A significant part of the Theban Necropolis on the west bank of Egypt's River Nile, the Valley of the Kings is set in the arid, rocky desert of the Theban Hills. The resting place of pharaohs of the 18^th to 20^th dynasties, the valley was in use as a burial ground for around 500 years. It is here that you’ll find the tombs of big names of the New Kingdom, like Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses II. There are known to be 65 rock-cut tombs and chambers within the Valley of the Kings (one discovered as recently as 2005); being underground some of the original decoration and colour remains, making the experience even more evocative.

Pharaohs began building their tombs as soon as they ascended to the throne (which is why you may find some tombs unfinished), later arriving at this desolate valley as a mummy in an elaborate procession to be sealed into their tomb. In a sarcophagus bedecked in gold and jewels, the pharaoh would also be buried with all the things that would be needed in the afterlife. Unfortunately, many of the tombs were looted by subsequent, less successful dynasties, leaving very little of the ancient treasure for us to admire today.