A week to discover Luxor, Aswan and their Surroundings

Reception at the airport (or train station) of Luxor - Transfer and installation in your hotel in the heart of the city.

At the end of the afternoon, departure for the visit of the temple of Luxor : a temple started by kings Amenophis3 and completed by kings Ramses2 and many other pharaohs during the new pharaonic kingdom. It best represents the typical style of an Egyptian temple with its elegant path of sphinxes, its impressive facade once preceded by two magnificent obelisks; one is still there and the other has been on Place de la Concorde in Paris since 1834!

Night at the hotel

Morning outing to discover the largest historical site in the world: the famous Temple of Karnak with its majestic hall of columns and its monolithic obelisks. Consecrated to the god Amun. The god Amon reigned supreme over the Egyptian pantheon for nearly 2000 years. Each pharaoh wanted to build his own building in Karnak to the glory of the god. The result is an abundance of elements from different periods, a fabulous page of history.

At the end of the afternoon, felucca ride on the Nile : Sailing on the mythical river, the Nile, in a felucca (small wooden boat with a lateen sail, pushed by the wind) is a pleasure for the eyes that soothes the mind. You admire in peace the landscape of two banks of the Nile.

Night at the hotel

Full day outside the city to visit must-see historical sites and enjoy the magnificent landscapes of the surrounding countryside.

Dendera site : Is located about 55 km north of Luxor. Dedicated to the goddess Hathor; goddess of beauty, love and music. It is one of the latest constructions, begun in Greek times and finished in Roman times, but the best preserved in Egypt. Characterized by its astronomical ceiling, its spiral staircase which leads to the terrace where there are several chapels, among which, the famous chapel of Zodic.

Take the road again for about 95 km to discover the site of Abydos : Abydos is a sacred pharaonic city where the tomb of Osiris is located according to the Osirian legend. The myth of Osiris was already so widespread that thousands of pilgrims came to Abydos to pray and be healed there. It contains the temple of Seti1, father of Ramses2, characterized by its similar architecture, its extremely refined sculptures and its well-preserved colours.

Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Night at the hotel

Early departure to discover the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of Luxor which contains cemeteries and pharaonic funerary temples.

The Valley of the Kings : This necropolis contains the tombs of the kings of the new Pharaonic empire. The tombs are carved into the limestone rock of the Theban Mountains. There are officially sixty-three of them, listed in order of discovery. The theme often treated is the passage of these pharaohs in the world of eternity. Refined carvings and well-preserved colors. It is the flagship site of Pharaonic Egypt.

The temple of Hatshepsout : Hatshepsout is the first feminist in history, she was able to defy the rules of the transmission of the crown and became pharaoh!

Its temple comes out of the architectural scheme of the time with its three terraces superimposed one on the other against the mountain, thus creating a balanced harmony which delights the eye.

The Colossi of Memnon : Two imposing statues 17m high, representing the pharaoh Amenhotep3. Placed at the entrance of the funerary temple built by the same pharaoh (the temple was unfortunately destroyed in antiquity). The pharaoh is seated on his throne and wearing the double royal crown above the traditional headscarf of the time, the nemes. On either side of his legs, there are two representations on a reduced scale for his mother and his wife.

Free afternoon in Luxor

Night at the hotel

Early departure to reach Aswan (240 km) and on the way, discover the essential historical sites of Edfu and Kom ombo.

Edfu Temple : Located halfway between Luxor and Aswan. This is one of the most impressive feats of Ptolemaic dynasty buildings dating back to the 2nd century BC, dedicated to the god Horus. Its gigantic walls covered with giant hieroglyphs and dazzling friezes. Its design and its architecture correspond to a precise pharaonic tradition, whether it is a question of the plan or the ornamentation of the rooms.

Take the road to the site of Kom ombo  : It is 40 km north of Aswan. This shrine apart from all other religious shrines of the time is dedicated not to a single deity but to two gods; Horus, the foucon and Sobek, the crocodile. It is erected on a hill overlooking the Nile, offering a spectacular panorama. It exudes a captivating charm by the finish of its columns and its frescoes under the colors of the sunset.

Take the road back to Aswan. Installation in your hotel.

Overnight at your hotel in Aswan.

Early departure to discover the charming city of Aswan and some of its historical sites:

The Philae site : erected in the middle of the Nile on the fabulous island of Agilica, dedicated to the goddess Isis. It is characterized by its romantic setting, its remarkable architecture and its refined frescoes. It is one of the best preserved temples dating from the Greco-Roman period in Egypt. Decorated with beautiful wall carvings. It also presents traces left by other civilizations that have passed through here over the centuries; the Greeks, Romans, Christians, Muslims and also the French who left an inscription there during Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian Expedition.

The High Dam : A gigantic achievement, considered at the time as the largest dam in the world with its spectacular panorama over the immense Lake Nasser. It was built in 1971.

Free afternoon in Aswan.

Night at the hotel

Free day in Luxor. The exceptional historical site of Abu Simbel contains two temples considered to be the most impressive pharaonic remains in Egypt. Erected in the Nubian desert 260 km south of Aswan. Carved into the mountain. The large temple pays homage to Ramses2 whose four colossal statues in his image frame the entrance. The other temple is built in honor of Nefertari; favorite wife of Ramses2. Its facade is adorned with six statues; two to Nefertari and four Ramesses2....!! The site of Abu Simbel owes its notoriety to its rescue from the waters of Lake Nasser by UNESCO.

Opportunity to make a getaway to Abu Simbel (optional) or spend a free day in Aswan to enjoy its bewitching charm.

Night at the hotel.

Departure
Transfer to Aswan airport (or train station)