THE SIGHTS

The Temple of Esna, also known as the Temple of Khnum, is a splendid monument to the ram-headed god of creation. The temple's construction spanned many centuries, from the 18th Dynasty of Thutmose III to the 3rd century AD of the Roman emperors. The temple showcases its exquisite architecture, its lavish decoration, and its astronomical and religious inscriptions. As you draw near the temple, you will be struck by its majestic appearance, rising from a deep pit that was dug by archaeologists in the 19th century. The temple was originally at ground level, but over time it was engulfed by layers of silt and debris. The hypostyle hall has 24 columns with elegant floral capitals that hold up a roof adorned with astronomical and zodiacal scenes. The walls of the hall are filled with reliefs and texts that portray various Roman emperors venerating the gods of Esna, especially Khnum and his consort Menhet, the lion-headed goddess. You will also see scenes of festivals, rituals, offerings, and hunting. The inscriptions on the walls are in hieroglyphs, demotic, and Greek, reflecting the multicultural nature of Esna during the Greco-Roman period. Some of the inscriptions are very rare and unique, such as a hymn to Khnum written with a crocodile hieroglyph instead of a ram.

As you wander through the temple, you will be guided by an expert Egyptologist who will enlighten you about the history and significance of this ancient site. You will learn about the role of Khnum in Egyptian mythology, the symbolism of his sacred animal, the Nile perch, and the importance of Esna as a religious and administrative centre in Upper Egypt. You will also uncover some of the secrets and mysteries of the temple, such as why some of the columns have distinctive designs, why some of the scenes are unfinished or damaged, and what lies beneath the unexcavated parts of the temple.

At the ancient site of El Kab, explore the rock-cut tombs of the early Eighteenth Dynasty and admire the stunning reliefs and inscriptions that tell the stories of the nobles. You will be accompanied by an Egyptologist guide who will explain the history and significance of this site, which was once the city of Nekheb, the home of the goddess Nekhbet, the protector of Upper Egypt. El Kab is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Egypt and offers a unique glimpse into the ancient culture and religion of this country.

Some highlights of your visit to El Kab are:

• The tomb of Ahmose, son of Abana, a naval officer who fought against the Hyksos and witnessed the establishment of the new kingdom by Ahmose I.
• The tomb of Paheri, a governor and writer who depicted scenes of daily life, farming, hunting and fishing in his tomb.
• The tomb of Setau, a viceroy of Nubia under Ramses III, who recorded his military campaigns and sacrifices to the gods in his tomb.
• The Keeping Chapel of Amenhotep III, a small temple dedicated to the god Amun and decorated with scenes of the king and his family.
• The hemispéos of Ptolemy VIII and Cleopatra II, a semi-rock-hewn temple with a portico and sanctuary carved into the cliff.
• The walls of El Kab, a massive mud enclosure that surrounded the city and measured about 1.5 km by 0.5 km.
  

The Temple of Edfu is the second largest and best preserved temple in the country. Dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus, the temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and art, with its colossal pylons, exquisite reliefs and majestic statues.

The Temple of Edfu was built over 180 years, from 237 BC to 57 BC, by the Ptolemaic kings who wanted to honor Horus and his divine family. The temple was built on the site of an older shrine, where Horus was believed to have fought his evil uncle Seth for the throne of Egypt. The temple's walls are covered with inscriptions that tell the story of this epic battle, as well as the rituals and festivals that were celebrated in the temple.

Our Egyptologist guide will explain the meaning and symbolism of every detail, from the impressive entrance with its towering flags, to the inner sanctuary with its sacred shrine. You will also learn about the daily life of the priests and the pharaohs who worshiped Horus and his consort Hathor, the goddess of love and beauty.

Gebel el-Silsila is an ancient sandstone quarry that supplied the building blocks for many of the magnificent temples and monuments along the Nile. Gebel el-Silsila, which means "Chain of Mountains" in Arabic, is located 65 km north of Aswan, where the river narrows and flows between steep cliffs on both sides. Here you can admire the traces of the ancient quarrying activity, such as masons' marks, inscriptions, stelae, and rock-cut shrines. You can also explore the Speos of Horemheb, a rock-cut temple dedicated to the god Sobek, who was worshipped here as the controller of the waters and the protector of the crocodiles.

Our Egyptologist guide will explain to you the history and significance of this site, which was known in Pharaonic times as Khenu, meaning "The Place of Rowing". You will learn how Gebel el-Silsila was a major source of sandstone from the 18th Dynasty to the Roman period, and how it was used to construct some of the most impressive structures in Egypt, such as Karnak, Luxor, Medinet Habu, Kom Ombo and the Ramesseum. You will also discover how Gebel el-Silsila was an important cult center for the Nile, where sacrifices were made every year to ensure the fertility of the land.

Gebel el-Silsila is a hidden gem that will surprise you with its beauty and charm, you will be rewarded with a memorable adventure that will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of Egypt's ancient civilization.

The Temple of Kom Ombo is located on the banks of the Nile, about 30 miles north of Aswan, and it is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus, the falcon god of the sun. The temple is perfectly symmetrical, with two entrances, two courts, two colonnades, two hypostyle halls and two sanctuaries, one for each god. You can admire the exquisite reliefs and carvings that depict the myths and rituals of the ancient Egyptians, as well as scenes of medicine, astronomy, and agriculture. You can also see the remains of a sacred pool where live crocodiles were kept and worshipped as incarnations of Sobek.

Our Egyptologist guide will explain the history and significance of this remarkable temple. You will learn about the Ptolemaic dynasty that built it between 332 BC and 395 AD, and the Roman emperors who added some decorations and structures later on. You will also discover how the temple was used by the Coptic Christians who converted it into a church, and how it was restored by a French archaeologist in the 19th century. He will also point out some interesting details that you might otherwise miss, such as the Nilometer that measured the level of the river, the calendar that showed the dates of festivals and holidays, and the mummified crocodiles that are displayed in a nearby museum.

The Temple of Kom Ombo is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and art that reflects the culture and beliefs of two different gods and their worshippers. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to explore the rich and diverse heritage of Egypt. Don't miss this chance to visit one of the most fascinating and beautiful temples in the world.