The Temple of Seti I at Abydos is one of the most beautifully preserved temples in Egypt, 150 kilometres north of Luxor and reachable as a long day trip by taxi or organised tour. Abydos was Egypt's holiest city — the cult centre of Osiris and the traditional burial place of the earliest pharaohs — and the temple Seti I built here in the 13th century BC reflects that importance: the reliefs are among the finest of any period.
The temple contains seven separate sanctuaries, each dedicated to a different deity, and a unique L-shaped plan that sets it apart from other temples. The painting in the inner sanctuaries is largely intact and outstanding — vivid blues, reds, and greens in scenes of the gods that rank among the great paintings of antiquity. Budget a full day for Abydos: the drive is long but the site is uncrowded and the atmosphere entirely different from the crowded temples nearer Luxor. Combine it with Dendera if time and energy allow.