Jaz Royale Postcard #11 - Luxor & Westbank

This morning was the earliest start we have needed to make for tours, the set off time was 6:30 and it was done that way so we would avoid the heat later on. Our first item on the itinerary was a 10 minutes photo stop to see The Colossi of Memnon which are two huge statues that were part of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III's mortuary temple.



A very short drive from there took us to the Valley of the Queens where we visited two tombs and with a photo permit costing LE300 I decided that just a visit would be enough on this occasion so no pictures.
No permit was required at the next stop so I took plenty. The Temple of Hatshepsut which has been restored is a breathtaking panorama. Built for the only female Pharaoh is set under a large rock face and does look spectacular on the approach to it. Our tour included the upper and lower terraces where we were able to view some really good coloured murals in the Chapel of Anubis. After seeing a program about this 2 weeks ago on the TV it was great to see it all in real life.



Unfortunately as is the norm with these types of tours the next stop was an Alabaster workshop where we were given a demonstration in the art of working the stone before a guided tour of the shop.
Not willing to part with any of my money I returned to wait on the bus while some of our party succumbed to the sales pitch. Our final stop was the eagerly anticipated Valley of the King's where our ticket allowed for access to 3 of 6 open tombs and the photography permit wasn't even given a second thought at this venue Because they rotate the ones that are open, today we visited the following, Rameses IV, Rameses III and Merenptah. All of which were absolutely fascinating and each quite different with its key features. Probably best once again to show you some photos.





No sooner had we started our tour it felt like it was over and we were on our way back to the boat for our last lunch onboard. The boat has a completely different feel now there are a lot more people. In a way I glad we are getting off when we are but pleased the crew are now going to be nice a busy again.

Tonight we will get off around 9:30 and transfer to our Luxor hotel for one night.