Start your tour from Hurghada to Luxor

After pickup from your hotel, head to Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings. The valley is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders, containing dozens of tombs adorned with ancient art and hieroglyphics. Visit the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the most famous site in the valley. Then tour the temples of the sons of Ramses II, Amenhotep III, and others to marvel at centuries-old art and artifacts.

Ancient architecture reaches monumental heights at this landmark in Luxor, featuring magnificent statues, columns, and the largest place of worship ever constructed, located just a stone’s throw from downtown traffic. The construction of Karnak Temple spanned more than 1,000 years, evident in the diverse art and architecture found throughout this remarkable Egyptian site.

Little remains of the once impressive memorial temple of Amenhotep III. However, the two imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, erected to guard the ancient entrance, still stand watch some 3,400 years later. Today, visitors can explore the shores of the Nile, just across from the city of Luxor, and marvel at these giant manmade sculptures. In addition to the impressive twin statues, travelers can see two smaller figures of the Pharaoh’s wife, Tiy, and his mother, Mutemwia. Visitors can also get an up-close view of the sandstone panel carvings depicting images of the Nile god Hapy. Even though most of the Colossi have been worn away by weather and time, visitors can still appreciate the wonder this site once held.

The vast Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari rivals the Pyramids as one of the greatest funerary monuments of the ancient world. Built into the towering cliff face that shelters the Valley of the Kings on the opposite side, the temple rises on three enormous terraces connected by ramps. Each level is marked by a colonnade of stark, largely unadorned square pillars. Named after one of the few female pharaohs of ancient Egypt, the monument was fittingly called “Splendor of Splendors.” However, much of the construction dates back to earlier rulers, beginning with Mentuhotep II in 2050 BC. Many sphinxes and statues have since disappeared, giving the structure an even more monolithic appearance. The cool stone interior offers welcome relief from the region’s intense heat and features well-preserved wall reliefs and hieroglyphics, some still displaying brilliant colors.