Experience the wonders of Luxor to Aswan transfers with visits to the historic Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo temples. Explore ancient Egyptian mythology, marvel at well-preserved shrines, and discover fascinating artifacts at the Crocodile Museum.
- Temple of Khnum - Explore the Esna Temple, a well-preserved gem showcasing Ptolemaic architecture. Only the pronaos (portico), dedicated to Khnum (God of the Nile’s source and creator of human bodies) and his wife Menhit (Lioness Goddess of war and massacres), has been unearthed; the rest of the temple lies beneath the city of Esna. The temple’s ceiling is supported by 24 magnificent columns with intricately carved palm and lotus floral capitals. The ceiling itself is decorated with the Ancient Egyptian interpretations of constellations, moon phases, and astronomical figures. A unique feature: there is an ongoing restoration and cleaning project, and it’s fascinating to watch the professionals at work during your visit.
- Temple of Horus - Construction of the Edfu Temple began on 23 August 237 BC under Ptolemy III, initially featuring a pillared hall, two diagonal halls, and a sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The Edfu Temple is one of Egypt’s best-preserved shrines, with walls detailing its construction, religious myths, and the family history of the God Horus, to whom the temple is dedicated. The Edfu Temple is closely linked to the Hathor Temple in Denderah and was the site of grand festivals. Horus was married to his aunt Hathor, who traveled south from Denderah each year to visit him in Edfu. A reconstruction of the Sacred Bark is displayed in the Holy Sanctuary. In 1860, French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette identified the temple’s pylons and began the work of excavating the Edfu temple from the sands. It remains nearly intact and is an excellent example of an ancient Egyptian temple.
- Temple of Kom Ombo - Travel further south to Kom Ombo to see the renowned double temple dedicated to Haroeris (“Horus the Elder”) and Sobek. Despite significant damage from Nile flooding and earthquakes, enough of the temple remains to appreciate the ancient artistry. Notable scenes on the temple walls, such as a depiction of surgical instruments that resemble modern ones, will be explained to you. Additionally, there is a beautiful ancient calendar showing hieroglyphs for the days of the month and the seasons, possibly used for crop cycles or daily offerings to the Gods. Your visit also includes the Crocodile Museum, which houses mummified crocodiles found near the temple.
- Aswan Governorate - The transfer from Luxor to Aswan, including visits to the temples of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo, will take approximately 10 hours.
- Private transportation
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Meals
- Tour Guide
- Entrance fees Esna Temple
- Entrance fees Edfu Temple
- Entrance fees Kom Ombo Temple
- Tips and personal spending
Take a tour of the Esna Temple, a sanctuary devoted to Khnum. The temple’s roof is held by 24 columns, decorated with beautifully sculpted palm and lotus blossom capitals. The roof displays the Ancient Egyptians’ interpretations of the galaxy, lunar cycles, and celestial bodies. Experience the joy of watching experts in action during the temple’s ongoing restoration and cleansing project.
The Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s most well-conserved places of worship, is our next stop. Its walls depict the construction process, theological myths, and the tale of the deity, Horus.
Finally, explore the renowned dual temple dedicated to Haroeris (‘Horus the Elder’) and Sobek. Notably, the temple walls illustrate a variety of surgical tools remarkably similar to those utilised in contemporary times, along with an old calendar that reveals the hieroglyphic symbols for the month’s days and the changing seasons. Lastly, make sure to visit the Crocodile Museum to observe the mummified crocodiles retrieved from the temple premises.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
