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5 Day Ancient Thebes Discovery
Highlights: Luxor
Trip start: Luxor
Trip end: Luxor
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
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Weave your way back through the fabric of time, to a place of mystery, where the ancient Egyptian use their architectural creativity and imagination to create a rich culture evident in the many sites and monuments seen throughout one of the world’s most intriguing, and explored regions, Thebes. This five day ancient Thebes discovery begins as a private vehicle, and driver pick you up from Luxor International Airport and take you to your hotel. After briefly settling in, a full day of touring awaits with a visit to the temples of Karnak and Luxor. In the evening, enjoy a sound and light show at Karnak, where modern technology is used to bring these ancient ruins back to life. The following day, dive further into the region of Thebes’s deep history beginning with a sunrise trek to the Valley of the kings. Two of Egypt’s most famous Kings are recognized during this tour as you will make stops at King Tut’s Tomb and King Ramses, Ramesseum. Enjoy a visit to the Luxor Museum is before returning to your hotel in the evening. Day three picks up where day two ended with visits to numerous sites around Thebes including stops at the tombs of the Nobles, Deir El Madina, and Habu Temple. In the afternoon, a ride aboard a traditional felucca sail boat is planned, an ideal opportunity to cool down in the breeze as your vessel glides across the Nile River. In the evening, learn about Egypt’s rich connection with the stars and constellations during a Space Observers activity, a truly extraordinary experience. The following day, visit the mysterious temples of Dendarah and Abydos, where ancient Egyptian relief carving depicted images of helicopter, tanks, and airplanes. A private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for departure on you final day.

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Luxor
  • Luxor: Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d East Bank - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Karnak Light Show - Vehicle/Driver
Hotel Al Moudira (B)
Day 2
Luxor
  • Private - Sunrise Trek to Valley of the Kings - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d West Bank (Valley of Queens & Valley of Kings) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - King Tut's Tomb - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - Luxor Museum Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Hotel Al Moudira (B)
Day 3
Luxor
  • Private - Tombs of the Nobles, Habu Temple, Deir El Madina - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Private - Ramesseum - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - Felucca Nile Sailing - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Space Observers - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Hotel Al Moudira (B)
Day 4
Luxor
  • Private - Dendarah & Abydos Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
Hotel Al Moudira (B)
Day 5
Luxor
  • Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan. Upgrade to Meridien Pyramids View room in Giza and the Stigenberger Nile View room in Luxor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Luxor

Luxor, site of ancient Thebes, and the "world's greatest open air museum". Notable sights on the east bank include the Temple of Karnak and Luxor Temple. On the west bank is the spectacular Valley of the Kings. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles, including Tutankhamun. The nearby Valley of the Queens is said to hold more than seventy tombs.

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver in Luxor.

Enjoy a buffet style lunch at the Stigenberger Nile Palace Hotel.

Enjoy a private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the most impressive temples of Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide. Start your day with a visit to the Temples of Karnak. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex as your guide explains how the massive facade was constructed. Continue to Luxor Temple which was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometre long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Your private guide will offer interpretation and guide you through the most important parts of the temples.

Enjoy a dazzling sound and light show which is projected on the walls of Karnak temple.

An oasis of peace situated gracefully on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, the Al Moudira Luxor is a harmonious blend of exquisite arabesque architecture and private indulgence. With 54 rooms and the desert’s gaze looming in the background of this petite palace, there is little lacking in Al Moudira’s sunlit glow. Though it is a 20 minute taxi drive to the city, one will be quite satisfied with the romantic bedrooms and sauntering around the spacious hotel grounds. When not lounging at the tree-shaded patios galore, seat yourself for a precious dining experience. Bask in the personalized, individual attention given by chefs and staff. The swimming pool, spa, and purity of Al Moudira’s courtyard will bring out the kindred spirit in any guest.

Overnight at Hotel Al Moudira.


