Valley of the Kings
Exploring the Valley of the Kings: Egypt’s Timeless Royal Tombs
Today was awe-inspiring: the first full day of exploration on our AmaWaterways Nile cruise. Many thanks to our incredible Egyptologist, Marwa Abbas, for providing the rich background that brings this ancient valley to life. What a profound start to our adventure. I feel so fortunate to visit this site a second time.
Tucked into the rugged cliffs of Luxor’s west bank, the Valley of the Kings served as the royal burial ground for nearly 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BC. This UNESCO World Heritage site holds over 60 tombs, carved deep into limestone, where pharaohs and nobles of the New Kingdom prepared for the afterlife.
The most famous tomb belongs to Tutankhamun, discovered almost intact in 1922, but others like Ramses II and Seti I reveal breathtaking corridors painted with vibrant hieroglyphs. Ancient Egyptians chose this hidden valley for its symbolic link to the sun god’s nightly journey through the underworld, as well as for its natural protection from tomb robbers. Descending into the tombs feels like stepping back in time.
Next, our journey continues to a monument honoring the queen who became king, the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hapshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
The Timeless Majesty of Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple
Kareem George here, in further awe as I return to Deir el-Bahri. What a day this has been!
Rising dramatically against the cliffs of Luxor’s west bank, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is one of ancient Egypt’s most striking masterpieces. Built in the 15th century BC for Egypt’s first great female pharaoh, the temple features sweeping terraces, elegant colonnades, and ramps that blend seamlessly with the desert landscape.
The walls are adorned with vivid reliefs celebrating Hatshepsut’s reign, including her famous expedition to the Land of Punt, which we explored several days ago at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Chosen for both its grandeur and spiritual symbolism, the site reflects the Queen Pharaoh’s vision and enduring legacy. The timelessness of the architecture is perhaps what impresses me most. Even today, the structure remains elegant, majestic, and grand.
Many thanks to AmaWaterways and our incredible Egyptologist, Marwa Abbas, for curating such an extraordinary experience.
Discovering the Temple of Edfu: Egypt’s Best-Preserved Treasure
Today, we are returning to one of my favorite sites on the Nile, the Temple of Edfu. It is a hot day, but that does not stop us.
The Temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. Constructed between 237 and 57 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty, it is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of protection and kingship. Its massive gateways, towering columns, and intricately carved walls tell stories of divine battles, rituals, and myths that connected gods with everyday life.
Walking through the grand courtyard and hypostyle halls, visitors can still see hieroglyphs detailing festivals and offerings, making the temple a living textbook of ancient religion. Beyond its beauty, Edfu offers a rare chance to step inside a monument that feels almost exactly as it did over 2,000 years ago—a true time capsule.
Thanks again to AmaWaterways and our wonderful Egyptologist, Marwa Abbas, for keeping us both well-informed and well-hydrated.
