Edfu, Egypt

Edfu Temple

A Temple Magnificently Preserved Visit one of Egypt’s most complete ancient temples, buried and preserved under desert sands for 2,000 years. From your ship, you will board a motor coach for a scenic drive through the village streets, catching glimpses of local life. Upon arrival at the Temple of Horus at Edfu, built between 237 and 57 BC, you will gather at the entrance with your guide to marvel at the pair of black granite statues of Horus, the falcon god to whom the temple is dedicated. Proceed into the colonnaded courtyard past hieroglyphics and rows of lotus columns into two halls, whose side chambers stored offerings to the gods. As you explore, you will see the stairway leading to the roof. During an annual New Year’s festival, priests carried a statue of Horus to the roof so it could be revitalized by the year’s first sun. In the sanctuary, you can admire a replica of Horus’s sacred boat. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.