Introduction
Embarking on a 4-day journey through Egypt’s ancient heartlands offers an unforgettable adventure into history, architecture, and spirituality. Luxor, Dendera, and Abydos are three iconic sites that showcase the grandeur of Egypt’s Pharaohs and their divine worship. This trip combines archaeological marvels, cultural insights, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal itinerary for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an immersive experience in Egypt’s heritage.
Day 1: Discovering Luxor – The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum
Start your journey in Luxor, often referred to as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Known for the colossal temples and tombs along the Nile, Luxor is home to some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological sites.
Luxor Temple: Begin your exploration at Luxor Temple, a spectacular complex dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Built primarily during the New Kingdom, the temple’s grand pylons, massive statues, and hieroglyphic inscriptions reveal the religious significance of the site.
Karnak Temple: Spend your afternoon at Karnak, one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed. With its massive Hypostyle Hall, towering obelisks, and intricate carvings, Karnak offers insights into ancient Egyptian religious practices and architectural prowess.
Valley of the Kings: In the evening, visit the Valley of the Kings, where tombs of Pharaohs like Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great are nestled into the desert cliffs. Explore some of the well-preserved tombs adorned with colorful hieroglyphs depicting the journey to the afterlife.
Day 2: Exploring Dendera Temple – A Sanctuary of Hathor
On your second day, venture north to the Dendera Temple complex, approximately 60 kilometers from Luxor. This well-preserved temple dedicated to Hathor, the goddess of love and joy, offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious architecture.
Dendera Temple Complex: The main temple, built during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, features impressive hypostyle halls, a well-preserved ceiling zodiac, and intricate carvings depicting mythological scenes. The temple’s iconic Hathor ceiling and the crypts beneath reveal the spiritual symbolism associated with fertility and rebirth.
The Dendera Zodiac: The ceiling zodiac is one of the most famous artifacts from Dendera, showcasing an astronomical chart that highlights the advanced knowledge of Egyptian astronomers. This celestial map is a highlight for visitors interested in ancient science and astrology.
Local Market: After exploring the temple, take some time to visit the nearby local markets for souvenirs, traditional crafts, and a taste of regional cuisine.
Day 3: Journey to Abydos – The Sacred City of Osiris
Dedicate your third day to Abydos, a site revered as one of Egypt’s most sacred religious centers dedicated to Osiris, the god of the afterlife.
Abydos Temple: The main temple at Abydos is renowned for its beautifully preserved reliefs and the Abydos King List, an ancient list of pharaohs inscribed on a wall inside the temple. The temple’s massive underground chambers and the Osireion—an underground structure associated with Osiris—are architectural highlights.
Osiris Worship: Abydos was believed to be the burial place of Osiris, making it a significant pilgrimage site. The temple complex’s rich carvings and inscriptions depict mythological scenes of resurrection and divine kingship, offering insight into Egypt’s spiritual beliefs.
Exploring the Surroundings: Take a stroll through the archaeological site to appreciate its historical importance and the stunning desert landscape that surrounds it.
Day 4: Cultural Insights and Departure
On your final day, revisit Luxor to explore any sites you may have missed or to relax and absorb the local culture.
Luxor Museum: Visit the Luxor Museum to see artifacts excavated from the area, including statues, jewelry, and statues of ancient gods.
Local Markets and Nubian Villages: Experience the vibrant local markets for authentic Egyptian crafts, textiles, and spices. If time permits, visit a nearby Nubian village to learn about the unique culture and traditions of Nubian communities along the Nile.
Conclusion
A 4-day trip exploring Luxor, Dendera, and Abydos offers a comprehensive experience of Egypt’s ancient civilization. From the monumental temples and tombs to the spiritual symbolism and mythological narratives, this journey provides a deep connection with Egypt’s historical grandeur. Whether you’re an archaeology enthusiast, history lover, or cultural explorer, this itinerary promises an enriching adventure through the land of Pharaohs.
Welcome to Egypt. Our airport transfer team is available 24/7. As soon as you get out of the exit gate of the Terminal, you will find Ancient Egypt Tours representative, holding a sign, waiting to meet and greet you. He will escort you to your private A/C vehicle. You will be transferred to the hotel and the reception manager will assist you in check-in procedures as smooth as possible. Ancient Egypt Tours agent will contact you to agree on a meeting time with you.
