The cradle of ancient Egyptian burial sites, the attractions of
the Nile Valley are legendary and can't fail to impress. The amount
of epic things to see and do in Luxor and Aswan can be quite
overwhelming. Be sure to stock up on sun cream and water because
the majority of the attractions in the Nile Valley are exposed to
the sun and sightseeing can be a hot and thirsty business.
The world-famous Temple of Karnak in Luxor, built over a period
of 1,300 years, is still one of the architectural wonders of the
world and one of the biggest religious buildings ever erected. It
is one of the most popular attractions in Egypt and will astound
visitors. It is not, however, the only temple complex of note in
the area. The Temple of Medinat Habu, mortuary temple of Ramses
III, is second in size only to Karnak and features incredibly
well-preserved wall carvings. The vivid colours painted onto
ceilings, columns and walls are still clearly visible which makes
the place feel alive and gives an amazingly authentic understanding
of how it must have looked and felt 4,000 years ago. Abu Simbel,
which includes the mortuary temple of Ramses II, is also a
must-see. Twice annually, in February and October, the rising sun
illuminates the inner sanctum of the temple, just as Ramses II
decreed it should. Abu Simbel is humbling in its age and enduring
magnificence.
The West Bank, an area strewn with ancient tombs and temples
carved into the limestone hills of the desert, can occupy visitors
for days. Highlights include the Colossi of Memnon, and the tombs
of Tutankhamun and Ramses II in the Valley of the Kings. Don't miss
the Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina) which is just south of
the Valley of the Queens and was once inhabited by the craftsmen
and artists who worked on the nearby royal tombs. It is often
called the Workmen's Village and you can still stroll around the
remains of the buildings where these talented people lived and
worked, as well as explore a number of remarkably preserved
tombs.
There are two great museums in the Nile Valley. Aswan's Nubia
Museum is the ideal place to get a grasp of the rich Nubian culture
and history, as well as some context for the ancient treasures of
the area in general. The Luxor Museum houses an impressive
collection of artefacts from the valley.