LUXOR -- Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Queen Nefertari's Tomb

HAPPY EASTER FROM EGYPT

Chocolate Bunnies in our Stateroom

Easter Tree onboard our Ship

We started out early to the Valley of the Kings -- Burial Places of Egyptian Royalty --The pharaohs’ portals to the afterlife on a fascinating excursion of some 60 tombs.

The stark hills of the Nile’s west bank in Luxor once hid countless treasures. Here, pharaohs were buried in elaborate tunnels carved into the earth and adorned with artful paintings. Their mummies were draped in gold and jewels and their tombs were filled with worldly possessions.

 

Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamen’s tomb here in 1922, bringing the world’s attention to this necropolis of kings and queens. 

We were able to access 4 additional select tombs on your own (guide-led tours are not allowed in the tombs), 

We left the Valley of the Kings and continued to the terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, dramatically carved into the Theban Hills. Finally, visit the Valley of Queens and enjoy private access to Queen Nefertari’s tomb.

This whole area is being developed and will soon be a HUGE area to welcome tourists to the Valley of the Kings and Queens.  The entry will be guarded by 22-foot high monuments that were unearthed and assembled.

Now we are sailing down the Nile to Esna, where another adventure awaits us!!  We're thinking of y'all on this Easter Sunday!!

As we docked in Esna tonight, we were treated to the Whirling Dervish Dancer onboard -- Spectacular!