A valley fit for a queen? (Valley of the Queens (Luxor, Egypt))

Member Name: ~*pink-pilgrim*~

Product:	Valley of the Queens (Luxor, Egypt)
Date:	08/06/09 (33 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The history and landscape is breath-taking

Disadvantages: the heat, rocky paths and hassle can get too much

I will never forget studying Ancient Egypt in year 3 of school. I was an enthusiastic 7 year old with a passion fir history. I remember returning home begging my mum to buy some straw and let me dig up the garden so that I could make mud bricks like the Ancient Egyptians did. I loved learning about the gruesome mummification and the kings and queens. When I trained to be a teacher Egypt was the one topic I looked forward to teaching. It was only wise therefore that when we were planning our wedding and honeymoon we went somewhere as stunning as Egypt. I was very lucky that my now husband had a life-long dream to visit Egypt. We chose our hotel in Luxor so that we could be close to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, The Valley of the Queens was never a priority. We soon decided that as we wanted our honeymoon to be a once in a lifetime opportunity we would spend a week cruising on the Nile and another week in Luxor. The Nile Cruise included all of our excursions so the Valley of the Queens was included within the price. This was actually a blessing in disguise as I enjoyed the visit to the Valley of the Queens as much as the Valley of the Kings and the temples.

The Valley of the Queens is situated along the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor and lies to the South of the Valley of the Kings. Within the Valley of the Queens you will find around 80 tombs of Pharaoh's wives, children and nobles. I admit that in the heat, amongst the barren landscape I felt very de-motivated by the prospect of yet another trek around crumbling tombs. My husband on the other hand was getting very excited. I couldn't help feel hot and bothered and I feel this ruined the overall experience. I would therefore recommend that should you visit anywhere in Egypt go really early. We had unfortunately booked through First Choice and although we had a top Egyptologist (Omar was amazing) the day was rushed and we had to fit five excursions into one morning and despite the 4am start it soon got very hot. I also found that the further up the path we went the more uneven the ground became and I soon regretted wearing flip-flops.

Although we soon got used to the 'hassle' at every attraction the Valley of the Queens was no exception, as soon as we stepped of the coach we were offered guide books, postcards and the opportunity to have a photo taken in front of the landscape. They are advertised as 'free' but this is never the case. We were fortunate to have our Egyptologist with us as I think we could have been persuaded one way or another to part a lot of cash in return for a poorly translated/photographed souvenir.

After walking up the steep hill to the tombs we were disappointed to find that the tomb of Nefertiti was closed. Nefertiti was the favourite wife of Ramses II and the tomb is said to be decorated with lavish paintings, and all have kept their original, bright colours. I was amazed by Amenherkhepshef's tomb a son of Ramses III, it contained a small sarcophagus (although Amenherkhepshef was never actually buried here) and at the back a small mummified foetus, thought to have been miscarried by Amenherkhepshef's mother on hearing the news of his death. I was amazed at how well the foetus was preserved.

I was a little disappointed with the 'no photography' rule and the fact that the locals monopolized on this by selling digitally enhanced postcards as these postcards never give a true reflection of what you saw on that day. Our Egyptologist explained that 5 years ago photos without flash were accepted but a minority of selfish tourists used a flash and ruined it for everyone else. With photographical advances these days it is possible to get a good photo without using the flash so that did annoy me a little bit. That said the views are etched in my mind and I doubt I will forget the experience for a very long time.

Overall I was not blown away with the Valley of the Queens however we had paid £20 for our ticket, transport and Egyptologist with First Choice which I had thought was rather expensive for a 50 minute visit. The entrance to the Valley of the Queens direct was 35LE which is roughly £3-£5 depending on exchange rate which is actually very good however I believe there was a charge for Nefertiti's tomb. I feel that a mixture of heat, lack of shade and the rocky incline was cause of my frustration and lack of interest. Despite my developing frustration at antiquity in the 46c heat I couldn't help but wonder what undiscovered treasure was beneath my feat, the awe inspiring landscape and history buried beneath amazed me and therefore the experience will be one I remember forever. I believe it is worth the visit whether you visit by taxi and pay the 35LE or go with a package tour e.g. Thompson, First Choice, and Eclipse and pay a little more for the qualified guide.

Summary: A stunning place to visit but definitely 'once' in a life-time!