The Pyramids of Egypt

Rising from the Giza Plateau near Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza are the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt. The complex includes the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, plus the Great Pyramid of Khufu, which was built around 2600 BCE and was the world’s tallest human-made structure for more than 3,800 years. Join an Egypt pyramids holiday and you can admire them from up close, with tours available to explore their bellies.

These two rock-hewn temples in Nubia were built during the reign of Ramesses II to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The Great Temple is dedicated to the pharaoh, The Small Temple to his queen, Nefertari. Guarding the entrance to each are immense statues, some of the most impressive you’ll see on our Egypt pyramids tours. During the 1960s, the whole site was relocated to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was built.

Guarding the Pyramids of Giza is the Great Sphinx: 73 metres long, 20 metres high and carved from a single limestone block. The colossal statue represents a mythical creature with a lion’s body and human head, though some say the face is that of the pharaoh Khafre, who is thought to have commissioned it. Some say its nose was blown off by Napoleon’s troops, while others put it down to vandalism, natural disasters or erosion.

Flanking the Nile’s west bank near Luxor, this royal necropolis is where pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom were buried. The valley contains 63 known tombs, including that of Tutankhamun, Ramses III and Seti I. The tombs are painted with scenes depicting the journey of the deceased through the underworld, and a hidden entrance takes you underground through narrow corridors to the sarcophagus and burial chambers.

Just 1.5 miles apart, these temple complexes were among the most important religious sites in ancient Egypt and linked by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Luxor Temple itself was constructed primarily by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II and was at the heart of the Opet Festival, a significant religious event. The Karnak complex features temples, chapels, pylons and obelisks. The Hypostyle Hall, with 134 massive columns, and the Sacred Lake used for ancient rituals are particularly awe-inspiring.