Product Overview
Embark on a mesmerizing journey to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt, including Luxor, Abydos, and Dendera. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor while your private Egyptologist guide regales you with captivating insights. Behold the timeless beauty of the Temple of Seti I and the astonishing Qadesh battle mural in Abydos. Marvel at the majestic Temple of Hathor in Dendera as you savour your knowledgeable guide's undivided attention and insider's perspective. This fully customizable private tour ensures your complete comfort and privacy, with all accommodations, meals, activities, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. Suitable for all ages and genders, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for all.
What's Included
- Accommodation in Luxor
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- One breakfast, two lunches
- Private English-speaking guide throughout tours
- Entrance fees to all the sights.
- Lunch at a local restaurant during tours
- Bottled water on board the vehicle
- All service charges & taxes
What to Expect
Pick-up Service from your hotel
- On the first day, you will be picked up from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with a private English-speaking guide.
Tour to the Valley of the Kings
- The day will start with a visit to the western part of the city, where you will explore the renowned Valley of the Kings. On the West Bank of the Nile across from modern Luxor, cut into the Theban Hills, lies the Valley of the Kings (KV). Chosen as the burial place for most of Egypt’s New Kingdom rulers, it was selected for several reasons. There are 64 numbered royal and private tombs in KV, ranging from small, pit tombs (KV 54) to huge labyrinths with over 120 corridors and chambers (KV 5). You can visit three tombs and the Tomb of King Tutankhamun is for extra charge.
Tour to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
- After that, we will visit the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. The mortuary temple of Hatshepsut was built during the reign of Pharaoh Hatshepsut during the Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt. Hatshepsut (c.1473–1458 BC), the queen who became pharaoh, built a magnificent temple at Deir al-Bahari, on the west bank of Luxor. It lies directly across the Nile from Karnak Temple, the main sanctuary of the god Amun. Hatshepsut’s temple, Djeser-djeseru “the Holy of Holies” was designed by the chief steward of Amun, Senenmut.
- The temple consists of three levels, each with a colonnade at its far end. On the uppermost level, an open courtyard lies just beyond the portico. Mummiform statues of Hatshepsut and Osiris, the god of the dead, lean against its pillars.
Lunch
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Tour to Karnak Temple
- You will embark on a fascinating journey to explore the wonders of Luxor's East Bank. One of the highlights of your day will be visiting Karnak Temple. This magnificent structure served as the centre of religious worship for the ancient Egyptian civilization for over 1500 years. This awe-inspiring temple complex is dedicated to numerous deities, including the esteemed Theban triad: the powerful Amun, the righteous Mut, and the moon god Khonsu. With its rich history dating back over 4000 years, Karnak Temple provides a glimpse into ancient Egypt's spiritual and cultural heritage, making it a truly captivating experience for any visitor.
Tour to Luxor Temple by Night
- By the evening, you will have the incredible opportunity to explore Luxor Temple by night. The temple reveals its ancient splendour, dating back to its construction in 1400 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Originally known as "Ipetresyet," which translates to the southern sanctuary, Luxor Temple was dedicated to the mighty God Amun of the Theban triad, symbolizing the revival of kingship. Its captivating design features intricate decorations and remarkable architectural structures that will transport you to another time.
Check-in Your Hotel in Luxor
- The day will end with a transfer to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.
Tour to the Temple of Seti in Abydos
- On the second day, you will receive a breakfast box from your hotel before embarking on a day tour of the ancient city of Abydos.
- Abydos, Egyptian Abdju, Coptic Ebot, modern Al-Araba Al-Madfuna, a prominent sacred city and one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Egypt. Abydos is one of the oldest and most important sites of ancient Egypt, occupied from as early as 3300 BCE. Located on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, the sacred city overlooks a desert valley once thought to offer passage to the realm of the dead. It was the royal burial ground for Egypt’s first pharaohs and later served as the centre of worship for the cult of Osiris, god of the underworld. With its valuable inscriptions and numerous funerary monuments, Abydos has perhaps contributed more than any other site in Egypt to our present understanding of the history of state formation, linguistic development, and architecture in Ancient Egypt.
- Here, you will explore the Temple of Seti I and the famous Abydos King List, providing valuable insights into ancient Egypt's rulers. You will also visit the Osireion and a temple built by Ramses II.
Lunch
- Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.
Tour to Dendera Temple Complex
- After lunch, we will proceed to the breathtaking Ptolemaic temple in Dendera, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
- Dendera Temple Complex is a celestial museum filled with miraculous treasures which is famous for being home to the well-preserved Temple of Hathor. This temple complex was dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, beauty, and fertility. The temple was created around 2250 BC to the end of the Ptolemaic period (332-30 BCE). The temple is renowned for its elaborate reliefs and carvings, which depict various mythologica.
