12 Hours
Historical and cultural
40 persons
Marsa Alam
What do 134 massive columns, an enormous obelisk and an impressive avenue of sphinxes have in common?
Answer: they are all part of the captivating Karnak Temple complex! Are you ready to explore the awe-inspiring beauty and history of Karnak?
Welcome to the Karnak temple tour - an unforgettable experience to explore ancient Egyptian temples and architecture. The tour will take you on a journey to discover the mystical Karnak temple, followed by a scrumptious lunch in a local restaurant, and finally, visiting the marvels of the West Bank of the River Nile - the Valley of the Kings, Colossal of Memnon, and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
The journey to Karnak temple begins with a comfortable car ride from your hotel, accompanied by an experienced tour guide who would take you through the history of the temple. On arrival, behold the spectacular entrance of Karnak temple with a grand Obelisk, and two colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance.
As soon as you enter the temple complex, your eyes will be met with the great court of the temple, the largest religious court ever built in ancient times. It is so massive that the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome can fit inside it. One can only imagine the ceremonies and festivals that would have taken place here back in the day.
Discover the grand columns of the Hypostyle Hall, a forest of 134 columns in 16 rows, supported by breathtaking 70-foot-high columns with elaborate carvings on every surface to make them more picturesque. These columns have survived centuries, and it is a remarkable feat of engineering that they still stand tall today.
Explore the sacred lake, situated in the eastern part of the temple complex. This lake played a significant role in the ceremonies, rituals, and festivals of the temple. It was believed that the lake represented the primordial ocean, where the first creation of the universe took place according to the Egyptian creation story.
After exploring the temple complex, you will be treated to a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Savor the traditional Egyptian cuisine, including falafel, shawarma, hummus, fresh bread, and much more, all cooked with fresh ingredients native to the region. Enjoy the flavors of Egypt at your leisure and refresh yourself for the next chapter of your adventure.
The tour continues with crossing the Nile and visiting the West Bank, the land of the dead, where we would explore the grand tombs of the great pharaohs. Discover the Valley of the Kings, nestled in the Theban Hills, with numerous tombs of the pharaohs, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the most famous and had the earliest excavations upon its discovery.
Walk around the area and soak in the entire aura of the valley of the Kings. Pass the Colossi of Memnon, two gigantic statues of Amenophis III, stood guard at the entrance of the temple, but now, only ruins of the temple remain.
While in the West Bank, we would end our journey by visiting the exquisite Temple of Hatshepsut, located at Deir El Bahri, in a magnificent setting of cliffs rising to the desert plateau. Wonder at the terraces of the temple, one of the most outstanding historical sites in Egypt, with unique architecture and an interesting history that is a must-see. at the end of your tour, you will be returned to your hotel in Marsa Alam.
In conclusion, the Karnak temple tour is an experience of a lifetime that offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient wonders of Egypt, understand the history behind the architectural marvels, and taste the unique flavors of Egyptian cuisine. So, pack your bags, gear up, and join us on this exciting journey through the heart of Egypt.
Member Since Oct 2022
