Egypt day 7. The last bits of sightseeing: the West Bank of Luxor. First up: Valley of the Kings, with dozens of burial tombs of the Pharaohs carved deep in the mountain. KV62 (Tutankhamun's tomb) was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. Disoveries of new tombs still ongoing! 
Next up, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Many of her images and statues were destroyed by the followers of her stepson Thutmose III after her death (the two had a long-lasting conflict who the legitimate ruler was).
Time to relax a bit after the river cruise/all the temple visits! And what better place than the Winter Palace? This old Victorian palace w palm garden once belonged to Egyptian King Farouk. It's now a #Sofitel. Good room rate (66 EUR/night incl breakfast) & free room upgrade.
Best of all is the view from my balacony over the palm garden. Amazingly tranquil! Not a bad place to drink some Egyptian white wine - and to take a long, warm bath. Needed this bit of rest after an intensive week!
Agatha Christie wrote 'Death on the Nile' here. Winston Churchill, Lady Di and many other famous guests stayed here too. I don't care much about luxury and modern-day facilities, but I for sure love hotels full of history, character and a great view.
The silence, the tranquility - it's just a fantastic place really. All you hear in the garden are the sounds of the falling water from the fountain and the birds chirping. An oasis of calmth given how chaotic Egyptian cities are!
Of course, there is a gorgeous cigar bar too which I just had to try out for a nightcap. Great hotel full of character!
I forgot to mention that there is a lovely pool as well further down the palm garden! Really, if you like a historic hotel full of character as much as I do, visit Luxor and stay in the Winter Palace. That's all for now. Long train ride back to Cairo coming up!
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