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This afternoon, explore the largest and most
completely preserved Pharaonic, albeit Greekbuilt,
temple in Egypt . . . the extraordinary
Temple of Horus at Edfu. Dedicated to Horus,
the falcon headed god, it was built during
the reigns of six Ptolemies. It is not only the
best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but
the second largest after Karnak, and it was
believed that the temple was built on the site
of the great battle between Horus and Seth.
Before we reach Edfu, afternoon tea will be
served. We will also get the unique experience
of an Egyptian cooking lesson for a special
“Appetizer, Main Dish, and Dessert” by the
boat’s Egyptian chef.
Tonight’s dinner on board will be a special
“Egyptian Night” costume party for all
guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional
Egyptian “galabeyas”. Dinner will be a lavish
buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by
oriental music and dancing for everyone.
Kom Ombo; Egypt
Day 7: Nile Cruise: Luxor
(B, L, D)
Luxor has often been called the world’s
greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and
much more. The number and preservation
of the monuments in the Luxor area are
unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Today, our visit takes us to the famed Valley of
the Kings & Queens. For five hundred years, it
was the burial place of Egypt’s New Kingdom
rulers. Sixty-two tombs and twenty unfinished
pits have been found here, seven of them in
the large West Valley of the Kings, the rest
in the East Valley of the Kings. Today’s visit
takes us to the West Bank of Luxor to explore
the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead,
where magnificent tombs were carved into the
desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with
treasures for the afterlife by generations of
Pharaohs. We will also have the chance to visit
at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
Next, we proceed to the Hatshepsut Temple.
Maatkare Hatshepsut or Hatchepsut was the
fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient
Egypt. She is generally regarded by modern
Egyptologists as one of the most successful
pharaohs, ruling longer than any female
ruler of an indigenous dynasty. Rising out
of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut merges with
the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as
if nature herself had built this extraordinary
monument.
On our return trip to the river Nile, we will pass
by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in
Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices
at dawn. Stop for a brief photo opportunity to
capture this magical moment before returning
to our boat for a leisurely lunch.
Following lunch, our Egyptologist will guide
us on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor, starting
with the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor
dedicated to the god Amon. The temple of
Luxor is close to the Nile and parallel with the
riverbank. King Amenhotep III, who reigned
from 1390-53 BC, built this beautiful temple
and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods,
his consort Mut, and their son Khons. This
temple has been in almost continuous use
as a place of worship right up to the present
day. It was completed by Tutankhamun
and Horemheb and added to by Ramses II.
Towards the rear is a granite shrine dedicated
to Alexander the Great.
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