The Karnak Temple Complex, Egypt
All the guests travelling on the coach to Luxor were anticipating a tedious three hour coach journey but the drive, although long, was surprisingly interesting with simply stunning scenery en route to the city well known as the capital of Ancient Egypt.The scenery, although mostly desert and mountains, was simply breathtaking, with so many different colours and outlooks. It was fascinating to see how the Bedouins live and survive in this sparse and arid environment.
During our cruises in the Mediterranean we are never far from our ship, Aegean Odyssey, but on these Red Sea and Southern Med cruises we can be away overnight. On this tour our guests spent a night in a hotel in Luxor, which allowed them enough time to view all the wonderful sites.
On arrival at the hotel in Luxor we were treated to a fantastic buffet lunch before we headed off to the colossal temple of Karnak. We seem to use the word incredible so often in these blogs but we are viewing some the world’s most important archaeological sites.
The Temple at Karnak, with its vast pillars and monuments looks like something out of a Hollywood movie. Moving around the site, you really gained a sense of the atmosphere and ambience of how it once was and you could feel the presence of those who had walked there before you.
Pillars at Karnak
Returning in the evening for the ‘Son et lumière’ show was also a fantastic treat. The lights were truly spectacular, with a clear narrative and electric atmosphere. Sitting on the stone seats overlooking the ‘secret lake’ and beyond, it was truly humbling to have the Nile and the Valley of The Kings as a moonlit backdrop.
To find out more about Luxor and Karnak, see also:
Voyages to Antiquity 2011 – Time Fears the Pyramids
Related posts:
An amazing weekend in the Valley of the Kings