Viking Cruises

28 | Viking Explorer Society News The decor displays Viking's signature sleek, Scandi style, and communal areas include a huge shaded sundeck, elegant lounge where passengers converge for ice-cool drinks after a day's sightseeing, and an indoor-outdoor dining terrace. Wrapping the stern, a curvaceous pool offers respite from the heat. Docked next to Karnak Temple, our first shore excursion could not be more convenient. Karnak is the largest religious complex in the world and one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture, constructed and extended over two millennia from 2050 BC until the Roman period. For the first time, restoration works are removing layers of dust and mud from the 134 towering columns, revealing their original colours. It's one of the many sites that have been impressively restored in the past two years, prompted by a slump in tourism. At sunset, we visit Luxor Temple, beautifully lit up and accompanied by evocative chanting from a mosque. Then, we are fortunate to stroll along the adjacent Avenue of Sphinxes, which has finally reopened after decades of delays. Flanked by more than a thousand statues, the spectacular road was buried under sand until 1949, and efforts to excavate were repeatedly interrupted by political upheaval. Another site given new life is Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings. This month marks the 100th anniversary of its discovery by British archaeologist Howard Carter. It was November 26, 1922, when he and his sponsor Lord Carnarvon opened the 3000-year-old tomb, renowned as the only royal burial chamber found intact in modern times. When we descend the steps into the crypt, we find it in exceptional condition. The wall paintings, once covered by centuries of dirt and damage, are clean and vibrant. The mummy of the young king lies under white fabric in a climate- controlled glass case, his face and feet in full view. In another room is the sarcophagus, which once contained the legendary pharaoh's three nested coffins. More than 5000 treasures contained in Tut's tomb have been transferred to the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. The most exquisite tomb is dedicated to Nefertari, in the less-visited Valley of the Queens. Room after room is filled with remarkably well-preserved art in vivid colours and details. Adorning more than 500sqm are scenes from the Book of the Dead that depict Queen Nefertari being guided by gods to the afterlife through ceremonies Aquavit Terrace, Viking Osiris King Tutankhamun sarcophagus

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