Private Full Day Tour Temples of Abydos and Dendera from Luxor

Luxor , Egypt

Private Full Day Tour Temples of Abydos and Dendera from Luxor

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10h

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About this experience

If you are looking for some amazing temples in Egypt that are not crowded with tourists, you should definitely check out Abydos and Dendera. These are two of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in the country, and they have a lot of history and mystery to explore.

We will start our journey from Luxor and head to Abydos, which is about 160 km away. You can enjoy a delicious lunch box on the way. Abydos is the ancient burial site of the pharaohs and the cult center of Osiris, the god of the underworld.

Next, we will visit Dendera, which is about 85 km from Luxor. Dendera is home to the magnificent temple of Hathor, the goddess of love and joy. The temple is famous for its astrological ceiling, its crypts, and its roof chapel. You will be amazed by the beauty and detail of this temple.

After a day full of wonder and awe, we will drive back to Luxor in about 1.5 hours. You will have unforgettable memories of these two amazing temples.

Available options

Private Full Day Tour Temples of Abydos and Dendera from Luxor

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Egyptologist guide

Detailed itinerary

Pick up from your accommodation in Luxor and drive in about 3 hours to the temples of Abydos

Stop 2

Abydos is one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt and is located about 160 km from Luxor. Today, Abydos is best known for the Seti I memorial temple, which contains an inscription from the Nineteenth Dynasty known in the modern world as the Abydos King List. It is a chronological list of cartouches of most of the dynastic pharaohs of Egypt from Menes to Seti I's father, Ramses I. The Temple of Seti I in Egypt is one of the best preserved monuments, it is a House of Millions of Years, a temple that preserved the cult of the king. The temple was founded by Seti I and served to honor his cult. Although Seti I already had a House of Millions of Years in Thebes, he had one more built in Abydos.

In about 2 hours we drive from the temples Abydos in Sohag to the temple complex of Dendera in Qena

Stop 4

The entire Dendera complex covers about 40,000 square meters and is surrounded by a large enclosed wall of mud. The main building in the complex is the Temple of Hathor. The existing structure began construction in the late Ptolemaic period at the time of Ptolemy Auletes in July 54 BCE and the colonnaded hall was built in Roman times under Tiberius. Depictions of Cleopatra VI appearing on temple walls are prime examples of Ptolemaic Egyptian art. And there are vivid scenes in which the Roman Emperor Trajan pays tribute to the ancient Egyptian goddess Hathor.

After this visit you will drive back to Luxor in 1 hour.

From Qena it's about a 1 hour drive back to Luxor

What's not included

Tips

All entrance tickets

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

About Luxor

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.

Top Attractions

Karnak Temple Complex

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.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Valley of the Kings

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.

Historical/Architecture 3-4 hours Egyptian Pounds 240 (includes entry to 3 tombs)

Luxor Temple

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.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Hatshepsut Temple

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.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 120

Luxor Museum

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.

Museum 1 hour Egyptian Pounds 100

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kushari

A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kebab

Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.

Main Dish Contains meat

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Felucca sailing Horseback riding Nile River cruise Spa treatments Café hopping Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

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.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour companies and guides
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and services

Getting there

By air

Luxor International Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Luxor Train Station

By bus

Luxor Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

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.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

East Bank West Bank

Day trips

Valley of the Queens

3 km from Luxor • Half day

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.

Dendera Temple Complex

60 km from Luxor • Full day

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.

Abydos Temple

140 km from Luxor • Full day

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.

Festivals

Luxor African Film Festival • Late March to early April Luxor International Folk Festival • Late October to early November Eid al-Fitr • Varies (end of Ramadan)

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Hire a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the ancient sites.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, as the sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.
Bargain politely in markets and with street vendors, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
Try local dishes like Kushari and Ful Medames for an authentic culinary experience.