Day 6: Luxor - Valley of the Kings and Queens - Nile cruise to Quena
After an early breakfast, we boarded the bus and rode to the west bank of the Nile, the hilly area that was the Necropolis of Thebes. There we visited the Valley of the Kings, with its many tombs cut deep into the cliffs. From the 18th to the 20th Dynasty, the Memphis area and pyramid-style tombs 
were abandoned in favor of the West Bank of the Nile in Thebes.
were abandoned in favor of the West Bank of the Nile in Thebes. Several great leaders as well as many less important rulers are buried here, and more tombs are being discovered even today. This is where Howard Carter discovered the treasures of Tutankhamen in 1922. We explored the tomb of Ramses III, IV, and IX, containing some of the best-preserved and most colorful hieroglyphs. Next we toured the “Valley of the Queens” and entered several tombs there. As we left the valley, we stopped at 
an alabaster workshop and watched a demonstration.
an alabaster workshop and watched a demonstration. Then it was on to the pair of massive statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. These statues are the only remnant of a temple dedicated to Amenhotep II. The temple was probably destroyed by earthquake.
After we returned to the ship, we set sail for the city of Quena. Only four ships sail this way. This is why - Quena was once the site of terrorist (Muslim brotherhood) attacks on tourists. The ever-present tourist police escorts were expanded and a machine gun and crew were added to the deck of our boat. After reaching Quena, we were told not to leave the boat. Later that night we did go as a large group on the “Fun Train” to a local “Girls’ Club” and watched traditional Egyptian folk dancing.
After we returned to the ship, we set sail for the city of Quena. Only four ships sail this way. This is why - Quena was once the site of terrorist (Muslim brotherhood) attacks on tourists. The ever-present tourist police escorts were expanded and a machine gun and crew were added to the deck of our boat. After reaching Quena, we were told not to leave the boat. Later that night we did go as a large group on the “Fun Train” to a local “Girls’ Club” and watched traditional Egyptian folk dancing.
Journey Into The Past
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