Instead of loosing a vacation-day to get from one city to the next, you will visit the three famous temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo during your transfer from Luxor to Aswan. All temples were constructed during the Ptolemaic era (Macedonian Greek) from 332 BCE, when Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, to the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 BCE, the last Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The Egyptians accepted the rule of the Ptolemaic Pharaohs because they kept the pantheon of ancient Egyptian Gods alive.
Visit these remarkable temples and admire the change of style in art compared with the ancient temples of Karnak, Luxor and Abu Simbel.
Pickup included
Visit the Esna Temple, a well-preserved jewel and an example of Ptolemaic architecture. Only the pronaos (portico), dedicated to Khnum (God of the source of the Nile and creator of the human bodies) and his wife Menhit (Lioness Goddess of war and massacres), has been excavated; the rest of the temple rests underneath the city of Esna. 24 magnificent columns hold the temple ceiling with exceptionally well-carved palm and lotus floral capitals. The ceiling itself is adorned with the Ancient Egyptian interpretation of the constellations, moon phases and astronomical figures. A special feature: there is an ongoing restoration and cleaning project of the temple and it is wonderful to see the professionals at work during your visit.
The construction of the Edfu Temple started on 23 August 237 BC under Ptolemy III and initially contained only a pillared hall, two diagonal halls, and a sanctuary surrounded by chapels. We know this because the Edfu Temple is one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt. The walls provide details of the construction, the religious myths and the family history of the God Horus to whom the temple was dedicated. The Edfu Temple is deeply connected to the Hathor Temple in Denderah and was the center of large festivals. Horus was married to his aunt Hathor and each year she traveled south from Denderah to visit Horus in Edfu. A reconstruction of the Sacred Bark is on display in the Holy Sanctuary.
In 1860, Auguste Mariette, a French Egyptologist, identified the top of the temples' pylons and began the work of freeing the Edfu temple from the sands. It is nearly intact and a very good example of an ancient Egyptian temple.
We drive further south to Kom Ombo to visit the famous double temple, dedicated to Haroeris ("Horus the Elder") and Sobek. Although the temple is badly damaged due to Nile flooding and earthquakes, enough remains to admire the ancient arts. There are some remarkable scenes on the temple walls which will be explained to you like the portrayal of a set of surgical instruments that look extraordinarily like the ones we use today. Furthermore there is a beautiful depiction of an ancient calendar, showing the hieroglyph figures for the days of the month and the seasons. It might be a calender for crops or for the daily offerings to the Gods. Of course you also visit to the Crocodile Museum with its mummified crocodiles, found in the area of the temple.
The transfer from Luxor to Aswan, including the visits to the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo will take a total of approx. 10 hours
Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Known for its magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. The city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple attracting visitors from around the globe.
The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance.
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. It contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was constructed around 1400 BCE and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is uniquely designed and set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
The Luxor Museum is a small but impressive museum showcasing artifacts from the Theban Necropolis and the surrounding area. It provides a great overview of Luxor's rich history.
A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.
Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.
This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
GMT+2
220VV, 50HzHz
Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.
Luxor Train Station
Luxor Bus Station
Local buses are a cheap and common way to get around Luxor. They can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option for tourists.
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Car, Bike, Scooter
The Valley of the Queens is a burial site for the wives and children of pharaohs. It contains over 70 tombs, including the famous tomb of Nefertari.
The Dendera Temple Complex is a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It is known for its beautiful reliefs and the famous Dendera zodiac.
The Abydos Temple is a significant archaeological site dedicated to the god Osiris. It is known for its well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List.
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