US$8000

Varies by group size

Home » Egypt Travel Packages » Egyptology Tours » 10-Day Royal Tombs & Temple Builders Expedition: Decoding New Kingdom Thebes

Luxor Archaeological Tour: 10-Day Expedition into Thebes and the Valley of the Kings

This 10-day Luxor Archaeological Tour is your deep immersion into the glory days of the New Kingdom. The expedition is entirely focused on Thebes (modern Luxor), the imperial and religious capital that saw the construction of the colossal temples of Karnak and the spectacular tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Led by an Egyptologist specializing in the 18th and 19th Dynasties, we go beyond standard sightseeing. We spend time at sites vital to understanding daily life, administration, and funerary art, including the worker’s village of Deir el-Medina. If the New Kingdom is your passion, this is the essential Luxor Archaeological Tour for you.

Tour Itinerary

The Archaeological Route: 10 Days Decoding New Kingdom Thebes

1st-3rd days: Imperial Capital and Temple Grandeur

Day 1 (Arrival in Luxor): Arrive in Luxor, the ancient site of Thebes. Meet your guide and check into your hotel. Evening lecture by your Egyptologist on the religious and imperial importance of the New Kingdom.
Day 2 (Karnak Intensive Study): Full-day, in-depth Luxor Archaeological Tour of the vast Karnak Temple Complex. We focus on the history embedded in the Hypostyle Hall, the obelisks, and the architectural additions made by the great Pharaohs of the 18th and 19th Dynasties.
Day 3 (Luxor Temple & Museum): Morning spent analyzing the Luxor Temple, focusing on the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Opet Festival route. Afternoon dedicated to thematic study at the Luxor Museum, concentrating on New Kingdom statues and artifacts.

Days 4-7: The West Bank and Royal Burials

Day 4 (Valley of the Kings Deep Dive): Begin your West Bank exploration with an extensive visit to the Valley of the Kings. Your Egyptologist will guide your study of the magnificent wall paintings and funerary texts (Book of the Dead, Amduat) within several key royal tombs.
Day 5 (The Royal Female Pharaoh): Dedicated visit to the magnificent mortuary temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahari). We analyze her imperial narratives and the political significance of her reign. Afternoon visit to the Colossi of Memnon.
Day 6 (The Temple Builders’ Village): A crucial day for this Luxor Archaeological Tour: an in-depth visit to Deir el-Medina, the village of the artisans. We study the workers’ homes and the beautifully painted Tombs of the Nobles in the area, which offer unique insight into non-royal New Kingdom life.
Day 7 (Ramses II and Temple Architecture): Study the massive mortuary temple of Ramses II (the Ramesseum), focusing on its architecture and propaganda. Follow this with a visit to the Medinet Habu temple complex.

Days 8-10: Beyond Thebes and Departure

Day 8 (The Cult of Hathor): Full-day excursion north to Dendera (Temple of Hathor). Analyze the later Ptolemaic and Roman additions, connecting the New Kingdom temple traditions to later periods of Egyptian history. This provides important context for your Luxor Archaeological Tour.
Day 9 (Preparation & Reflection): Free morning for personal exploration or rest. Afternoon seminar led by your Egyptologist summarizing the art, religion, and administration of the New Kingdom. Farewell dinner.
Day 10 (Departure): Transfer to Luxor International Airport for your connecting flight to Cairo and onward international departure, completing your intensive Luxor Archaeological Tour.

Tour Inclusions

Tour Inclusions for Your Luxor Archaeological Tour

This comprehensive package is designed to provide seamless access and expert guidance for a focused scholarly experience in Luxor.

Expert Guidance & Education

Dedicated, Private, Licensed Egyptologist Guide accompanying the group for the entire 10-day itinerary.
Daily lectures, presentations, and in-depth discussions led by your Egyptologist on New Kingdom history.
All entrance fees to the archaeological and historical sites in Luxor, including temples, the Valley of the Kings, and Deir el-Medina.

Accommodation & Travel

9 nights of accommodation in hand-picked, five-star hotels located in Luxor.
Private ground transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers and site visits throughout your Luxor Archaeological Tour.
All domestic flights (e.g., Cairo-Luxor return, or equivalent routing depending on international arrival).

Meals & Services

Breakfast is included daily at the hotel.
Lunch is included daily during all full-day site tours.
Mineral bottled water provided throughout the duration of the tours and transfers.

Tour Exclusions

Tour Exclusions for Your Luxor Archaeological Tour

Please note that the following items are not covered in the package price, allowing you maximum flexibility for personal choices:

International Flights: Roundtrip airfare to and from Egypt (CAI).
Entry Visa: The required entry visa for Egypt (obtainable upon arrival).
Tipping: Gratuities for your Egyptologist guide, driver, and hotel staff.
Optional Activities: Any specialized tomb entries in the Valley of the Kings (like King Tut’s Tomb) not explicitly listed in the standard itinerary, or any additional evening shows.
Personal Expenses: Laundry, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, and telephone calls.
Dinner: Dinner is excluded daily to allow guests the flexibility to dine at local restaurants in Luxor.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical evacuation, and baggage loss (highly recommended).

Tour Highlights

Key Highlights of Your Luxor Archaeological Tour

West Bank Deep Dive: Spend multiple days exploring the West Bank, focusing not only on the Pharaohs’ tombs (Valley of the Kings) but also the Valley of the Queens and the lesser-visited tombs of the Nobles.
The Builders’ Village: In-depth visit to Deir el-Medina (the village of the tomb builders). Your Egyptologist will analyze the social structure and daily life of the artists who created the royal tombs.
Temple Focus: Extended study time at the colossal Temple of Karnak and the elegant Temple of Luxor, focusing on imperial ideology and religious architecture.
Expert Insight: Guided throughout by an Egyptologist specializing in New Kingdom history, art, and the Amarna aftermath.
Special Access: Focus on tomb art and textual analysis (Book of the Dead, Amduat) within the royal tombs.
Local Luxor Focus: Enjoy the benefits of a tour entirely based in Luxor, allowing for a slower, deeper exploration of the world’s greatest open-air museum.

Prices

Price is quoted per person in USD

Solo Traveler: $ +70% of adult rate
2 to 3 people: $8000
4 to 6 people: $7800
7 to 15 people: $7680

Feel free to share your comments with us so we can make your tour tailored to your liking by adding or removing tours from the itinerary to suit your preference and requirements.

Book with confidence

Flexible Booking

Book as soon as possible with the assistance of our knowledgeable staff.

Secure Payment & Deposits

Make monthly little deposits for your Holiday Package. Final Payment due 20 days prior.

Expert-Led Assurance

100% led by a licensed Egyptologist, not a no local guide. Guaranteed expertise

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Price varies depending on your group size

0 – 05.99 Free of Charge
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12+ pay full tour price per adult person.
Notes: Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 2 Children in one Room)

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