Full-Day Dendera and Abydos Temple Excursion
Early in the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Luxor for a full-day trip to two of Egypt's most famous temples: the Temple of Dendera and the Temple of Abydos.
You will begin by traveling north to the city of Qena, home to one of the most wonderful and beautiful Ptolemaic temples, the Temple of Dendera. This beautiful temple was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Hathor, the goddess of music and beauty. It is located 60 kilometers north of Luxor and 5 kilometers from the city of Qena.
The temple is one of the best-preserved in Egypt, and it is surrounded by legends suggesting that the ancient Egyptians knew light and produced it artificially. Archaeologists connect this hypothesis to the lotus flower motif that contains a snake inside it.
You will then continue to the Temple of Abydos, which was built by King Seti I and completed by his son, King Ramses II. Archaeologists confirm that the Abydos area was the first capital of Egypt during the first and second dynasties. It was also a pilgrimage destination for the ancient Egyptians, as the city contains the symbolic tomb of the god Osiris.
The temple contains a list of the kings of ancient Egypt from the beginning of the first dynasty to the tenth dynasty. The list preserves the names of Hatt-Melk and some kings whom Ramses II considered not to be of royal blood, as well as women such as Hatshepsut.
This is only a brief overview of the temple's history and details. Of course, your tour guide will tell you much more about the temple and the myths surrounding it.
After the visit, your guide will drive you back to Luxor and then to your hotel.
