The Valley of the Kings

This valley is in honor of the local goddess, Mertsigir (“she who loves silence”). It houses the tombs of almost all pharaohs from the 18th to the 20th dynasty. Tuthmosis I was the first Pharaoh to be burried in the valley. Various attempts have been made to protect the tombs from theft, nevertheless, most of the tombs where robbed within a few years of burial. 64 tombs have been discovered at the Valley of the Kings, 10 of which should not be missed. Tuthmosis III, Amenhotep II, Tutankhamun, Horembeb, Ramses I, III, IV, and IX, Seti I, and Merneptah.

The Tomb of Tutankhamun

The most popular tomb in the Valley of the Kings, probably because of the amount of gold that was burried with the 18-year-old pharaoh. This tomb is living proof of the wealth of the Ancient Egyptians and the amount of gold that was stolen from other tombs.
 
 

The Tomb of Ramses VI

This tomb is probably the longest tomb in the valley and is covered with wall paintings as well as a splendid astronomical ceiling showing the sky goddess and the heavenly deities with solar boats.

Tomb of Seti I

The Tomb of Seti I was discovered in 1817, and is really well perserved. Probably the largest tomb in the valley. It includes pictures and text from the Book of the Dead. It also depicts the four races of the time, Egyptians, Libyans, Blacks and Asians. This tomb should not be missed.

Tomb of Amenhotep II

This tomb goes 109 steps underground, making it the deepest tomb in the valley. Again it contains extracts from the Book of the Dead, and some really beautiful paintings. 

The Temple of Seti I

A few meters away from the road to the Valley of the Kings is the temple of Seti I, Ramses II's father. The temple is not popular with tourists, and is usually under restoration. However, we consider it to be worth a visit. Close by is the house where Howard Carter, the famous British excavator, used to live.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

From the Valley of the Kings you need to hike the steep path over the hills to reach the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. You will need water and good shoes to do this 45 minute walk to the area know as El Deir El Bahri. You might be able to get a donkey to take you up.The Temple emerges from the hillside as if carved by nature. Hatshepsut was murdered by her nephew and stepson Tuthmosis III, and the first thing he did was to replace her name with his in most of the temples and monuments, her mummy was also never found. Definitely a striking monument, this architectural marvel should not be missed. An interesting discovery is that the axis of this temple is exactly alligned with the axis of the Karnak Temple on the other side of the Nile. One of the many signs of pharaonic brilliance.

Assasif Tombs

On your way between Deir El Bahri and the Tombs of the Nobels, you’ll find a group of tombs dating back to the 18th dynasty. Most probably these are the tombs of the common people, for the paintings on the wall depict fishing, hunting and farming. The Assasif Tombs are not popular with tourists and might not be included in guided tours, they are, however, worth a look.

Tombs of the Nobels

The tombs here are well preserved, but rarely visited. Around 500 officials, nobles and high priests form the 11th to the 16th dynasties are buried here. It said that there are still more tombs to be discovered. The paintings on the walls depict everyday life, music, pottery, farming and funeral banquets. Most of the graves include information about the deceased on the left-hand wall. Some tombs are particularly worth visiting.
The Tomb of Ramose: governor of Thebes. The Tomb of Nakht: the royal astronomer of Tuthmosis IV. The Tomb of Sennufer: mayor of Thebes during the reighn of Amenthotep II. (particularly popular because of the grape vine paintings that cover the ceiling, also known as the “plant-tomb”) The Tomb of Menna: an estate inspector under Tuthmosis I. The Tombs of Khunso: Usershet and Benia: This trio is also worth seeing. You need to ask the locals to locate the tombs, for there are no signs.

The Ramsesseum

Built by Ramses II in the great honor of himself. Something that wasn’t uncommon to the ego-centric Pharaoh. Many paintings similar to those you will find in Karnak, of battle scenes, of the wars against Hittities. Glorifying Ramses as a great warrior. Don’t forget to get a look at the Colossus of Ramses II which used to be 18 meters tall, unfortunately, only the legs remain. There’s a rest house by the Ramsesseum, and you can get a beer there, or maybe even just use the bathrooms.

The Workmen’s Village

One kilometer off the road leading to the Valley of the Queens is the Workmen’s village, located in an area called Deir El Medina. Excavation has been going on for at least 50 years now, and around 80 houses and many tombs have been uncovered. Only three or four tombs are open to the public.
The Tomb of Aneuka (20th dynasty), The Tomb of Sennedjem (19th dynasty) and the Tomb of Peshedu (19th dynasty). Most of these tombs belong to slaves and servants and are extremely small (only 8 people at a time are allowed inside). The Workmen’s Village is not very popular and some tour guides don’t include it, but if you have the time, why not?

Temple of Ramses III

At Madinat Habu, or the complex of Habu which was the centre of economic life at Thebes, you will find the original Temple of Amun, built by Hatshepsut. And right next to it you’ll find the Temple of Ramses III which is a copy of his predecessor’s Ramsesseum. Again, you’ll find reliefs showing battle scenes, and Ramses III chasing off the enemies. If you have seen the Ramsesseum, this temple is not a must. It is important, however, to see the complex of Habu, which is immensly large.

The Valley of the Queens

Behind the Temple of Ramses III, around 70 tombs have been discovered. They belong to the queens and princesses of 19th and 20th dynasties. These tombs are referred to as the Valley of the Queens. Although smaller, the tombs of this valley resemble somewhat the tombs at the Valley of the Kings.

The Tomb of Nefertari

Widely acknoledged as the finest, most magnificent tomb in all of Egypt. The tomb of Nefertari, wife of Ramses II, was built by her prosperous husband in her honour. The tomb is well preserved, and completely decorated and restored. It contains pictures from the Book of the Dead, as well as pictures of the lovely queen. It was only opened to the public in 1995, and for conservation reasons, a maximum of 150 visitors per day can enter the tomb (10 at a time), raising the cost to 150LE per person. Which makes this tomb, not only the most beautiful but the most expensive tomb in History. You will be asked to wear shoe covers and nose masks. Don’t even think about photography. Opening hours are from 7am to noon and from 1pm to 5pm.

The Tomb of Amunherkhepshep

For those of you who can’t afford the Nefertari Tomb, the Amunherkhepshep is considered a good substitute, and was quite a popular tomb prior to the opening of Nefertari’s. Amun was the son of Ramses III, and paintings of his mother and father bringing him up are on the walls. The paintings are well preserved and the colours are still fresh.

The Colossi of Memnon

On the way back to the ferry, ask to stop at the massive Colossi of Memnon. Built from sandstone, the two seated statues stand 18 meters high, and are the only remains of the Temple of Amenophis III. You will notice graffiti on the statues, try not to make your own contribution, they’re already in terrible condition. The Colossi are just off the road near New Qurna, you're bound to see them.