- The Dendera Temple of Hathor contains a particular room with a distinctive ceiling relief known as the Dendera Zodiac, believed to be the sole complete "map" of the ancient Egyptian skies.
Departure
- The day will conclude with a transfer back to your hotel.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from El Gouna
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:00 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Hurghada
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:10 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Sahl Hasheesh
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:10 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Makadi Bay
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:20 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Soma Bay
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:30 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Safaga
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:40 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from El Quseir
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 05:00 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Marsa Alam
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 04:30 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Private 2-Day Luxor Tour from Aswan
You will be picked up from your hotel at approximately 03:30 am in an air-conditioned vehicle accompanied by your Egyptologist tour guide to discover Luxor highlights.
Additional Programs and Tours that you can Book
While you are visiting Luxor, you will have the chance to do more activities for an extra charge.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air ballooning in Luxor, Egypt has a long and fascinating history. It began in the late 1700s when French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard took off from the city of Luxor for the first time. Since then, hot-air ballooning has become a popular activity for tourists visiting Luxor.
The experience of hot air ballooning in Luxor is truly unique. As you float over the ancient city, you can see the incredible monuments and temples that have stood for thousands of years. You can also take in stunning views of the Nile River and its surrounding landscapes. The experience is truly breathtaking and one that will stay with you forever.
The process of hot air ballooning in Luxor is relatively simple. First, you must book a flight with an experienced company that specializes in hot air balloon tours. These companies typically provide all necessary equipment and safety measures to ensure a safe flight. Once you have booked your flight, you will be taken to the launch site where your pilot will begin to fill up the balloon with hot air using a gas burner. Once filled up, it's time to take off!
As you ascend into the sky, your pilot will point out various landmarks and monuments below you as well as provide interesting facts about them. You can also enjoy spectacular views of the Nile River and its surrounding landscapes as you fly over them at an altitude of around 1,000 feet or more! Once your journey is complete, your pilot will land the balloon safely back at its launch site before returning you to your hotel or other destination in Luxor.
Hot air ballooning in Luxor is not only fun but also very safe due to strict safety regulations enforced by local authorities. All pilots must be certified by both local and international aviation authorities before they are allowed to fly passengers in their balloons over Luxor's skies. Furthermore, all balloons used for commercial flights must be inspected regularly by qualified personnel to ensure they are safe for use at all times.
In addition to safety regulations, certain environmental rules must be followed when flying hot air balloons over Luxor's skies such as avoiding certain areas where birds may be nesting or avoiding flying too close to historical sites or monuments due to their fragile nature. By following these rules, we can ensure that this wonderful activity remains available for future generations while still preserving our environment and cultural heritage sites for years to come!
Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show
The Karnak Sound and Light Show highlights the dramatic history of ancient Thebes. The show narrates the achievements of some great Pharaohs, with poetic descriptions of the ancient treasures. As visitors walk through the complex, the pharaohs arise to tell the story of their interesting lives, as haunting music mysteriously flows through this ancient city. Ancient and poetic voices tell the visitors about the birth of Karnak temple and the heroic achievements of the pharaohs and the god Amun. It is an enchanting and supernatural experience to listen to sound effects and gaze at the magnificent ruins illuminated during the well-presented show.
Medinet Habu Tour
On Luxor’s West Bank, Ramses III built his magnificent mortuary temple with intricate relief carvings and shrines. With its wonderfully preserved art, Medinet Habu represents the pharaoh's royal legacy and is among Luxor’s most important ancient sites. Images of hunting trips, prisoner executions, and battles with the Sea Peoples offer a window into ancient history.
You will also be able to visit some other temples inside Habu Temple such as the Temple of Amun dating to the 18th Dynasty, built by Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. It has undergone many alterations and modifications over the years.
Motorboat Nile Trip
Enjoy the motorboat tour in the longest Nile in the world while enjoying the sights of Luxor from the water along with a cosy atmosphere. Enjoy refreshing breezes with a ride on the traditional Egyptian motorboat and the bewitching skyline of Luxor, while listening to some famous Egyptian songs.
Soak up stellar views of Luxor Temple, Winter Palace Hotel and the riverfront. Snap photos and make memories. It's a family-friendly cruise ideal for all ages.
Watch the real Egyptian life pass by and enjoy the fantastic scenes that have not changed in millennia, the children playing in the water, the camels and donkeys, the farmers going about their work in the same ways they have done for centuries, and admire the water buffalo and a wide variety of birds.
The motorboat will sail to the Banana Island “a land covered with banana plantations”. The boat captain will berth the motorboat off the island and your guide will take you on a short exploratory tour of the island, where you’ll be offered a refreshing cup of traditional Egyptian tea and some of the sweetest, most delicious bananas you have ever tasted.