Your second day begins with an early morning flight from Cairo to Luxor, the ancient Egyptian city that served as the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your private guide and taken to the East Bank of the Nile for a visit to Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most impressive religious sites in Egypt. The Karnak Temple Complex is dedicated to the god Amun and is a vast network of structures, including towering pylons, a hypostyle hall with 134 giant columns, and numerous statues and obelisks.
Your guide will share fascinating stories of the ancient Egyptians and their gods, as well as the impressive history of this temple complex, which took over 2,000 years to complete.
Next, you’ll continue to Luxor Temple, which is located along the banks of the Nile and was constructed during the reign of Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. This temple is unique for its architectural beauty, with massive entrance pylons, a large courtyard, and the famous Avenue of Sphinxes. As you walk through this temple, you’ll get a sense of the ceremonial and religious significance it held during ancient times.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll head to the West Bank of Luxor, where you’ll visit the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of many New Kingdom pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I. As you walk through the Valley, you’ll visit some of the most famous tombs, adorned with vivid murals and intricate hieroglyphs that provide insight into the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. Your guide will share stories about the pharaohs and the treasures that were once buried with them.
Next, you’ll visit Hatshepsut Temple, one of Egypt’s most impressive and best-preserved monuments. The temple, built for Queen Hatshepsut, is a series of terraces that rise up against the backdrop of the Theban Mountains, with massive statues of the queen lining the entrance. The temple is also known for its stunning architecture, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding cliffs.
To complete your visit to the West Bank, stop by the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Amenhotep III, which stand as the only remnants of his once-great mortuary temple. These statues are nearly 18 meters tall and are an iconic symbol of Luxor.
After a day full of history and exploration, you’ll be transferred back to Hurghada in your private vehicle, where you’ll arrive in the evening and be dropped off at your hotel.