Confused on what we should do for Luxor next fall. There is an overnight excursion ($699) that we would need to book in advance and then a choice of four one day choice excursions (price unknown at this time) and one free excursion. Not knowing which temples and tombs are better to see than others, I am having a hard time deciding.

For those of you that have been before, can you give me some guidance? If curious as to description, the choices are at:

http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY1710...ee/day-8/SAF-001/default.aspx#Excursions

I am leaning towards exclusive luxor:

http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY1710...ee/day-8/SAF-012/default.aspx#Excursions

as it is only one that specifically mentions Nefertari tomb; although the two day just says you get into three tombs not mentioning if all are options.

Any thoughts appreciated.

Marc

Marc, when we went to Luxor/Valley of the Kings (World Cruise in the good old days) it included an overnight with 2 full days. Even then I'm sure there was lots we didn't see. Are you offered any kind of overnight? If so, I'd highly recommend it.

If not than I think I would opt for the exclusive...tough call, both sound good. I wish they were sending you with a nice box lunch you could eat on the bus. I didn't like the sound of nice "leisurely" lunch when there's so much to see. Advice: Don't get on a bus with a bunch of mobility challenged as Regent doesn't always enforce their own guidelines.

Marc -

Nefertari tomb is definitely worth seeing, it is so well preserved and the frescos are so bright compared to other tombs. We were not even allowed to speak while in the tomb. I think you should try and do the one with that tomb for sure.

Marc, I was about to tell you that it could NOT BE THE NEFERTARI'S TOMB - but I was wrong. This has been closed to the public for YEARS and only at a rate of about $10,000 per person IF you were a VIP could you see it for 10 minutes.

On Nile 2 we were able to get in and I was absolutely thrilled having wanted to go in that tomb forever. They opened it up for groups and we paid a hefty sum to go inside. It is amazing - really incredible.

I just looked on line and found an article from June, 2016.

"The tombs in Luxor will re-open in a month's time, and tickets will cost EGP 1,000 (approx. $113).The number of visitors is to be limited to around 100 to 150 people a day"

They really need tourists I cannot believe they have taken this step.

Set the alarm and book that tour no matter what it costs. I think you will be glad you did. Makes me want to go on that cruise to go in that the tomb again.

I read the two tours, Ancient Luxor and Exclusive Luxor.

The Exclusive tour does Nefertaris tomb and Karnak.

The Ancient Luxor does Luxor and Queen Hatshepsut temples.

Both Karnak and Luxor are great so I do not think it matters which one you do.

Queen Hatshepsut is quite different and not a big temple Karnak and Luxor. Although that is on the other tour and not the Nefertari's tomb tour, my guess is you will drive by and see it from a distance anyway, and It looks better from a distance. This temple it is on the road from the Valley of the Kings and Queens on the way back to Luxor.

Once you walk up to the temple it is not as remarkable as the other temples. Not missing that much here.

I am excited that you will see Neferatari's tomb it is exquisite.

Ngaire, Marcie, and JoAnn, thanks! I was interested in whether Neferartari's tomb was the same that you just saw last time; I will try to book that tour. I can't tell if the overnight tour also stops there; doesn't say anything about it. Do you think it worthwhile to contact Regent or would they not know either?

Here's the two day tour description:

http://www.rssc.com/cruises/VOY171027/land-hotel/ashore/day-1/default/default.aspx#Other

Marc

It does not mention it but I will contact Hunter on Monday to reconfirm. What is nice about that one is both Karnak and Luxor. BUT NOTHING is as important as Nefertaris tomb. It has been recreated to the way it would have been and is spectacular.

Ngaire, thanks!

Ngaire, we are also booked on this cruise and considering doing the overnight tour so we won't have to drive back to ship, plus, it includes the night show at Karnak temple. However, it does not include visit to Nefertaris' tomb. Do you think we'll see more if we do the overnight tour? Thank you. Marc, we'll look forward to meeting you. We are looking forward to this cruise.

forevertravel, how long are you staying on? Ngaire did hear back from Regent and the overnight does NOT stop at Nefertari's tomb. We are going to take the one day so we can snorkel in the Red Sea the second day.

Marc

pili - I welcome the responses of other LCTers who have experienced the sound & light show at Karnak; but I will be frank in informing you that nearly everyone in our group several years ago found the show to be dreadfully long and fairly boring. The show would have been fine if it had been about a third (or a quarter) of its actual length. Finally, when we were blessedly released to return to our buses to go back to the hotel, the walk was in some spots over rough ground in almost total darkness.

While Karnak is absolutely magnificent in the daytime and entirely worth a good visit, I would counsel you to reconsider taking in the dreary night show.

I agree with Freddie, did the sound and light show once and it was really long with excessive periods of standing to a recording. Once was enough.

However Nefartari's tomb is an absolutely incredible experience. Do yourself a favor and book the tour at Nefartari's tomb. It is possible if that many people a day start to affect the tomb they will close it again. Grab this opportunity.

Some of these images below are mixed in with pictures from Abu Simbel a totally different temple to the tomb we are discussing here. The images with the bright colors are from the tomb.

https://www.google.com/search?q=images+nefertari%27s+royal+tomb&rlz=1C1NHXL_enUS691US691&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=946&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiBuZzX6sbRAhVMziYKHbolD1gQsAQIGQ

Now you got me thinking. I am considering the overnight tour because of the long drives in one day plus we'll see both Karnak, Luxor temple, Valley of the Kings and Hapsherptuses. The exclusive tour goes to Nefartari's tomb but not Karnak. I may have to miss Nefartari's tomb so I can see the other sights and not travel back and forth in one day. I'm not sure how they do all that's promised in 13 hours.

You have to do what you think is best for you. In the end that is all that matters!!

Actual tours finally posted; NO excursion to Nefertari's tomb; in fact, about half as many tours as originally listed

Not a happy camper.