The journey begins with a pickup from your hotel or cruise in Luxor, followed by a transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle to Abydos (160 km), the most sacred sanctuary of ancient Egypt. The temple of Seti I (1294-1279 BC), dedicated to Osiris, god of the underworld, stands as a jewel of the New Kingdom. In its corridor, the “King List” enumerates 76 pharaohs from Menes, inscribed with meticulous precision, a testament to dynastic continuity. The polychrome reliefs, still vibrant with color, depict the death and resurrection of Osiris, murdered by Seth and revived by Isis. The English-speaking tour guide elaborates on this mythological epic, pointing out scenes of offerings to Anubis, the guardian of tombs. Adjacent to the temple, the Osireion, a subterranean granite structure, intrigues with its hieroglyphs and enigmatic design. Was it a cenotaph for Osiris or a mystical portal? Its walls, aligned with the stars, suggest nocturnal rituals where priests invoked the god. Each carving tells a story, and this sacred site ignites curiosity about the mysteries of eternity.

Following a local lunch, the trip continues to Dendera (60 km from Luxor), home to the temple of Hathor, goddess of love and music. Constructed during the Greco-Roman era (125 BC-60 AD), this temple stands out for its pristine condition. The hypostyle hall, with 24 columns topped by floral capitals, leads to the astronomical ceiling, a zodiac mapping constellations and planets, famously copied by Napoleon. Explore the underground crypts, adorned with reliefs of secret rituals. The guide details the “Dendera Light,” a carving some link to ancient technology. What do these images signify? The temple also preserves scenes of Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarión, a testament to power. Then return to Luxor at dusk leaves the mind brimming with unresolved mysteries.