Day 4 Itinerary

Jan 18

Written By Jessi Frachetti

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride & Valley of the Kings

Start off the morning with a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. This excursion requires waking up quite early, in order for good wind conditions, but it is well worth it! I booked through Salem hot air balloon company and had a great experience with them. There are several other companies to chose from as well that also fly over Valley of the Kings. The balloons take off at sunrise and the view is absolutely magical.
Next, head to Valley of the King’s. For 500 years, this is where ancient Egyptians built dozens of tombs and shrines to royalty including that of King Tut. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. There are so many tombs here so if you do not have time to see them all, I would recommend these:
1- King Tut. This tomb is special because it still holds the mummy of King Tut inside!
2: King Rameses III
3: King Tausert/Setnakht (14)
4: King Merenptah (8)
5: King Rameses IX
Up next is Deir el-Bahari Temple (AKA the temple of queen Hatshepsut). This impressive temple is built right into a mountain. Queen Hatshepsut was one a ancient Egypt’s few female pharaohs. In order to keep the throne in the family, she declared herself a pharaoh. Pharaohs in ancient Egypt were often depicted with a long beard to show their status as king. Therefore, images of queen Hatshepsut throughout the temple can be seen with a beard. That’s one of the many things that makes this temple stand out from all the others in Luxor.
Cruise down the Nile on a felucca—a traditional Egyptian sailboat, the likes of which have been in use since ancient times. These boats can be found everywhere along the Nile and outside of many hotels (including Steinberger). Going at sunset is a must!

Deir el-Bahari (temple of queen Hatshepsut)

Jessi Frachetti

Day 4 Itinerary

Day 3 Itinerary

Day 5 Itinerary

Jessi Frachetti

Jessitravels@yahoo.com