Hidden between the rocky escarpments of Luxor’s west bank, the Valley of the Kings was the final resting place for the kings of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties.

Covered in intricately detailed, vibrant wall-paintings, the tombs are normally every visitor’s number-one stop on a West Bank visit.

Since it was believed that the dead, accompanied by the sun god (or perhaps having become one with the sun god) sailed through the underworld at night in a boat, the walls of the tombs were adorned with texts and scenes depicting this voyage and giving the dead instruction on its course.

Within the valley are 63 tombs, which are a roll-call of famous names of Egyptian history, including the famous boy-king Tutankhamun.

The tombs are open on a rotation system to preserve the paintings as much as possible from the damage caused by humidity. Head here first thing in the morning (the site opens at 6am) to see them completely without the crowds.