pharaoh. She was an ancestor of King Tutankhamen and belonged to the same dynasty.

Colossi of Memnon - Marvel at the Colossi of Memnon, the two largest ancient statues in Egypt, dating back to the reign of King Amenhotep III.

Discover the East Bank of Luxor: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple

Temple of Karnak - On Luxor’s East Bank, visit the Karnak Temples, considered one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. This complex, built over various reigns, features the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall with 134 massive columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, the Temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus motifs, the Granite Scarab of Amenhotep III, and the Sacred Lake. Karnak stands out as one of Egypt’s most stunning ancient monuments.

Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut - The Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, along with the Temple of Amon, are adorned with lotus and papyrus designs.

Obelisk of Thutmose I - The Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, along with the Temple of Amon, are adorned with lotus and papyrus designs.

Temple of Amun - Also known as the Karnak Temples, this site is regarded as one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces. The complex includes the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Hypostyle Hall with 134 towering columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, the Temple of Amon with lotus and papyrus decorations, the Granite Scarab of Amenhotep III, and the Sacred Lake. Karnak is unparalleled among pharaonic monuments, celebrated as one of Egypt’s most beautiful ancient sites.

Luxor Temple - Known to the ancient Egyptians as Ipet-resyt, or the “Southern Sanctuary,” Luxor Temple is situated about three kilometers south of Karnak Temple. Once connected by a processional avenue lined with sphinxes, the temple’s earliest evidence dates back to the Eighteenth Dynasty (c.1550–1295 BC).

• Private transportation
• Lunch if option selected
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Entrance Fees if option selected
• Bottle of water
• Private Egyptology guide English speaking if option selected

• Gratuities
• Drinks in restaurant

Embark on a two-day journey to uncover the ancient wonders of Luxor, exploring both the East and West Banks. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you through the extraordinary Valley of the Kings and the stunning Karnak Temple, enhancing your appreciation of Egypt’s fascinating history. Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transportation, ensuring your adventure is both pleasant and informative. This tour is perfect for history lovers and cultural explorers eager to delve into the marvels of ancient Egypt.

• Two-day guided exploration of Luxor’s East and West Banks
• Discover the renowned Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple
• Travel in comfort with air-conditioned transport throughout the tour
• Ideal for history aficionados and cultural adventurers

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.