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Today, we will enjoy visiting several sites on our trip, the first of which will be the Karnak Temples. The temples of Karnak stretch over two kilometres north of Luxor in Upper Egypt, with a vast complex of ruins of temples, chapels, pylons and other ancient buildings. Karnak is divided into three temples. We'll proceed to the Temple of Luxor after that. The only witness to its former glory is the magnificent temple that the Egyptians call the "Southern Harem of Amun". It is 260 metres long and was begun by Amenophis III, enlarged by Thutmose III and completed by Ramses II. The huge square to the right of the Abu el Haggag Mosque is where the temple's modern entrance is situated.
Before we transport you back to your lodging, we will visit the Valley of the Kings, our last archaeological site of the day. The site therefore offers nearly five centuries of history. Despite its modern name, it was not only kings who were buried in this valley. Only 25 tombs have been identified as royal burials.
A large number of tombs were therefore built for: certain Great Royal Wives, for the children of the Pharaohs, for members of the royal family, and for high dignitaries whom the rulers wished to reward for their merits. Some of these tombs have not yet been identified. From the reign of Ramses I (1295-1294, 19th dynasty) onwards, the Valley of the Queens was used for queens and princesses. The 64 tombs found in the Valley of the Kings are listed under the names KV1 to KV64 (KV = Kings Valley), but some are listed as WV (West Valley).
