Day 1: Makadi Bay to Luxor – Luxor’s Legendary Landmarks
Your two-day Luxor and Aswan excursion from Makadi Bay begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel. A private, air-conditioned car will transfer you to Luxor, where you’ll meet your private Egyptologist tour guide. Your guide will lead you through the ancient city’s most famous attractions, starting with the Valley of the Kings.
The Valley of the Kings
Discover the final resting place of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. The Valley of the Kings is home to over 60 tombs, including 20 royal tombs of famous rulers like Amenhotep I, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun, and the various pharaohs of the Ramesside Dynasty. These tombs are filled with intricate art, decorations, and unimaginable treasures. The valley’s historical significance led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Next, you will explore the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut built this temple in 1479 BC to honor the creator deity Amun and showcase her power and beauty. Known as “The Holy of Holies,” the temple is a prime example of New Kingdom classical architecture and a testament to the queen’s might.
Colossi of Memnon
As you continue your journey, you will encounter the Colossi of Memnon. These colossal quartzite sandstone sculptures, representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III, stand 18 meters (60 feet) tall on the outskirts of Luxor. Though an earthquake destroyed them in 27 BC, they were reconstructed and still stand as silent sentinels. After a delicious lunch at an Egyptian restaurant with Nile views, you will meet your guide to continue the tour.
Karnak Temple
Your afternoon will be spent at the Karnak Temple, one of the world’s largest open-air museums. This vast complex, dating back over 4,000 years, includes many temples, shrines, and statues. While primarily dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut, and Khnsou, it also honors other deities like Osiris, Montu, Ptah, and Isis.
In the evening, you will take a first-class train to Aswan and check into your 5-star hotel for the night.
Day 2: Aswan’s Attractions and Return to Makadi Bay
After a wonderful breakfast and hotel checkout, your tour guide will meet you to continue your journey through ancient Egypt.
The High Dam
Your first stop will be the High Dam, a modern engineering marvel constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. The dam ushered in a new era for Egypt by providing a source of clean hydroelectricity and improving irrigation systems through increased water storage.
The Unfinished Obelisk
Next, you’ll visit the Unfinished Obelisk. This massive, incomplete obelisk lies in Aswan, still attached to the bedrock. It was intended to be 42 meters tall and stand at the entrance of the Karnak Temple but cracked during construction. It remains in its original location, offering a unique glimpse into ancient quarrying techniques.
Temple of Philae
Finally, you will visit the legendary Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess of motherhood, Isis, the temple tells the timeless story of Osiris. UNESCO rescued and relocated the temple to Agilkia Island in the 1960s as part of a project that also saved the Abu Simbel temples.
After lunch, you’ll travel back to Aswan, board a first-class train to Luxor, and then transfer back to your Makadi Bay hotel. This concludes your incredible two-day adventure through the heart of ancient Egypt.
