Exploring the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings on Egypt Tour

Egypt contains some truly magnificent ancient treasures in the world. The Pyramids of Giza and Valley of Kings are both incredible places to see the genius of ancient Egyptian culture. An Egypt tour that explores the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings takes you to both Cairo and Luxor, where you can visit the Giza plateau’s famous pyramids and the Great Sphinx, then travel south to Luxor to explore the hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings. These famous sites offer travelers an unforgettable trip through history.

The Great Pyramids of Giza – Ancient World’s Greatest Marvel

The Pyramids of Giza are the only ancient wonder of the world that exists today. Located on the Giza plateau outside Cairo, this site contains three main pyramids built for the three pharaohs, Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Sphinx, and the ruins of the workers’ villages can all be seen. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest, originally standing 146.5 meters tall and built from more than 2.3 million stone blocks.

You can enter the Great Pyramid and walk through steep, narrow paths while you crouch to reach the central chamber. This is an incredible connection to ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. The magnificent and mysterious Great Sphinx stands guard over these massive structures – carved from one single block of limestone, with the body of a lion and the head of a human.  Though it does cost extra to take photographs inside, walking through them will definitely provide memories to last a lifetime.

Most Egypt tours include professional guides that discuss how they were built and their historical significance. Hotels in the Giza area, such as the Marriott Mena House, offer complimentary views of the pyramids to visitors. In the desert, you can ride a camel on the plateau and take pictures of this stunning landscape.

Valley of Kings – The Royal Tombs of the Ancient Pharaohs

The Valley of Kings is the spectacular cemetery of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Located on the west bank of Luxor, this desert valley was the main cemetery of the New Kingdom pharaohs of Egypt during 1550 – 1077 BCE. The valley has 65 known tombs, though not all were pharaohs – a few were built for queens, high priests, and other noble persons. You can walk among huge columns and hieroglyphics while you learn about the tombs from an expert guide.

Visitors reach the tombs via a three-minute tram ride, with ferries that leave every ten to fifteen minutes. Standard entrance tickets include access to three tombs, though special passes allow entry to more burial chambers. Famous tombs include those of Ramses IV, Ramses IX, and Merenptah, each has beautifully colored wall paintings depicting the journey of the pharaoh through the afterlife. Full-day Luxor tours combine the Valley of the Kings with Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Hatshepsut for a complete historical experience.

King Tutankhamun’s tomb needs a separate ticket and advance reservation due to limited daily visitors. Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb in November 1922 made the Valley of Kings famous. Some tours offer hot air balloon rides over Luxor at sunrise for great views before you visit the tombs. The tomb contains original artifacts and the pharaoh’s golden coffin, though most treasures now sit in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum.

Professional Tours and Expert Guides

Guided tours with Egyptologists make the experience better by providing historical context and insights into these ancient wonders. Tour operators like Nourbelle Tours and Intrepid Travel offer various packages that fit different travel styles and budgets:

Multi-day tours combine these key sites with Nile cruises for a complete Egyptian adventure

Six or seven-day tour packages include Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan destinations

Shorter day trips focus on specific areas for travelers with limited time

Half-day tours from Cairo include hotel transfers and multilingual guides

A professional Egyptologist guide gives deep insights into the art, history, and stories behind the monuments. These specialists speak multiple languages and can adjust their dedications towards different age groups and interests. Professional guides will enliven these sites through storytelling that turn stones and memorials into portals of the past.

Best time to visit and practical suggestions

From November to February are cooler temperatures to explore areas of archaeological sites. Egypt’s climate makes timing crucial for comfortable exploration, with winter months that give ideal weather conditions. Summer months can reach 40°C, which makes early morning visits essential for comfort:

• Day tours from Cairo to Giza take about one hour by car
• Flights from Cairo to Luxor need 1.5 hours travel time
• Most organized tours start at dawn to avoid crowds and heat
• Online ticket purchases help avoid queues and guarantee entry

Many visitors combine both destinations in multi-day packages and stay in luxury hotels near each site. Transportation, entry fees, and guides are generally included with organized tours. Planning in advance leads to better experiences with the sites.

Important Tips for Your Trip to Egypt

Make sure to dress modestly and pack sun protection (hats, sunscreen, etc.) to remain comfortable while visiting the sites. Wear comfy shoes since both places involve walking on uneven surfaces. Bottled water is available at both locations but is overpriced:

• The tipping culture is still alive in Egypt, and small amounts are given to both guides and drivers
• Most vendors accept Egyptian pounds, US dollars, and credit cards.
• Professional photography requires permitting, but smartphone cameras work freely
• Reputable tour companies are licensed to provide a guide with knowledge of the area

These guides will greatly enhance your experience from your own unguided experience. First-rate operators provide air-conditioned transportation plus restaurant recommendations. Licensed guides are also significant additions to enhance your experience with their detailed knowledge of Egyptian history and archaeology.

Hidden Gems and Other Experiences

The Giza complex has numerous hidden treasures beyond the well-traveled pyramids. The Tomb of Queen Meresankh III has beautiful relief carvings and colorful paintings that show ancient artistic skills. The Pyramid of Queen Henutsen is located beside the Great Pyramid, although it may be closed for visitors according to the season. But, there are some beautiful picture-taking viewpoints, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the desert light creates magic.

Luxor has glorious tombs of royal wives in the Valley of Queens, including Nefertari’s extraordinary tomb. The Tomb of Ay and Tomb of Horemheb represent very different artistic styles and periods that span the centuries of Egyptian civilization. The highs include Ramses III’s tomb, Ramses VI’s tomb, and the great tomb of Seti I, which present different architectural styles and decorations.

Plan Your Ideal Egypt Vacation

When you book tours to the Pyramids of Giza and Valley of Kings in Egypt, you are creating lasting memories with ancient peoples who lived during human history. These monuments are the greatest efforts made by humankind, and they offer insight into very advanced beliefs. Whether you take a multi-day package or a day trip from another for multiple day packages. Book your Egypt tour and experience places where the ancient pharaohs walked.