After your morning explorations, enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to savor popular dishes such as koshari (a hearty mixture of rice, lentils, pasta, and tomato sauce), falafel, shawarma, and freshly prepared pita bread. The meal will give you a chance to experience the authentic flavors of Egypt and recharge before continuing your tour. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing felucca boat ride across the Nile River. A felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailboat made of wood and cloth, and it provides a peaceful way to experience the tranquil beauty of the Nile’s banks.
As you glide along the river, take in the scenic views of Luxor’s iconic landscape, dotted with palm trees and ancient temples. The serene atmosphere of the Nile will allow you to reflect on the day’s experiences and take in the natural beauty surrounding you.
Once you reach the East Bank of Luxor, your first stop will be the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, Karnak served as the religious center of Thebes and was the heart of Egyptian spiritual life during the New Kingdom period.
Walk through the grand Hypostyle Hall, which contains 134 towering columns, each intricately carved with ancient symbols and hieroglyphs. These massive columns create a sense of awe as you stand in their shadow. Other highlights of Karnak include the Sacred Lake, used for religious rituals, and the Avenue of Sphinxes, which once connected the temple to Luxor Temple. As you explore the vast temple grounds, your guide will share the history of Karnak’s construction, its role in Egyptian religion, and its importance in the reign of several great pharaohs, such as Ramses II.
The final stop on your tour is the Colossi of Memnon, two giant statues that once stood at the entrance to the temple of Amenhotep III. These imposing figures, each standing over 18 meters tall, are among the most recognizable monuments in Luxor. Over the centuries, the statues have been subject to erosion and damage, but they still stand proudly as a reminder of the grandeur of Egypt’s past. Take some time to reflect on the day’s experiences as you snap photos of these majestic statues, which have withstood the test of time.
After a full day of exploration, your private car will be waiting to take you back to Port Ghalib. As you travel back through the Egyptian countryside, enjoy one last opportunity to relax and reflect on the incredible sights you’ve seen, from the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings to the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor.