THIS November marks 100 years since British archeologist discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun - and the world’s fascination with the famous pharaoh is unwavering.
Yet, no amount of coverage or hype prepares you for actually meeting the legendary boy king...
Yet, no amount of coverage or hype prepares you for actually meeting the legendary boy king...
Much like chancing upon a high profile celebrity - albeit this megastar of ancient Egyptian history is more than 3,300 years departed - goosebumps rise on entering the tomb in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings.
While smaller and less extensively decorated than some neighbouring chambers, to witness the royal’s mummified figure within his final resting place is surreal and a humbling hint at Carter’s likely thrill on first uncovering this arguably most coveted of tombs.
While smaller and less extensively decorated than some neighbouring chambers, to witness the royal’s mummified figure within his final resting place is surreal and a humbling hint at Carter’s likely thrill on first uncovering this arguably most coveted of tombs.
Having gazed upon Tutankhamun’s unmistakable death mask, lavishly ornate coffins and accompanying artifacts in Cairo’s sprawling Egyptian Museum, the Valley's rugged rocky valley landscape feels incongruous with the treasures it yielded - and probably still conceals.
Your entry ticket (100 Egyptian Pounds/AED20) accesses three tombs. We paid extra to visit the Rameses V and VI chambers, plus EGP300 for King Tut.
Your entry ticket (100 Egyptian Pounds/AED20) accesses three tombs. We paid extra to visit the Rameses V and VI chambers, plus EGP300 for King Tut.
It is best to research the choices beforehand, especially in high season, and maybe dodge the AED18 buggy ride to the tombs entrance gate as the walk is brief.
Some of what was discovered amid this dusty terrain has or is being relocated to the capital’s National Museum of Human Civilisation and Grand Egyptian Museum, opening November opposite the Giza pyramids.
While the original pharaoh resting places were indisputably grand, modern-day observers can reflect on the ancient civilisation’s opulence and engineering prowess in 2022 luxury, at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Some of what was discovered amid this dusty terrain has or is being relocated to the capital’s National Museum of Human Civilisation and Grand Egyptian Museum, opening November opposite the Giza pyramids.
While the original pharaoh resting places were indisputably grand, modern-day observers can reflect on the ancient civilisation’s opulence and engineering prowess in 2022 luxury, at Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Perfectly positioned on the River Nile’s east bank with views of lush countryside and the illuminated valley beyond, this is considerably more than a comfortable spot to recharge.
A sense of calm prevails, from the gentle tinkle of water features and pleasing sculptures seemingly born of the near environment to lush gardens beyond the main pool.
This tranquility extends to a spa where the nearby river is framed by treatment rooms delivering massages from hot stone and pregnancy treatments to traditional Balinese therapies. Beauty services cover waxing, facials, and nailcare within a stunning sanctuary twice voted Egypt’s finest resort spa.
The Nile is best viewed from its dedicated infinity pool, which appears to flow into the mighty waterway, while a well-stocked gym below comes with a view few treadmills can offer.
A sense of calm prevails, from the gentle tinkle of water features and pleasing sculptures seemingly born of the near environment to lush gardens beyond the main pool.
This tranquility extends to a spa where the nearby river is framed by treatment rooms delivering massages from hot stone and pregnancy treatments to traditional Balinese therapies. Beauty services cover waxing, facials, and nailcare within a stunning sanctuary twice voted Egypt’s finest resort spa.
The Nile is best viewed from its dedicated infinity pool, which appears to flow into the mighty waterway, while a well-stocked gym below comes with a view few treadmills can offer.
The Hilton features eight food and beverage options - plus a week Egyptian-theme food and entertainment night - including main restaurant Rosetta for international buffet and breakfast until 11am.
Upstairs, Sunset lounge and terrace connects with Silk Road, which serves high-end Asian cuisine from Indian curry to Malaysian soups.
The main pool also indulges the resort’s Nile location and includes a smaller top pool and sunken bar ideal for happy hour sundowners.
Olives - which offers a mix of dishes spanning Mediterranean to oriental - delivers glimpses of night-time Nile traffic and the pool as you enjoy hearty Egyptian favourites such as koshari and fish singari.
The Hilton has 236 colonial-style rooms, from standard and deluxe to suites, all with river or garden views.
Upstairs, Sunset lounge and terrace connects with Silk Road, which serves high-end Asian cuisine from Indian curry to Malaysian soups.
The main pool also indulges the resort’s Nile location and includes a smaller top pool and sunken bar ideal for happy hour sundowners.
Olives - which offers a mix of dishes spanning Mediterranean to oriental - delivers glimpses of night-time Nile traffic and the pool as you enjoy hearty Egyptian favourites such as koshari and fish singari.
The Hilton has 236 colonial-style rooms, from standard and deluxe to suites, all with river or garden views.
Overlooking the former and the pool from a triangular balcony, our comfortable king bed room was modern with wood finishes and included a coffee table and desk area alongside a bed to pacify the weariest of explorers.
Ruins frequently punctuate the landscape beside newer buildings to underline the area’s ancient origins as we head away from the centre, past bustling villages and vast farmland to the Valley of the Kings and its queens counterpart.
Some lesser known tombs are among the most rewarding and budget friendly if you wish to take in more without blowing the budget.
Ruins frequently punctuate the landscape beside newer buildings to underline the area’s ancient origins as we head away from the centre, past bustling villages and vast farmland to the Valley of the Kings and its queens counterpart.
Some lesser known tombs are among the most rewarding and budget friendly if you wish to take in more without blowing the budget.
Nobles’ tombs, such as those of Rekhmire and Sennefer, contain visual surprises and few tourists, but it’s again largely down to research, recommendation and, in our case, having a knowledgeable driver.
We struck lucky with our airport cabbie, Abo Hassan. Like most, he negotiated the supposedly fixed price to the hotel and then suggested a historical tour that included the imperious Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu temples.
“There are so many beautiful things to see one day is not enough so we always say people should stay three nights,” says the hotelier. “One day on the east bank, this side, one day on the west bank, and the third just staying at the hotel to enjoy it.”
Florian’s team can arrange kayaking, bike hire on the west bank and a boat to get you there; the hotel also offers private sailings on a traditional falucca, with four catering options.
We struck lucky with our airport cabbie, Abo Hassan. Like most, he negotiated the supposedly fixed price to the hotel and then suggested a historical tour that included the imperious Hatshepsut and Medinet Habu temples.
“There are so many beautiful things to see one day is not enough so we always say people should stay three nights,” says the hotelier. “One day on the east bank, this side, one day on the west bank, and the third just staying at the hotel to enjoy it.”
Florian’s team can arrange kayaking, bike hire on the west bank and a boat to get you there; the hotel also offers private sailings on a traditional falucca, with four catering options.
Sunrise balloon flights over the temples are one of the top attractions.
We witnessed several dotting the distant blue sky as we packed at 5.45am the next day for a connecting flight to Cairo.
Silently canvassing the Valley of the Kings and surrounds, they offer an inspirational way to behold some of the most historically significant acreage on the planet…a place that promises to continue yielding ancient secrets for generations to come.
We witnessed several dotting the distant blue sky as we packed at 5.45am the next day for a connecting flight to Cairo.
Silently canvassing the Valley of the Kings and surrounds, they offer an inspirational way to behold some of the most historically significant acreage on the planet…a place that promises to continue yielding ancient secrets for generations to come.
GOOD TO KNOW:
HILTON Luxor Resort & Spa rooms in May cost from £82, including breakfast, excluding tax. Check-in is from 2pm; check-out at noon. Visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/luxhitw-hilton-luxor-resort-and-spa
TO contact driver Abo, WhatsApp 002-01006854-875
HILTON Luxor Resort & Spa rooms in May cost from £82, including breakfast, excluding tax. Check-in is from 2pm; check-out at noon. Visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/luxhitw-hilton-luxor-resort-and-spa
TO contact driver Abo, WhatsApp 002-01006854-875