Luxor

Located on the East Bank of the Nile River, the city of Luxor is one of the premiere stops on any tour of Egypt. This bustling metropolis has much to offer visitors, but it is what is located across the Nile that draws visitors. The temples of Luxor and Karnak, two of the largest and most beautiful sites in Egypt, and the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the resting place of many of ancient Egypt's rulers are located across from Luxor. These stunning sites are truly unforgettable and will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Karnak Temple

Covering a large area, the Karnak Temple Complex is a vast conglomeration of temples, chapels, pylons, and religious buildings. Located near Luxor, the temple complex was the most sacred of places in ancient Egypt. The complex is the largest ancient religious site in the world. The temple is famous for its rows of massive columns. Approximately thirty pharaohs added to the temple complex giving it a diversity and complexity not found anywhere else. The size and artistry of the Karnak Temple never fail to awe visitors.

Luxor Temple

Located in the city of Luxor along the banks of the river Nile, the Luxor temple is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in Egypt. The temple complex is huge and its scale combined with its artistry leave visitors spellbound. The main entrance to the temple was flanked by four giant statues of Ramesses II, two seated and two standing. Only the seated statues remain. There were two obelisks on either side of the main entrance. One remains, the other was given to Paris and is now known as Cleopatra's Needle. The temple complex comprises a series of temples, shrines, and religious spaces.

Valley of the Kings

Located opposite the city of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings was where for almost 500 years the pharaohs of Egypt were buried. To date 63 tombs have been discovered in the valley. The area has been the focus of archaeologists since the latter parts of the 18th century. The Valley of the Kings is where the tomb and treasure of Egypt's most famous Pharaohs, King Tut (Tutankhamun). The body of King Tut remains in his tomb and is the pharaoh still buried in his tomb. His body was recently moved to another room in his tomb and placed in a sealed case to preserve his remains.

Valley of the Queens

Located near the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile River across from Luxor, the Valley of the Queens was where the queens and children of the Pharaohs for almost 500 years were buried. Their tombs were exquisite in design and filled with amazing treasures. It is believed that the valley is home to more than 70 tombs. The tomb of Queen Nefertari is particularly popular with visitors because of its lavish tomb paintings where are still intact after almost 3,000 years.

Temple of Hatshepsut

The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the first female Egyptian Pharaoh, is located on the Nile's west bank across from the city of Luxor. The temple is dedicated to Amon-Ra, the sun god. Three layered terraces held up by columns make up the main body of the temple. Long ramps lead to the different terraces. The temple features many relief sculptures showing Hatshepsut's divine birth as a female pharaoh. The temple's many giant sculptures of Queen Hatshepsut show her as a male Pharaoh complete with beard. The Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the favorite stops on any tour to Egypt.

Colossi of Memnon

Located across the Nile River from the city of Luxor are the Colossi of Memnon. The colossi are two giant statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Built over 3,400 years ago as part of a large temple complex, the colossi depict the Pharaoh in a seated position with his hands on his knees. Located near his legs are carvings of his mother and wife. The statues are made from blocks of sandstone which were transported over 420 miles to the site. The two huge statues have fascinated visitors for centuries.