In case you arrive early then check-in limit you can enjoy waiting in the hotel until check-in time or you can ask your operator to book you a pre-tour extra night and get checked in immediately
Optional Tour:
Sound and Light show if available
Enjoy your Luxor Day Tour. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor to enjoy a day tour in the amazing city Luxor. Start your tour by a visit to the Valley of the Kings was created and used from approximately 1539 BC to 1075 BC. It contains some 60 tombs, starting with Thutmose I and ending with Ramses X or XI. The official name of the site was The Great and Majestic Necropolis of the Millions of Years of the Pharaoh, Life, Strength, Health in The West of Thebes, or more usually, the Great Field. The most famous tomb is KV62, the Tomb of King Tutankhamun. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb was made by Howard Carter in 1922, Tutankhamun’s tomb was the first royal tomb to be discovered that was still largely intact. ,
Then you will continue the tour to visit the Hatshepsut temple at El Deir El Bahary, this impressive temple was dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut the only female pharaoh. It rises out of the desert in a series of terraces and merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it. Proceed to the two colossal statues of Amenhotep III, Colossi of Memnon are the two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. For 3,400 years they have sat in the Theban necropolis, across the River Nile from the city of Luxor. The original function of the Colossi was to stand guard at the entrance to Amenhotep’s memorial temple or mortuary temple.
Then move to visit to the Karnak Temples, the greatest example of worship in history and was dedicated to the God Amon, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu. It was constructed from the beginning of the Middle Kingdom to the Graeco Roman Kingdom.
Then move to Luxor Temple. It was built by Amunhotep III in 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom and it was completed by Ramesses II during the 19th Dynasty. King Ramses II was the most famous king in the 19th Dynasty. He ruled Egypt for about 67 years. It was dedicated to the great god Amun-Ra, his wife Mut and their son Khonsu together representing the Theban triad. Enjoy visiting Obelisk of Ramses II in front of the 1st Pylon. and then you be transferred back to your hotel or Airport in Luxor or Train station by your private air-conditioned vehicle. Back to Hotel
Enjoy your Day Tour. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel/cruise in Luxor by air-conditioned modern vehicle to visit with your Egyptologist tour guide, discover the ancient sites. First, visit Temple Abydos, The Temple of Seti I at Abydos was begun during the reign of Pharoah Seti I (1318-1304 BC) and completed by his son Ramses II (1304-1237 BC) during the XIX Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The temple represents an artistic revival of Old Kingdom forms and was part of Seti’s attempt to consolidate the Ramessid dynasty after the losses under Akhenaten. By identifying himself with the great gods and previous rulers of Egypt, Seti added legitmacy to a ruling family that had been mere warriors just a few generations ago. Pharaoh Merneptah added a great Hypogeum of Osiris to the temple of Seti. The final building to be added was the Temple of Nectanebo I in the XXX dynasty, but various additions to the site were made through the Ptolemaic and Roman periods
Then move to The Temple of Hathor at Dendera, on the Nile north of Luxor, is one of the latest Egyptian temples. Dedicated to the wife of the god Horus, it was built in Roman times and its decorations include Roman emperors alongside Egyptian gods. Along with Abydos further north. The Temple of Hathor is boxy in shape and surrounded by a portico with thick columns and walls about half as tall as the roof. There are many reliefs of figures and rituals on the exterior of the temple, including pharaohs, Egyptian deities, and Roman emperors. Inside, the most fascinating sight is the roof chapel dedicated to Osiris, which contains a sundial and circular zodiac. Back to Luxor
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you leave to the airport for your flight back home. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
If your flight is early before breakfast time you can make arrangements with the hotel to prepare a breakfast box for you to take it on your way to the airport
Ancient Egypt Tours had a great time with you and hope you have enjoyed your time and was satisfied with the services you were offered
Meal: Breakfast
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 900 $ |
| Twin Room | 700 $ |
| Triple Room | 650 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 600 $ |
| Twin Room | 520 $ |
| Triple Room | 460 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 725$ |
| Twin Room | 600 $ |
| Triple Room | 550 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 550 $ |
| Twin Room | 470 $ |
| Triple Room | 400 $ |
Price quotes are in USD per person per tour except for celebration. Please inquire for the prices of New Year, Christmas and Easter.
Tipping for a job well done is customary and highly expected in Egypt though it is not obligatory. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your service provider
Notes:
Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 OR 2 Child under 5 years old sharing parent’s room)
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 20% to secure your space on the tour including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services and 30% during Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, your booking will be a risk-free investment.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
At any time after your booking is confirmed, Ancient Egypt Tours holds a 20% non-refundable deposit
7 days or less before departure, we will retain the 50% payment you have paid in relation to your booking.
We advise all clients to purchase travel insurance in the event that travel is unexpectedly interrupted due to illness. To confirm the booking, the client must pay a deposit of 20% of the total tour price.
Should the reservation be canceled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far beyond the departure date the cancellation is made. To cancel, the Customer must notify the Tour Organizer in writing.
Full payment forfeiture in case of no show
All Transportation tickets are nonrefundable and there’s also a 5% transaction fee on refunds.
Here, at Ancient Egypt Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid according to cancellation policy, unless you prefer to keep your payment available for future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations, we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically.
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
