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Pathways of the Pharaohs Viking Nov. 2017

Luxor (Safaga), Egypt

Relax over breakfast, or (weather permitting) take an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor’s temples and monuments.
Upon arrival, visit the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s few female rulers and most
successful pharaohs, on the Nile’s west bank opposite the city of Luxor. Also see Madīnat Habu, the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Walk
through its monumental peristyle hall decorated with complex hieroglyphics. Return aboard as we set sail for Edfu; lunch and dinner are
served aboard as we cruise along the Nile. (B, L, D)

Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Habu Temples
Duration: 5.5 hours

Burial Places of Egyptian Royalty
Witness the pharaohs’ portals to the afterlife on a fascinating excursion. The stark hills of the Nile’s west bank in Luxor once hid countless treasures.
Here, pharaohs were buried in elaborate tunnels carved into the earth and adorned with artful paintings. Their mummies were draped in gold and
jewels and their tombs were filled with worldly possessions. Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamen’s tomb here in 1922, bringing the world’s
attention to this necropolis of kings and queens. Journey here with your guide before the heat of day and have access to select tombs. After time to
explore on your own (guide-led tours are not allowed in the tombs), continue to the terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh,
dramatically carved into the Theban Hills. Finally, visit Madīnat Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III, and walk through its monumental peristyle hall
adorned with hieroglyphics. Note that photography is prohibited inside the tombs.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Duration: 2 hours

Luxor’s Temples and Monuments Bathed in Sunrise
Take to the sky with an experienced balloonist and guide as you rise above the Nile’s west bank for spectacular sunrise views. Your extraordinary
morning begins early with a boxed breakfast, followed by a motorboat ride across the Nile. As you proceed to our launching area, you will receive a
short orientation. Upon arrival at the balloon site, you will board your hot air balloon and rise into the sky for a breathtaking aerial tour. Gentle breezes
accompany you and your skilled pilot guide as you float over the ancient temples and burial grounds of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens on the
Nile’s west bank. The serenity of dawn under Egyptian skies adds a peaceful aura to your experience as you glide over tombs, the historic Nile River
and the fertile valley. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you will never forget. Note that this tour is weather dependent.

Temple of Amun at Karnak

An avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, symbolizing the king of the gods, lead the way to the first temple pylon.

Luxor Temple

Two granite colossi of Ramses II on a throne (about 51 feet high) guard the huge gateway.

Colossi of Memnon

The enormous statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, worshipped as a god-on-earth, once stood guard at his memorial temple.

Madīnat Habu

Madīnat Habu, a fortified necropolis in Thebes, is enclosed by the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III, the walls of which portray scenes from the pharoah’
s battles with the Libyans, Nubians and the Sea People.

Hot Air Balloon Ride：
這是我第二次坐 Hot air Balloon Ride, 另一次是去年在土耳其坐的，
每次在坐之前要簽 “生死狀”，跌死不賠命，因為可能會有危險。
曾在報上看到，在美國德州，Dubai，土耳其都曾發生意外，
Luxor 在 2013 年和 2016 曾有意外，多人遇難。
因為汽球升得太高，發生意外時，生還的可能性很小。
所以在參加前，自己要先了解它可能有的危險性。