Our journey continues on the mighty Nile River as we slowly cruise past the cultivated fields and small villages where time seems to stand still. We arrive in Luxor, once the capital of ancient Egypt, known as Thebes, the "City of 100 Gates." It was the capital of ancient Egypt from the 12th dynasty through the 19th dynasty, and the hub for all political, religious, and military aspects of ancient Egypt. Today it is a treasure trove of temples and tombs, museums, and markets. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and has become known as the world's greatest outdoor museum.
The first stop today is the grand temple of Amon at Karnak, this is the largest temple in all of Egypt, and the largest religious structure ever built. Karnak is not a single temple, but rather temples within temples and shrines within shrines. Built over a period of 2,000 years, and covering 200 acres, this temple is dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The Hypostyle Hall at 54,000 square feet has 134 columns making it the largest room of any religious building in the world.
Our next stop is at the Temple of Luxor located in the heart of modern-day Luxor. This temple was started by Amenhotep III in 1390 BC and added to by various Phaorahs like Ramses II. In the Coptic Christian era, the Hypostyle Hall was converted into a Christian Church that can still be seen today. Eventually, the temple was covered over, and buried beneath the streets of Luxor. When the Mosque of Abu Haggag was erected over the buried temple, it was discovered and conservation of the Luxor Temple began. Today this 13th-century mosque can still be seen as part of the temple complex.
We will enjoy lunch on board the ship and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight, a sit-down dinner aboard the ship is included. (B,L,D)
***For a special on your own excursion, ask your local tour director to book tickets for the Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Karnak. The narrative and illumination of the temple as you walk through it and end up at the Sacred Lake at night is a unique and unforgettable way to experience this historical site.