Q.E.A. GUEST 3767

First Draft

As requested your proposed itinerary for the Luxor Adventure . Please take the time to read through the itinerary and make notes on any further adjustments or corrections. please click on the email link at the bottom of the page to send us a direct email concerning your proposed Adventure.

Day 1: 3rd: Arrive at Luxor airport where our driver and Egyptological guide will be awaiting your safe arrival, we will then transfer your luggage safely to the Beit Sabee guesthouse on the West bank of Luxor. You and your family will then enjoy some light refreshments at the conveniently located cafe overlooking the avenue of sphinx's at Luxor Temple Complex itself, where you can enjoy a brief talk with our Egyptological guide about the history of the site and the recent discoveries that were made during the excavations that have been taking place this past month. (which I was personally involved in). After your tanks have been re-filled onwards through the temple itself. This should take you nicely to approx 5.30ish pm, in time to be transferred across the Nile by motorboat to your awaiting Desert 4x4's (Camels). here your family will enjoy a sunset camel ride along the banks of the River Nile and finally through the village of Bairat itself finishing at the stables. Your car will be waiting to transfer you and your family to Beit Sabee and reunite you with your luggage. After your check in and freshen up, it's time to cross back over to the East bank and take a horse and carriage to Karnak where you will be shown Karnak Temple from a totally different perspective as the famous Sound and Light show will illuminate this ancient site, referred to as the worlds largest open air museum. After the show there is still time to explore Luxor city itself which is an adventure itself before taking in an evening meal overlooking the river Nile. After dinner we can arrange for you to be transferred back to Beit Sabee or you can continue your exploration of Luxor.

Day 2 : 4th: An early rise as an amazing day awaits you and your family. firstly we suggest that you start your adventure at Valley of the Kings, where we would suggest the following tombs as they are usually quieter than the others given their location, KV14 Tausert/Setnakht-19th-20th dynasty, KV11 Ramesses III 20th dynasty, KV8 Merenptah 19th dynasty. (click on the link to take you directly to the Theban mapping project). after the Valley of the Kings a short drive passing by the newly discovered tombs of the nobles as old Gurna village has now been removed on your way to your next destination, The Temple Complex of Hatshepsut, similar in design to that of Abydos but on a much grandeur scale , this temple complex is unique for ancient Thebes as it sits at the foot of the Theban foothills. the terraced design looks deceiving as you approach it you will become aware that is it much larger than you first thought. the hills surround the temple complex are full of tombs to various viziers and Nobel's together with two further temples laying to the South of Hatshepsut temple itself, both having been destroyed either by landslides or by reclamation. After a small pit stop, the tom,bs of the Nobles await you, we would suggest 2 tombs here TT96 Tomb of Sennefer and TT100 Tomb of Rekhmire, these two tombs that we have selected best show the individual craftsmanship carried out on these personal tombs rather than the standard craftsmanship carried out in the Valley of the Kings. You will see and feel the difference between the two sites. Afterwards your car will drive through time itself as it passes the temples of past pharaohs on its way to your next destination the Temple of Medinat Habu itself, this beautiful temple has stood the test of not only time but also changing religions, people and uses. it was finally abandoned during the 8th century due to the outbreak of plague, thankfully for us though the early Christian who lived amongst its pillars were kind enough to plaster over the relief's preserving then for us today in all their brilliance with their intact original colours illuminating the shady corners. After lunch overlooking Medinat Habu, a short drive along the desert edge past the un-excavated palace of Amenophis III with the Coptic monastery in the distance, past the huge man made lake of Amenophis III finally arriving at the deserted site of Deir el Shelwit, a small but charming station erected on the old trade route between ancient Thebes and the Western desert oasis of Kharga (Qasr Dush). Its then time to head back towards Medinat habu and one last site to visit on the West bank and that is the Colossi of Menmon, once these gigantic statues stood guard at the doorway to what is said to be one of the largest temples ever built by man, unfortunately he built it out of mud on a flood plain, so there's not much left to see today,e except for the wealth of stone carved statues and stella that has been preserved for us in the siltty mud. Its now time to return you to Beit Sabee for a well earned rest and evening meal ready for tomorrows adventure on the Nile.

WE DO NOT rush around the sites like most companies and we do not use tour guides who just read from the books, we use trained Egyptologists where ever possible and those that can think for themselves and draw sensible and sometimes out of the box theories.

You will be accompanied by our Egyptological guide at every site, after short introductions to each site you will have plenty of time to explore the sites by yourselves without them looking over your shoulders if you so wish but to be on hand for any of those important questions. Mohammed Elkady, one of Q.E.A .'s directors will be with you as soon as you arrive in Egypt; he will accompany you throughout the entire journey to make sure your every wish is taken care of. He will be on hand to make sure all the transportation and hotels are in order, basically he will be your hidden shadow. Call upon him at any time; it is his job to be there as and when for you.

Please find below a selection of the sites that will be visited by yourself and your group during the Adventure, just click on the link to view a full appraisal.


The Collossi of Menmon	The Temple Complex of Luxor	The Temple of Hatshepsut	The Giza Pyramids

Q.E.A. prides itself on its bespoke adventures and its commitment to its clients. We endeavor to push the boundaries of our adventures at all times to give the best possible experience to our guests without ruining your experience. Our price includes everything you require to fulfil your dream. You need not take any money with you on any of our trips as they are totally fully inclusive and if there is that odd bargain to be had at some point our responsible guides will be on hand to negotiate the best possible price for you.
All your food and refreshments (this does not cover any alcoholic beverages and we would advise against drinking alcoholic beverages while in the desert for obvious safety reasons). You’re sleeping arrangements and transportation. Tipping and site entrance fees are covered within the price as well.

We hope this meets with you approval and please do not hesitate should you require any further details or if you wish to make any further arrangements of adjustments to the itinerary.

Books

Researching the background of any place or topic you intend on visiting is essential to fully appriechiate it. At Q.E.A. we have come up with a list of titles that we believe will enhance your journey, especially during those internal flights, car journeies or those lazy days by the side of the pool, we have compilled the list below that we feel will educate, inspire and aid you in your quest for adventure.


The Illustrated Guide to Luxor Tombs, Temples, and Museums by Kent Weeks	Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs, A Practicle Guide by JaniceKamrin	The Complete Pyramids by Mark Lehner	Arabic for Dummies by Amine Bouchentouf	The Lost Oasis: The True Story Behind The English Patient By Saul Kelly	Herodotus: The Histories Penguin Classics	The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt Edited by Ian Shaw


The Western Desert of Egypt: An Explorers Handbook, Revised Edition Cassandra Vivian	Historical Dictionary of the Coptic Church Gawdat Gabra	Egypt Lonely Planet Country Guide by Scott Wayne	River God by Wilbur Smith	The Seventh Scroll by Wilbur Smith	Warlock by Wilbur Smith	The Quest by Wilbur Smith