Step into History: Exploring Egypt's Timeless Treasures

Egypt is home to some of the most famous historical architecture in the world, including the iconic Pyramids, Sphinx and a multitude of Temples. The Ancient Egyptian civilisation lasted for more than 3,000 years, with many of their ornate structures still standing today. Come with us to explore some of these astonishing sites and famous tombs, where the golden desert sun illuminates millennia-old treasures.

Luxor

We arrive in bustling Luxor, on the site of the ancient city of Thebes. The air thrums with energy as locals and tourists explore the streets and the scent of spices mingle with the earthy aroma of the nearby Nile. This large city in central Egypt surrounds two of the most famous ancient monuments in the country, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. These magnificent temples form part of a huge complex connected by the mile-long Avenue of the Sphinxes. This road is lined on both sides by hundreds of stone sphinxes, their weathered faces catching the early morning sun and conjuring images of ancient worshipers journeying between the temples.

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple is a massive complex constructed over 1,500 years and was dedicated to the Gods of Amun, Mut and Khonsu. As you approach, the sheer scale takes your breath away. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and was continuously added to over generations. Still in extraordinary condition the temple boasts detailed hieroglyphics, largely in-tact statues and the impressive Great Hypostyle Hall.

Looking up the 134 columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall tower overhead like a stone forest, their surfaces covered in intricate carvings and vibrant paint still visible on the underside of the remaining sections of roof. The temple is a busy place, always full of people taking in the sights, but there are also areas where you can take a moment of quiet, study hieroglyphics and get a real sense of what the temple was like thousands of years ago.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Next on our journey is the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut. One of the only female pharaohs, Hatshepsut reined for over 21 years and brought great prosperity and peace to ancient Egypt. Her temple is built into huge limestone cliffs opposite the city of Luxor, its clean geometric lines contrasting beautifully with the rugged, honey-coloured rock face that rises dramatically around it. Considered a masterpiece of ancient architecture the temple is a sight to behold.

With three magnificent terraces to explore, you'll enjoy a gentle climb through this ancient wonder, feeling the warm desert breeze and experiencing the remarkable engineering that has stood for centuries. The climb is worth every step - the views over the Nile from the top terrace are simply outstanding, with the rivers' influence carving a corridor of lush green through the desert.

While the structure of the temple is still intact much of the interior lies in atmospheric ruins. A lot of this damage was caused during the reign of Thutmose II and Amenhotep II, when an attempt was made to remove Hatshepsut from Egyptian historiography. Her statues were destroyed, monuments defaced and many of her achievements were ascribed to other pharaohs. Walking through these damaged chambers, you can almost feel the weight of this ancient political drama.

Valley of the Kings

Last but certainly not least, we visit the Valley of the Kings. A massive burial site to almost all the pharaohs of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties, this complex of sixty-five royal tombs is a must see for everyone with an interest in ancient Egypt. The tombs found here were cut into the rock of the valley with varying depths and chambers, and decorated with intricate hieroglyphics, shrines, treasures and artifacts to guide and help the pharaohs in the afterlife.

As you descend into the tombs, the temperature drops noticeably, and you're struck by the detail and vibrance of colour that persist after thousands of years. The walls seem to come alive with golds that gleam like captured sunlight, and reds as rich as desert sand at sunset. The air is cool and still, carrying faint mineral scent from the ancient stone. There are also sarcophagi still present in some tombs, including Ramesses I. These massive stone coffins radiate an almost tangible sense of power and mystery, their polished surfaces reflecting the soft lighting in the tomb chambers.

With all this and so much more to explore, Egypt is a truly remarkable country where every sense is engaged with wonders of an ancient civilisation. Discover the Treasures of Egypt for yourself on a Travelsphere tour.