This iconic landmark in Luxor showcases the grandeur of ancient architecture, featuring towering statues, massive columns, and the largest religious structure ever built—all just steps from the bustle of city centre. The Karnak Temple complex took over a millennium to complete, and its rich blend of artistic and architectural styles reflects that long history.

The grand Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari stands as one of the most impressive funerary monuments of the ancient world, rivalling even the Pyramids. Carved into the dramatic cliffs that back the Valley of the Kings, the temple rises in three vast terraces linked by ramps, each level lined with stark, mostly undecorated colonnades of square pillars. Named after one of ancient Egypt’s few female pharaohs—who fittingly dubbed it the “Splendour of Splendours”—the site also incorporates elements from earlier periods, beginning with Mentuhotep II around 2050 BC. Over time, many statues and sphinxes vanished, lending the structure an even more austere and monumental feel. Inside, the cool stone chambers offer a break from the relentless desert heat, with beautifully preserved reliefs and vivid hieroglyphics still adorning the walls.

Though little remains of Amenhotep III’s once-grand mortuary temple, two colossal statues of the pharaoh still stand sentinel over the ancient site, more than 3,400 years after they were erected. Located on the west bank of the Nile, just opposite Luxor, these monumental sculptures—known as the Colossi of Memnon—continue to awe visitors. Alongside the towering figures are smaller statues of Amenhotep’s wife, Tiy, and his mother, Mutemwia. Travellers can also admire sandstone panels etched with depictions of the Nile god Hapy. While time and the elements have worn much of the site away, the remaining pieces still evoke the grandeur that once defined this sacred place.

After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll head to Luxor to begin your journey into the legendary Valley of the Kings. This remarkable site is a rich repository of ancient history, home to dozens of tombs adorned with intricate art and hieroglyphics. Discover the iconic tomb of King Tutankhamun, the valley’s most renowned attraction, and continue exploring the burial sites of Ramses II’s sons, Amenhotep III, and more—each filled with artefacts and artistry that have endured for centuries.