45. Valley of the Kings

What is the Valley of the Kings?

For 500 years, from the 16th to the 11th century BC, the pharaohs and powerful nobles of Egypt were buried in tombs cut from the rock in this valley near Luxor. There are 63 tombs in total. The Valley of the Kings became extremely famous in 1922 when Howard Carter located King Tutankhamun's missing tomb. King Tut had been a relatively undistinguished pharoah who died when he was 19. Over the years his tomb was covered over by building materials and was forgotten. However, Carter's discovery of Tut's intact grave, complete with mummy and over 5000 items buried with him, created a worldwide media storm and remains the biggest draw to the site. 

What's the Valley of the Kings like? 

It is a fascinating place - each tomb is different, as some are very empty and others are ornate. Personally, I preferred the stupendous size and scale of Karnak or Luxor Temple, but this definitely has to be seen.

Where is the Valley of the Kings? 

The Valley of the Kings is in Luxor, Egypt.

 

When did we go? 

April 2006

How did we get there? 

We did a Nile Cruise - I was really unsure about the idea before we went, but it was fantastic. We also visited Karnak (106) and the Luxor Temple (142).

Worth noting: 

Make sure you have a tour guide - I can't imagine visiting anything in Egypt without one. 

What was the Valley of the Kings' position in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List? 

82. It moved up 37 places.

Does the Valley of the Kings deserve its higher place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

Absolutely, although I preferred Karnak and Luxor Temple for their immediate impact.

 

86. Pyramids of Giza

What are the Pyramids of Giza?

There are three major pyramids on the Giza plateau in Greater Cairo. The Great Pyramid, built as a tomb for the pharoah Khufu, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is the only one that still exists today. It was built sometime in 2600 BC and took over 20 years to complete. It contains an estimated 2.3 million blocks and stands 139 metres tall. It was originally taller - the original smooth limestone rendering has been removed.

There are two other main pyramids: the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure. There are also smaller subsidiary pyramids dotted nearby containing the tombs of their wives and other important women.

What are the Pyramids of Giza like? 

They are stupendous. The Great Pyramid would be a staggering achievement if it was built today, so it is utterly baffling that someone managed to conceive and build such a huge edifice nearly 5000 years ago.

Where are the Pyramids of Giza? 

Greater Cairo, Egypt

When did we go? 

April 2022

How did we get there? 

We booked a tour and then flew from London to Cairo, where the tour guide met us. They guided us around for two days - the first day was dedicated to the Pyramids and the museum. On day two, we went to the Citadel in Old Cairo. You could easily visit Cairo/Giza under your own steam but the tour made it all a lot easier.

Worth noting: 

The Great Sphinx is also part of the Giza pyramid complex and is a must-see. This particular sphinx is believed to feature the face of Khafre, the pharoah buried in the second largest pyramid, on the body of a lion. Nobody knows why its nose was broken off but our guide told us that it is in the Louvre (63), while the sphinx's beard is in the British Museum (56). 

Where were the Pyramids of Giza in the 2015 Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List? 

They were listed at number 25 in the 2020 list - they dropped 61 places.

Do the Pyramids of Giza deserve their place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500? 

They should be in the top five. They are amazing.

106. Karnak

What is Karnak?

It's 3,500 years old. It was a hugely important Egyptian temple and several pharaohs contributed to its expansion - it has obelisks, sphinxes, the works. The highlight is the hypostyle hall with 134 giant columns. You might have seen it in the Bond film, The Spy Who Loved Me.

What is Karnak like? 

It's stupendous. If someone built it today you'd be impressed, so how they did it five millennia ago is beyond comprehension.

Where is Karnak? 

Luxor, Egypt

When did we go?

April 2006

How did we get there?

We did a Nile Cruise from Luxor - I was really not sure about the idea but it was fantastic. I highly recommend it. We also visited Luxor Temple (142) and the Valley of the Kings (45).

Worth noting 

You'll need to get used to your Egyptian gods when you do a Nile tour. Karnak was built for Amun.

Where was Karnak in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel List?

186

Does Karnak deserve its place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500? 

Yes! And I got my wish - I said it should be 100 places higher and it was indeed elevated (by 80 places but still!)

142. Luxor Temple

What is Luxor Temple? 

It's a big temple complex on the banks of the Nile that was constructed in 1400 BC. It was completed by Tutankhamun and there are enormous statues of him and his wife within the temple.

What's Luxor Temple like? 

It's amazing - the size and scale of the statues are incredible. 

Where is Luxor Temple?

Luxor, Egypt 

When did we go?

April 2006 

How did we get to Luxor Temple?

We did a Nile Cruise - I wasn't sure about the idea but it turned out to be one of our best ever holidays. We also visited Karnak (106) and the Valley of the Kings (45). 

Worth noting

I cannot imagine visiting the temples of Egypt without a tour guide - there's so much that you would never see or know to look for if you were on your own.

Where was Luxor Temple in the 2015 edition of the Lonely Planet Travel List? 

238

Does Luxor Temple deserve its higher place in the 2020 Lonely Planet Top 500?

Yes definitely - I'm glad it got elevated this year.