Excursion Luxor & valley of the kings tour at Safaga

Discover the ancient treasures of Egypt during this scenic and memorable, full-day excursion to Luxor.

Luxor Temple

Depart the pier for the approximate 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Luxor. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the spectacular Luxor Temple. The original temple complex was built during the New Kingdom on the site of an older sanctuary. Over the centuries, various rulers made additions that included statues, chapels, a colonnade and a sun court. Ramses II added a statue of himself and a pair of 82-foot (25-metre) obelisks; one of them was taken to Paris in 1835, and today stands in the Place de la Concorde.

Lunch and the Valley of the Kings

Next, re-board your coach and proceed for a buffet lunch at a 5-star deluxe Hotel. After lunch, drive across the Nile to the West Bank for a visit to the Valley of the Kings. During a period of 500 years from the 16th to 11th century B.C., tombs were constructed in this Theban Necropolis for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom.

The 'wadi' consists of two valleys, the East Valley, where the bulk of the royal tombs are situated, and the West Valley. To date, 63 tombs have been discovered, with chambers ranging in size from a simple pit to a complex tomb with over 120 chambers. Most of the tombs were cut into the limestone, and took six years to complete, depending upon their size. The most notable tomb discovered in the valley is that of King Tutankhamun, as it includes a display of the young king's mummified body. A visit to King Tutankhamun's tomb is not included but can be arranged in advance.

Queen Hatshepsut Temple

Following your visit, a photo stop is made at the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which is dramatically perched at the head of a valley overshadowed by the peak of the Thebes. Queen Hatshepsut was the fifth pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt. Egyptologists generally regard her as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty.

Colossi of Memnon

A final photo stop is made at the Colossi of Memnon, a pair of colossal statues standing alone in a farmer's field. The statues are all that remains of the Temple of Amenhotep III. From here, drive back across the Nile to the East Bank and enjoy an afternoon tea at a 5 stars deluxe restaurant, then commence the approximately 3.5 to 4 hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Luxor, Luxor Temple, 5 star deluxe hotel restaurant, Nile River, West Bank, Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon

Note

Please note: Total drive duration is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours each way. This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1000 meters (.62 miles) over some inclines, uneven and sandy surfaces, with a few steps at the Luxor temple entrance and inside the Valley of the Kings to reach the tombs area. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilize a wheelchair however guests must be able to get in/out of the vehicle with no assistance or that of their travelling companion. Guests with limited mobility can visit the Luxor temple, the photo stop at Colossi of Memnon and Hatshepsut Temple and remaining sites depending on each guest's abilities. Foldable wheelchairs, scooters and walkers can be accommodated on the coach. Guests are advised to wear lightweight clothing with rubber-soled walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera from the ship. A jacket or shawl is also recommended to wear during the ride in the air-conditioned coach. For guests wishing to visit King Tutankhamun's tomb, there is an additional cost of USD $12.00 cash and can be arranged with your guide, however must be arranged en route to the Valley of the Kings. Cameras and mobile cameras are allowed without the use of the flash.