Family Adventure in Luxor: Exploring Ancient Egypt

Secrets of Seti and the Soul: A Luxor Day Trip

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices. From exploring the elaborate tomb of a pharaoh to understanding the rituals of mummification, and even experiencing the vibrant energy of a local market, Luxor continued to surprise and captivate Fatima, Omar, and me.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Mamma Mia! Luxor. The aroma of freshly baked pastries and strong coffee filled the air, a perfect start to a day promising exploration and wonder. Omar was particularly excited about the cheese pies, while Fatima enjoyed a classic Egyptian breakfast of beans and bread. I opted for a simple omelette, fueling up for the adventures ahead. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere made it a delightful experience.


Savor authentic Italian flavors at Mamma Mia! Luxor - where every meal is a culinary journey through Italy.

After breakfast, we set off to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings. Today, the main attraction was KV17, the tomb of Seti I. I had heard whispers about its grandeur, but nothing prepared me for the reality. Getting there involved a bit of a drive and then a short shuttle ride, but the anticipation kept us energized.

As we descended into the tomb, the air grew cooler, and a sense of awe washed over me. The vibrant colors on the walls, preserved for thousands of years, told stories of a powerful pharaoh's journey into the afterlife. The intricate details of the hieroglyphs and the scenes from the Book of the Dead were simply breathtaking. Omar, usually restless, was unusually quiet, his eyes wide with wonder. Fatima and I exchanged glances, both of us feeling the weight of history surrounding us. The sheer scale of the tomb, with its many corridors and chambers, was astounding.


Explore the Tomb of Seti I in the Valley of the Kings, a breathtaking testament to ancient Egyptian artistry and burial traditions.

The tomb of Seti I is considered the most complete and decorated of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Seti I, who ruled some 70 years after Tutankhamun, saw his reign as a golden age, marked by a revival of Old Kingdom-style art. This was evident in every corner of the tomb, from the astronomical scenes on the ceiling to the depictions of Seti with various gods. It was fascinating to see how the art and architecture reflected his desire to restore Egypt to its former glory.

According to historical accounts, the tomb's construction likely began shortly after Seti I ascended the throne. The tomb is known as one of the longest and deepest in the Valley of the Kings. Inside, the walls are filled with images from ancient texts, including the Litany of Ra and the Book of Gates.

After spending a good couple of hours in the tomb, we emerged, blinking in the sunlight, our minds buzzing with images and stories. It's hard to describe the feeling of being in such a place, a place where art, history, and spirituality converge. Even Omar, who typically prefers running around, was captivated by the experience.

Next on our itinerary was the Mummification Museum, located back on the East Bank. After a short taxi ride, we arrived at the museum, eager to learn more about the ancient Egyptians' beliefs about death and the afterlife. The museum is located on Luxor's corniche.


Explore the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian mummification in Luxor, discovering the rituals, tools, and beliefs surrounding this ancient practice.

The Mummification Museum offered a fascinating insight into the ancient Egyptian mummification process. The exhibits were well-presented, with clear explanations of the various steps involved, from the removal of organs to the wrapping of the body. Seeing the tools and materials used in the process was both intriguing and a little unsettling.

One of the highlights was the mummy of Maserharti, a 21st-dynasty high priest of Amun. The care and detail with which his body had been preserved was remarkable. There were also several mummified animals on display, including a crocodile and a cat, highlighting the importance of animals in ancient Egyptian religion. Omar was particularly fascinated by the mummified crocodile, asking endless questions about how it was done.

As we walked through the museum, I couldn't help but reflect on the ancient Egyptians' deep reverence for life and death. Their belief in the afterlife shaped their entire culture, and the mummification process was a testament to their dedication to preserving the body for eternity.

By now, our stomachs were rumbling, so we headed to Kaya Restoz for lunch. This restaurant offered a mix of Egyptian and international cuisine, and we were all eager to try something new. Fatima ordered a traditional tagine, while Omar opted for a familiar pasta dish. I decided to try the grilled fish, which was fresh and flavorful.


Discover Kaya Restoz in Luxor: where Native American flavors meet Egyptian hospitality along the Nile.

After lunch, we decided to immerse ourselves in the local culture with a visit to the Luxor Fruit and Vegetable Market. The market was a sensory overload, with vibrant colors, exotic smells, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares. Piles of dates, pomegranates, and mangoes were stacked high, and the air was filled with the aroma of spices and herbs.


Explore the Luxor Fruit and Vegetable Market, a vibrant hub of fresh produce and local culture, brimming with colors and flavors unique to Egypt.

The vendors were friendly and eager to show off their produce, offering us samples of everything from juicy dates to sweet mangoes. Omar was particularly excited about the dates, and we ended up buying a large bag to snack on later. I found myself drawn to the spices, stocking up on cumin, coriander, and turmeric to bring back to Germany. We haggled a bit over the prices, a common practice in the market, and I enjoyed the banter with the vendors.

The market was not just a place to buy food; it was a social hub, where locals gathered to chat, exchange news, and enjoy each other's company. It was a great opportunity to observe the daily life of Luxor's residents and to feel a part of the community. The Luxor Fruit and Vegetable Market is a vibrant hub of fresh produce and local culture.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to the Iberotel Luxor, tired but content. We freshened up and then headed out for dinner at Silk Road, a restaurant recommended for its Asian cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance was elegant, and the menu offered a wide range of dishes from across Asia. Fatima chose an Indian curry, while Omar went for a familiar plate of noodles. I opted for a Malaysian soup, eager to try something new.


Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Luxor at Iberotel Luxor Hotel, where comfort meets convenience just minutes from the city center.

The food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. The Silk Road restaurant offers a fine dining experience in exquisite surroundings. As we savored our meal, we reflected on the day's adventures, from the depths of Seti's tomb to the vibrant energy of the market. It had been a day of discovery, a day of connecting with the past and the present, a day of experiencing the magic of Luxor.


Discover the essence of Asian cuisine at Silk Road in Luxor—a culinary journey reflecting history and flavor.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Carter House and experience the Sound & Light show at Karnak Temple. I'm particularly excited about the Sound & Light show; I've heard it's an unforgettable experience. After that, we might check out the Nile Bar & Lounge.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had today. Luxor has a way of getting under your skin, of captivating your senses, and of leaving you wanting more. I am so glad that I am sharing this experience with my family, creating memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. And I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, what new adventures await us in this ancient and enchanting city.

I think I forgot the swimsuits, though. I hope the hotel has a shop where I can buy some for the kids.