Your first stop is at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Rising nearly 18 meters, these statues once flanked the grand entrance of a long-lost temple. Despite centuries of erosion and earthquakes, their imposing presence and legendary morning "songs" continue to fascinate visitors.

Journey deep into the Theban hills to enter the Valley of the Kings, where over 60 royal tombs have been discovered. With your guide, explore three ornately decorated tombs included in your ticket, each one filled with vivid murals, celestial maps, and hieroglyphs that narrate the soul's journey through the underworld. (Tomb of Tutankhamun is available with additional entry ticket.)

Next, visit the architectural marvel that is Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari. Carved into a sheer cliff face, this terraced masterpiece is dedicated to Amun-Ra and celebrates Hatshepsut's divine birth, trade missions to Punt, and her reign as Egypt’s most powerful queen. Your guide will highlight its symbolic design and historical significance.

Savor a delicious lunch featuring classic Egyptian cuisine at a well-selected local restaurant. Options include grilled meats, stews, fresh salads, and seasonal fruits—all served in a relaxed atmosphere to recharge for the second half of your day.

Cross the Nile to the East Bank to discover Karnak, the largest temple complex ever built by man. Explore the Hypostyle Hall with its forest of 134 giant columns, admire the sacred lake, and walk along the Avenue of Sphinxes. Each section of Karnak was built by successive pharaohs over 1,500 years, creating a layered historical narrative that spans dynasties.

If desired, enjoy a tranquil motorboat ride on the Nile (additional cost). See Luxor from a different perspective as you sail along the river that has sustained Egypt for millennia. Take photos, relax, and reflect on the day’s discoveries

Begin your journey back to Marsa Alam, carrying unforgettable memories of Egypt’s golden past. Arrival at your hotel is expected by evening.

The Colossi of Memnon are not merely statues; they are echoes of a lost empire. These 18-meter-high twin figures depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III seated on his throne, hands resting on his knees, gazing eternally toward the east—toward the rising sun and rebirth. Each is carved from a single block of quartzite sandstone transported from quarries near Cairo, over 700 km away—a feat that speaks to the logistical genius of ancient engineers.

Originally, they guarded the entrance of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, which was once the largest religious complex in western Thebes, even larger than Karnak in its time. Although much of the temple was lost to Nile flooding and earthquakes, the Colossi endured. One of them became famous in the Greco-Roman world for emitting a mysterious sound at dawn, likely due to heat expansion in its cracked stone. Roman emperors and poets, including Emperor Hadrian and Strabo, came to hear the “singing statue,” associating it with Memnon, the son of Eos, goddess of dawn.

Today, modern excavations are uncovering more of the lost temple, and the Colossi remain iconic symbols of Theban greatness and resilience.

Nestled in the limestone cliffs of the Theban Necropolis, the Valley of the Kings is one of the most important archaeological sites on Earth. It served as the final resting place for rulers of Egypt’s 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties—including legendary figures like Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses II, and Thutmose III.

Unlike the pyramids of the Old Kingdom, which stood as visible symbols of royal power, the tombs in the Valley were hidden to protect them from tomb robbers. The corridors and burial chambers were carved deep into the rock, then richly painted with spells and scenes from sacred texts like the Book of the Dead, Book of Gates, Book of Caverns, and Amduat. These texts were not decorative—they were detailed manuals for navigating the underworld and achieving eternal life.

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter brought the valley global fame. Although relatively modest in size, the tomb’s nearly intact treasures, including the iconic golden mask, ignited worldwide fascination with ancient Egypt.

Even today, new chambers and passages are being discovered, revealing that the Valley still holds many secrets. Each tomb is a unique blend of architecture, religious symbolism, and royal ideology.

Rising in silent majesty at the base of towering cliffs in Deir el-Bahari, the Temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most revolutionary architectural achievements of the ancient world. Commissioned by Egypt’s most successful female ruler, Hatshepsut, this mortuary temple was designed by her chief steward and architect Senenmut, a man of humble origin who rose to one of the highest ranks in the kingdom.

The temple is laid out in three terraced levels, connected by long ramps and lined with colonnades. Its symmetry, geometric precision, and natural integration into the cliff make it a masterpiece of design. The walls are covered in well-preserved reliefs depicting Hatshepsut’s divine birth, her famous expedition to the Land of Punt, and offerings to Amun-Ra.

Hatshepsut ruled during a time of peace, prosperity, and massive building projects. By presenting herself not only as a rightful ruler but also as a divine daughter of Amun, she legitimized her power in a male-dominated world. Her temple is a physical manifestation of that divine claim.

Interestingly, parts of the temple were defaced by Thutmose III, her successor and stepson, who sought to erase her memory. Yet, the grandeur of her legacy endured, and today her temple stands as a symbol of female power, political mastery, and architectural genius.

No visit to Luxor is complete without standing in awe before the Karnak Temple Complex—the largest and most sacred religious center in ancient Egypt. Spanning over 200 acres, Karnak was not built by a single pharaoh, but by more than 30 kings over a period of 1,500 years, beginning as early as the Middle Kingdom and reaching its zenith under the New Kingdom.

At the heart of Karnak lies the Precinct of Amun-Ra, where the god of sun and creation was worshipped. Pilgrims came from all over Egypt to pay homage, and priests controlled massive wealth and land from here. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 giant columns arranged in 16 rows, is an architectural wonder. Each column stands up to 21 meters tall and is carved with intricate hieroglyphics and scenes of ritual processions.

Other highlights include:

Obelisks of Hatshepsut and Thutmose I, symbols of divine power reaching toward the sky

The Sacred Lake, used for ritual purification

The Festival Hall of Thutmose III, often considered an early prototype of a temple museum

The Avenue of Sphinxes, which once connected Karnak to Luxor Temple over 2.7 km

Karnak was not just a temple—it was a cosmic representation of creation itself. Its design mirrored the primeval mound that emerged from the waters of chaos, with the sanctuary representing the dawn of creation. Every architectural element carried religious meaning, and ceremonies conducted there were believed to sustain the universe.

While not included in the standard tour package, an optional Nile motorboat ride offers a serene and soulful end to your Luxor experience. As you board a small boat and glide across the gentle waters of the Nile, you are engaging in a ritual that spans thousands of years.

The Nile was not just Egypt’s lifeline; it was its spiritual artery. To the ancient Egyptians, the east bank represented life and birth (where the sun rises), while the west bank symbolized death and rebirth (where the sun sets). Many temples and tombs are strategically aligned with the river and solar cycles.

During your boat ride, you’ll see both banks come to life—palm groves, banana farms, fishermen casting nets, and temple silhouettes reflecting in the water. It’s a peaceful, contemplative moment where the line between past and present blurs.

The experience connects you to the rhythm of ancient life. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s sensing the pulse of a civilization that once ruled the ancient world from this very stretch of river.