EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Marvel at the glorious temples and tombs of Egypt’s most legendary pharaohs, which were ingeniously constructed in Luxor about 3,500 years ago. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing 3 1/2 hour drive inland to Luxor, an ancient city also known as Thebes, situated on the east bank of the fabled Nile River. Your initial stop will be at the Karnak Temple, a collection of buildings dedicated to Pharaoh Amun. Because the complex was built over a period of 1300 years, under the guidance of multiple pharaohs, it reached an unprecedented size and diversity. The scale is staggering, as you will discover walking the Avenue of the Sphinxes that once stretched two miles. Another highlight is the pink granite obelisk erected during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut in the 15th century B.C. A leisurely lunch cruise on the Nile follows. Two more tombs await you in the Valley of Kings. The tomb of Pharaoh Seti I is the largest and longest in the valley. While some of its original contents are in museums, its spectacular painted reliefs remain. Tutankhamun’s tomb is surely the most well known and with good reason. Its discovery in 1922 and the fabulous treasures found inside captured the world’s attention. After visiting King Tut’s tomb, you will enjoy afternoon tea before traveling back to Safaga.

Behold the archaeological treasures unearthed in the Valley of Kings, and then explore several temples nearby, one of them built for the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing drive inland through vast expanses of desert, punctuated by surprisingly fertile farmland. Upon arriving in Luxor,. In the Valley of Kings on the river’s west bank, excavations have revealed extraordinary tombs belonging to Egypt’s legendary pharaohs. This valley was the royal burial ground for the likes of Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II, and archaeologists are still surprised by the riches that continue to be found. Not far away, you will discover the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, a beloved ruler known as the Splendor of Splendors. A rare female pharaoh, she was one of ancient Egypt’s most successful rulers, and the beautifully painted reliefs on her tomb reflect that. It took a Herculean effort to construct these temples and tombs. Savor an energizing lunch onboard a crusing on Nile sailing boat before traveling to Deir El Medina At Deir El Medina, you will see where the stonemasons and craftsmen that built them lived. Many of the artisans were buried in tombs here and worshipped at the Temple of Hathor, which you will visit. The last stop will be at Habu Temple, a huge mortuary complex built to honor Ramses III. The gates, pylons and chapels inside the walls are spectacular, as are the relief depicting battles on the exterior walls. Following this visit, you will return to Safaga.

Enjoy an off-road adventure that highlights the sights and culture of the Arabian Desert. Starting off from the pier, you'll board your 4X4 vehicles and take a scenic drive to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada. You’ll leave the paved road and drive into the Eastern Arabian Desert. With its desolate, rough terrain and stark rock-strewn outcrops, the desert offers excellent photo opportunities.

You’ll visit a remote Bedouin settlement where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the hospitable nomads. During your visit, you'll have a chance to explore the camp and learn about the Bedouin history and culture, as well as sample their aromatic sweet tea and flat unleavened bread. From a rocky slope on a nearby hill, you can experience the beautiful vista of the desert stretched out before you.

Take advantage of this opportunity to see outstanding examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and learn some of the mysteries behind centuries old culture and hieroglyphics. During your drive to Luxor, enjoy scenic vistas provided by the vast expanses of desert and barren mountains, interspersed with areas of farmland. Arriving in Luxor, you’ll cross the Nile River and proceed to the West Bank for a visit to the Valley of the Kings. It is here you’ll find the remarkable tombs of Egypt's ancient kings, their families and other nobility.

You’ll enjoy a buffet style lunch a local hotel during the day. Stop for photos at Hatshepsut Temple, this mortuary temple was buried under sand for centuries and was built by the only woman to ever rule as a Pharaoh. Another photo stop is at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues that originally flanked the entrance to Amenhotep III's mortuary temple. Although the temple itself was destroyed in an earthquake and most of its remnants have long since disappeared, these magnificent statues still stand guard today.

You’ll also visit the spectacular Luxor Temple complex. It's graceful, well-preserved architecture is distinguished by many different gods and cultures that have resided here. You’ll discover a collection of simply breathtaking statues, obelisks, and temples that date back to the 14th century BC.

Stand in awe at the amazing temples of Karnak and Luxor, and admire the collections housed at the Luxor Museum. During your drive to Luxor, enjoy scenic vistas provided by the vast expanses of desert and barren mountains, interspersed with areas of farmland. Karnak Temple is comprised of three main temples, smaller enclosed temples and several outer temples. This vast complex was built and enlarged over a span of thirteen hundred years. During your visit, don’t miss the impressive Avenue of the Sphinx, linking Karnak with Luxor Temple. View the massive statues of Ramses II, the great halls and pylons and the pink granite obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut.

Re-boarding your coach, you’ll drive to the spectacular Luxor Temple, built during the reign of Amenophis III over 5,000 years ago. On the walls of the temple, you’ll witness some of the best preserved artwork in Egypt. You’ll also find a collection of breathtaking statues and obelisks that date back to the 14th century BC. Enjoy a buffet style lunch a local hotel during the day. You’ll visit the Luxor Museum, which houses an amazing collection of ancient artifacts ranging from Pharaonic art to items used in everyday life, such as pottery and jewelry.

Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience to discover the exotic underwater world of the Red Sea. A short drive takes you to where your motorboat awaits. You’ll set off to an area of the bay known as a premier snorkeling site. Upon arrival, you’ll enter the warm, crystalline waters to swim and snorkel amongst the colorful fish and beautiful coral. Those that do not wish to snorkel, may relax on board the boat. A qualified instructor will accompany you, provide assistance and offer information about the region's marine life. Bottled water and soft drinks are available on board for your refreshment.

Take advantage of this opportunity to relax and enjoy time on a sandy Red Sea beach. A short drive will bring you to the private beach of the 05 stars resort to swim in the clear turquoise waters of the Red Sea. Towels, beach chairs and changing facilities are included.

This Aqua Scope excursion truly immerses you in the underwater world of the Red Sea, all while staying completely dry. It's a short transfer from the pier to where the Aqua Scope dock is located. The top deck of the Aqua Scope remains completely above water, while the bottom deck remains submerged under the surface of the sea. From this vantage point, you are treated to an unparalleled view of the magnificent and exotic marine life found here in the Red Sea. As you cruise, discover not only colorful tropical fish, but the amazing coral formations hidden in the depths of these pristine turquoise waters. During the return journey, relax on the top deck while sipping a complimentary soft drink and enjoying the fresh sea breeze and warm sunshine.