In Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, visitors can tour a stunning set of monuments from ancient Egypt.

Of all the locations visited by Nile River cruise boats, Luxor is the most splendid. This city, which was once known as Thebes, boasts the richest array of archeological sites in Egypt.

The city served as the capital of Egypt during the New Kingdom (1567-1085 B.C.E.). The Nile divided Thebes into two distinct halves: the east bank was the City of the Living, where the Temples of Luxor and Karnak greeted the sunrise each day. The west bank was the City of the Dead, the place where the sun set over the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

The Temples of Luxor and Karnak continue to dominate the city, exuding ruined grandeur with their massive statues, elaborately ornamented walls, and towering pillars designed to showcase the power of the pharaoh.

Luxor Temple is located in the downtown within walking distance of where the cruise boats dock. It was constructed for the worship of the god Amon Ra, whose marriage anniversary to his wife, Mut, was celebrated once a year. At its entrance is a huge pylon or monumental gateway constructed by Ramses II, with two huge statues of the king. Two obelisks once stood here as well, though only one remains (the other stands at Concorde Square in Paris)