Luxor
Luxor
Luxor Temple II
Luxor Temple II
Outside Al Moudira
Outside Al Moudira
Day 2 Luxor

Early this morning we will cross over to the west bank to meet up with our guide and donkeys. We’ll begin our trek through the New Gourna Village and into the countryside. En route we will pass by the Colossi of Memnon. These two huge statues sit side by side; they originally flanked the entry to the funerary temple of Amenophis III.  As we start to climb up the stony pathway toward the cliff ridge you’ll have breathtaking views of the Nile valley below. You’ll be able to stop for photographs along the way and also to give your donkeys a rest.  Upon arrival at the ridge overlooking the Valley of the Kings you’ll dismount from your donkey  and walk the remainder of the way down into the valley. It is a short but steep walk; a good pair of shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be required. Once in the isolated valley dominated by large pyramid-shaped mountains, you will have a private guided tour of three of the many tombs that are here. The valley was the burial ground for pharaoh kings throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are dark inside.  When you have finished the guided tour of the Valley of the Kings, you’ll then proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut -- the first woman to rule as pharaoh. You’ll  have a tour of this impressive complex, discovered in the mid-19th century and currently still under restoration.

This morning you will meet up with your guide and explore some of the most incredible sites of the country. You will visit the Valley of the Kings where you will have the chance to explore three tombs. For a period of nearly 500 years from the 16th to 11th century BC, tombs were constructed for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties of Ancient Egypt). The valley stands on the west bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. Then it's off to the nearby Valley of the Queens and also the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut was the second pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. She is generally regarded by Egyptologists as one of the most successful pharaohs, reigning longer than any other woman of an indigenous Egyptian dynasty. The tour includes a visit to the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Done in conjunction with the West Bank private tour. Enter the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen.

Enjoy a buffet style lunch at the Stigenberger Nile Palace Hotel.

On this private tour, a trained Egyptologist will describe the many sculptures, mosaic's and antiquities on display in the famous Luxor Museum, prepare for truly Egyptian experience. This elegant modern museum boasts a fabulous collection of artifacts from Thebes including pottery, jewelry, furniture and other artifacts from the ancient city. A recent addition to the exhibits is the cache of 22 magnificent New Kingdom statues, found in 1989 buried beneath Luxor Temple.

Overnight at Hotel Al Moudira.


Donkey
Donkey
Hatshepsut Temple
Hatshepsut Temple
King Tut's Tomb
King Tut's Tomb
Day 3 Luxor

Visit the Tombs of the Nobles, Habu Temple and Deir El Madina as extensions to your private West Bank tour.

Enjoy your visit to the Ramesseum as an extension to the West Bank private tour. This once marvelous temple was built by Ramesses II, and was designed to rival his temple in Abu Simbel. Although, this once-a-great mortuary temple is in ruins it still offers a romantic and inspiring appearance.

Enjoy a buffet style lunch at the Stigenberger Nile Palace Hotel.

Taking a Felucca down the Nile is something you must do when visiting Egypt! Feluccas are non-motorized sail boats that have been used on the Nile since the times of antiquity. Enjoy a short cruise onboard today.

Enjoy an evening of star-gazing in the desert area which surrounds Luxor. During this evening stunning night sky activity learn about star formations, constellations, planets and other deep sky objects. This activity includes tea with the local Bedouins and a traditional Egyptian dinner.

Overnight at Hotel Al Moudira.


The Interior of the Tombs of the Nobles
The Interior of the Tombs of the Nobles
Ramesseum
Ramesseum
Felucca Sailing on the Nile
Felucca Sailing on the Nile
Day 4 Luxor

This full day tour includes a private vehicle, driver and trained Egyptologist. North of Luxor city (169 km) you will find the ruins of the temples of Abydos, the chief center of the cult of Osiris, the god of the afterlife. The Abydos necropolis is one of the most ancient in Egypt, and along with the nearby city of Thinis was one of the most important burial places for Kings and high court dignitaries. In the afternoon return south to Dendarah temple dedicated to Hathor, goddess of love, fertility and beauty. Dendarah was one of the most ancient & most famous Egyptian cities.

Enjoy a buffet style lunch at the Stigenberger Nile Palace Hotel.

Overnight at Hotel Al Moudira.


Ruins of the Temple of Abydos
Ruins of the Temple of Abydos
Day 5 Luxor

Airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver in Luxor.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.