Enchanting Al Tod

Just outside of Luxor, after about a 20-minute drive through some interesting traditional Upper Egyptian villages, lies the enchanting temple of Al Tod. It is seldom visited by tourists and is therefore a haven of tranquillity and peace. On the way there, we catch lots of glimpses of real Egyptian daily life, fascinating and inspiring in its simplicity.

This sanctuary was dedicated to the god Montu, the lord of war who held sway over this area before Amun took over as main god. Signs of temple activity on this site date back at least as far as the 5th dynasty! The ancient docking stations for the sacred barques, including the actual mooring posts, and the via sacra leading up to it, are completely intact, giving you a feel of the lost grandeur of the place. We are usually the only ones in this temple, and you can wander and explore to your heart’s content. And if this is something you would like to do, we can even have a picnic in the temple grounds!

And when you are done seeing the temple, we can have a look at the nearby mosque, which is one of the oldest in the area, and has used columns from the temple in its building. The view from its roof is nothing but spectacular.

A very special experience!

Tip: This trip is easily combined into a full day trip with the excursion to Medamud Temple, which is nice because both sanctuaries were dedicated to the same god, the god Montu, who ruled the area of Luxor as reigning deity before Amun of the huge complex of Karnak came along. Both temples are part of a vast temple field dedicated to Montu, encompassing the whole Luxor area, giving it its ancient name of Hermonthis (in the Greek version).

Price for Al Tod: 45 euros per person
Price for Al Tod including picnic: 60 euros per person
Price for Al Tod and Medamud: 95 euros per person (also includes lunch, with tea and soft drinks)

Includes: set-up, transport, explanation, tickets