Today we start in earnest, beginning in the south of the necropolis with the Valley of the Queens. Ta-Set- Neferu, the Place of Beauty, as it was known many years ago, is home to over 90 tombs but only a handful are open.

Our first port of call was the tomb of Khaemwaset, resting place of a son of Rameses III who predeceased his father. The tomb largely features scenes of the king presenting his son to the gods. This where the enjoyment begins for me, as most of our guests have not been in a royal tomb before. The looks of wonderment and incredulity are what keeps us coming back time after time.

Moving on to the next tomb, QV52 is home to Queen Tyti, wife of Rameses III, and probable mother to Khaemwaset and our third tomb owner Amunherkhepshef. The latter’s colours being splendidly preserved.

Of course, everything pales into insignificance when compared to the tomb of the Great Royal Wife of Rameses II, Nefertari. A lot of monitoring of potentially harmful things like moisture levels was going on which meant some areas where not accessible, but no matter, what there was, was outstanding. This tomb is not called the Sistine Chapel of Egypt for nothing. (Now Closed)

Moving on from the Valley of the Queens to the other end of the social scale, and the village of the workers. Deir el-Medina has provided an incredible snapshot of life at the time, over a period of around 400 years.

As the home of the craftsmen who were responsible for the incredible interiors of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, their own tombs are masterpieces in their own right.

Filled with spells to ensure their life in the hereafter, each tomb reflects aspects of its owner and his life. Our travellers were astounded by the condition and vibrancy of each one. We also spent some time in the Ptolemaic temple, only to look at, and explain, the large depiction of the Weighing of the Heart ceremony. No other reason!

After lunch it was time for our first mortuary temple, that of Rameses III, known as Medinet Habu, and home to the Harem Conspiracy that led to the death of the king.

The temple, nearly 500 feet long, is in a generally good state of repair. The impressive migdol inspired gateway leads one to the first pylon and on into the temple proper. The small 18th Dynasty Hatshepsut Tuthmose III built temple is still closed, although we were “offered” the chance to go in.

The main temple has much to look at and many rooms to explore, as well as the external walls and the great depiction of the battle against the Sea People; this kept everyone busy for quite a while until it was time to head for home.