From Safaga to Luxor

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Thursday April 18th




After a challenging day yesterday we gathered in the theatre to be allocated to the coaches to take us on a 3.5 hour journey to the city of Luxor.  Once again we were about to face a long day. This time 13.5 hours. 
The two major attractions of the day were the visits to the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple.  Time limitations meant that not all points of interest were to be explored.

Luxor

Approximately 230k from our port, Safaga; we were to spend a total of around 8 hours on a coach.  It turned out to be the most uncomfortable coach we have had on the cruise, with the seats tightly placed.
Luxor stands on the site of the ancient Egyptian capital of Thebes. The ruins of many temples, monuments, and tombs lie in and around this historic city.


The lush landscape was a dramatic change from the desert we were travelling through.  This due to the proximity of the mighty Nile River and the many irrigation channels
The Nile River
Vegetable Crops



One of the many canals












Valley of the Kings

Tombs were built for the pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom from the 16th to the 11th century BC.
The valley is located on the west bank of the Nile across from Luxor 
In modern times the valley has become famous because of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen.
Exploration and excavations continues today.
We visited three tombs with the knowledge that the colours are original. 
Most of the sarcophagus have been removed with many of the mummies in world museum


It tells us a story
A grand place for the after life


All colours as originally discovered


work of art
the sarcophagus




in the tomb but not ready for residency










Luxor Temple

Built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II this large temple was built on the east bank of the Nile.
The ruins include enormous pylons, obelisks and colossi.


Another great day on a great trip  





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