Day 246 – Luxor
Valley of the Kings and Al-Deir Al-Bahari Temple
Valley of the Kings
Today we left the M/S Monaco after breakfast at 8am for a tour of the West Bank of Luxor. We drove around 45 minutes to the Valley of the Kings for the first stop. Here the tickets cost 200 EGP / $17.15 AUD per person plus 4 EGP / $0.34 AUD per person for a buggy ride to the top (You can save walk ~10 minutes uphill if you really want and avoid the buggy ride). A photo pass costs 300 EGP / $25.72 AUD to be able to take photos inside the tomb, or as we saw some locals do, you just slip the workers some cash, when you get caught taking a photo.
Very cool 3D model of the tombs
The first tomb of Rameses IV, was a nice introduction to the site. The guide, just explained different items outside, and then let us roam inside by ourselves. The second tomb, Rameses IX was also nice followed by the last tomb, Merenptah, which was the largest and the deepest. It was cool to go down and see the sarcophagus. Just like in the Egyptian Museum, there is a mirror under the tomb’s lid to show the reflection. Since the sarcophagus are actually decorated on the inside also.
The artwork is insane and as the tombs were sealed for so long, the original colours are more visible than at temple sites making it worth seeing. Our guide explained that the tombs are actually newer than the pyramids, since it became too expensive for the Kings & Queens to build pyramids.
After the Valley of the Kings, we were taken to a shop that specialises in wooden and stone souvenirs. The artefacts were cool, but of course over priced. After some negotiations you can get a decent price though.
Al-Deir Al-Bahari Temple
After the souvenir stop, we went to Al-Deir Al-Bahari Temple which is dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut. The multi level temple was nice to see with impressive statues outside. There is a stump of a dead tree that has a barrier around it. Apparently, the entire walkway was lined with large trees, back in the day.
Colossi of Memnon
Then we stopped at the Colossi of Memnon. These two large statues are just there on the side of the road and are free to view. They are impressive to see.
Our original tour, that we bought in Cairo included the Valley of the Queens, but as the rest of the group was not keen to go, due to the punishing Egyptian heat. Therefore, we decided to abandon it. If you get a chance, you should definitely go though. All our research indicates it worth the heat.
By lunch time we were back on the M/S Monaco for a buffet. We noticed that less than a quarter of the tourists were left on the ship. As it would not be leaving Luxor, we figured the other guests were moved into hotels.
Banana Island
At 4pm we went on a Falou ride for 10 USD / 170 EGP / $14.57 AUD to Banana Island, arranged as an optional extra from our tour company. The manager actually came with a female tour guide to take us around. We have mixed feelings about the island. We saw animals in small cages who did not look happy. On the flip side the restaurant gives free bananas and has cheap drinks (compared to the cruise). On the way back there was no wind for the sails. So another tourist and I helped the boat captain row using oars. If you go, don’t forget to bring insect repellent. When we were leaving the island, we were chased by thousands of mozzies. Luckily the other tourists kindly let us use some of their insect repellent.
Tonight will be the last day on the ship. There was no activities at all besides the 3 meals. The room cleaner, must have also been bored, as he changed our towels and sheets twice in one day, with his creative touches.
