Day tour to Dendera and Abydos

A private day tour to Dendera and Abydos is a popular option for those who have already seen the main sites in Luxor or are looking to see some of the most beautifully preserved and artistically significant temples in all of Egypt. Since both temples are located north of Luxor, the tour typically takes a full day and includes a significant amount of travel time.

Itinerary Highlights

The itinerary for a Dendera and Abydos tour is straightforward, as the main focus is on these two incredible temple complexes.

• Morning: Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship in Luxor in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey to Abydos, the furthest temple, takes about 2-3 hours.
• Abydos (Temple of Seti I): This is often the first stop. Abydos was one of the most sacred places in ancient Egypt, believed to be the burial site of the god Osiris, the god of the underworld. The Temple of Seti I is the main highlight. It is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved and delicate low-relief carvings, which are considered some of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian art. You will also see the Abydos King List, a chronological list of pharaohs carved into the temple’s walls.
• Lunch: You will stop for lunch at a local restaurant, which is a welcome break after the drive and initial sightseeing.
• Dendera (Temple of Hathor): The journey from Abydos to Dendera takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The Temple of Hathor is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, with its roof, hypostyle hall, and crypts all accessible to visitors. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and joy. Highlights include the magnificent astronomical ceiling, with a replica of the famous Dendera Zodiac (the original is in the Louvre in Paris). You can also climb to the roof for panoramic views and a look at the unique “Dendera Light” carvings in the temple’s crypts.
• Return: After exploring Dendera, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in Luxor, concluding the tour.

Prices