TRIP ITINERARY Dendera temple is located about 2.5 km south-east of Dendera, 60 kilometers north of Luxor on the west bank of Nile River, roughly opposite the city of Qena Temple of Hathor Dendera temple or temple of Hathor is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Yes, it awes inspiring just like all the temples are. Yes, it worth a visit. Yes, you will not be disappointed. Yes, take with you an extra memory card, extra batteries for your camera. Yes, the beauty of colors will shock you. Dendera temple and the New Year Yes, you need to open your heart and mind and hear your guide when he will explain about the feast of the good union and the feast took place on New Year’s Day. Yes, nothing in this temple left to the imagination, every inch of the temple is inscribed or illustrated. The temple also likely functioned as a laboratory and university, where instructions were conducted in telegraphy, electricity, alchemy and other disciplines. Yes, you will enjoy your day from the moment you leave Hurghada and cross between the Red Sea Mountains till you reach Qena which is a very lovely place and more peaceful and green than Luxor or some of the other temples sites. You will start your day with your breakfast boxes from the reception of your hotel which you had to order one day before then your guide will pick you up with an air-conditioned vehicle to start your full-day tour to the ancient pilgrimage sites of Dendera. Dendera temple Best Hurghada excursions Dendera temple is located about 2.5 km south-east of Dendera, 60 kilometers north of Luxor on the west bank of the Nile River, roughly opposite the city of Qena. the capital of the province and governorate of Qena The Temple is one of the latest and best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. Dendera temple was dedicated to the goddess Hathor, the goddess of motherhood, beauty, sexuality, love, joy, harmony, dance and music was often associated with the planet, Venus. Ptolemy VIII and Queen Cleopatra II built it, and then later, Roman Emperors continued to decorate it and honor the Goddess Hathor. The Greeks identified the Goddess Hathor as Aphrodite. Dendera was an ancient healing center, comparable to a Greek Asklepion or the Catholic Lourdes. Dendera temple highlights Here you can enjoy your guide explains about the unique scenes of Dendera like the huge carving on the back wall of Cleopatra VII with her son Caesarian, son of Julius Caesar, making offerings to Hathor and all the other deities of Dendera. Enjoy one of the most fascinating scenes which decorate the roof chapel dedicated to Osiris or what is known as circular zodiac or The zodiac with its 12 figures of the ram, the bull, the heavenly twins, the crab, the lion, the virgin, the scales, the scorpion, the archer, the goat, the watering pots and fishes with glittering tails, a replica of the original that is displayed now in Louvre in Paris. Among the many other structures here are the remains of a 5th-century Christian basilica, an excellent example of early Coptic Church architecture, the sacred Lake which was used for the priest’s ablution and the Mammisi or the birth house (in which was celebrated the birth of Ihy, the son of Horus and Hathor. Do not miss a feature of Dendera temple not found elsewhere, Crypts. Some underground, some enclosed within the massive double walls of the upper temple with their ceremonial and religious significance as well. After you will finish your visit to the temple and the roof chapels and sanctuaries, making some unforgettable pictures and on the way back to Hurghada, you will pass by the famous Qena mosque of Abdel Raheem El Kenawi. The Muslim Sheikh, who spent all of his life in this town and died in 1170 A.D, founded the modern city. The birthday of this saint is celebrated every year, and a great number of pilgrims come from all over Egypt for the festivities then you will start your way back to your hotel in Hurghada. TRIP INCLUDES All transfers with air-conditioned modern vehicle. Egyptian professional tour guide/leader degree qualified in Egyptology. Entrance fee for all sightseeing mentioned above. All services and taxes including. Quality lunch in a local restaurant. 2 bottles of mineral water and 2 juices during the trip . Entrance fee. TRIP EXCLUDES Airfares and Egypt entry Visa. Any personal expenses and Optional Activities. Tipping kitty. Any item not mentioned above. WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU? Sun Glasses/ Hat/ Sun Cream. Water. Camera or Video Camera. Scarf. Comfortable shoes and clothes.