For history lovers, Egypt trips are all about peering into the mysteries of the past and discovering this nation’s stunning ancient ruins.
There are more amazing temples than you could see in one trip - but here are a few of the most impressive historic wonders to put on your list.
Karnak Temple
The Karnak Temple is a sprawling complex that includes crumbling chapels, towering temples and many other buildings. It was build during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom and this area was the main place of worship of the Theban Triad during the 18th dynasty. It is thought to be the second most visited historical site in Egypt - with only the Giza Pyramids getting more visitors. Exploring this 100-hectare collection of temples is a must on your Egypt trips.
Luxor Temple
Another stunning ancient wonder to behold is the Luxor Temple, which is dedicated to Amun - a creator god who was fused with the sun god Ra to become Amun-Ra. This incredible temple was built during the reign of Amenhotep III in the 14th century BC and it is huge in scale - it was once home to a village within its walls.
Abu Simbel
Saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is an enormous archaeological site filled with temples dedicated to the Pharaoh Ramses II “The Great.” Many of Egypt tour packages will take a day trip from Aswan to visit Abu Simbel - it takes a full day to explore all of the sights. One of the most impressive spots is the Great Temple of Ramses II, which was carved out of the mountainside sometime around 1250 BC. It features four 20m high statues of Ramses and it was lost to the world until it was rediscovered in 1813 by a Swiss Explorer.
Temple of Edfu
This imposing temple from the Ptolemaic Period is dedicated to Horus and is the best-preserved ancient temple structure in Egypt. Horus was a sun god and is depicted with the head of a falcon - he is one of the main deities of ancient Egypt and the son of Osiris. Every evening, the impressive carvings and sculptures of the temple are illuminated by a dazzling sound and light show.
Kom Ombo
The towering columns of Kom Ombo are a truly jaw-dropping sight, greeting travelers as they glide down the Nile. They are dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris and they give a sense of the area’s prominence over the surrounding region during the Ptolemaic Era. Don’t miss the 10 impressive columns and the murals of the Vestibule, embellished with detailed reliefs depicting flying vultures and Neos Dionysos with Haroeris being blessed by Isis with a lion’s head.
The Great Pyramids
Of course, the Egypt best tours would not be complete without a visit to the Great Pyramids. They are one of the most famous man-made wonders in the world and they have been standing for thousands of years. When visiting these enormous structures rising up from the desert, it is a good idea to have a knowledgeable tour guide who will be able to bring the immobile stones to life with stories of Egypt’s past.
Which is your favorite temple in Egypt?
