- DurationApprox. 6–7 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $62 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Valley of the Queens tour explores the quieter side of Luxor’s West Bank, with three sites that many visitors miss: the tombs of royal wives and children, the great temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum of Ramesses II. It is a perfect second day in Luxor once you have seen the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
In the Valley of the Queens, the standard ticket opens beautifully painted tombs such as those of the princes Amenherkhepshef and Khaemwaset and Queen Titi, and Nefertari’s famous tomb can be added with a special ticket when it is open. Medinet Habu keeps more of its original paint than almost any temple in Egypt, while the Ramesseum’s toppled colossus inspired Shelley’s poem Ozymandias. Lunch is included on the West Bank.
Highlights
- Painted tombs of royal princes and queens in the Valley of the Queens
- Medinet Habu, Ramesses III’s temple with its original colour
- The fallen colossus of Ramesses II at the Ramesseum
- Quieter West Bank sites, ideal on a second day in Luxor
- Lunch at a local restaurant on the West Bank
- Private Egyptologist and entrance fees included
Itinerary
08:00 – Pickup in Luxor
Your Egyptologist and driver collect you from your hotel or cruise boat and cross the Nile to the West Bank, around 30 minutes. On the way your guide introduces the Ramesside kings and the royal women whose tombs and temples you will see today.
08:30 – Valley of the Queens
Visit the tombs included in the standard ticket, usually those of Amenherkhepshef and Khaemwaset, sons of Ramesses III, and Queen Titi, all with vivid paintings of the young princes being presented to the gods. If Nefertari’s tomb is open and you buy the extra ticket, your guide will plan the timing, as visits are limited to 10 minutes.
10:15 – Medinet Habu
Explore the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, entered through a fortified gate modelled on a Syrian fortress. The outer walls show his battles against the Sea Peoples, and inside, the courts keep painted reliefs in deep blue, red and yellow. Your guide shows you the royal palace foundations and the window of appearances.
12:00 – Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant on the West Bank, with grilled meat or chicken, rice, vegetables, salads and fresh bread, and views of the fields or the Theban hills. Vegetarian options are always available.
Meals: Lunch
13:15 – The Ramesseum
Visit the mortuary temple of Ramesses II, with its Osiris pillars, the reliefs of the Battle of Kadesh and the shattered granite colossus that once stood around 17 metres tall. Fewer visitors come here, so it is a peaceful place to end the day.
14:30 – Return to your hotel
Drive back across the Nile to your hotel or cruise boat, arriving around 15:00. On the way, you can stop for photos at the Colossi of Memnon if you have not seen them already.
Good to know: Which Valley of the Queens tombs are open is decided by the antiquities authority and can change without notice. Nefertari’s tomb needs a separate ticket (about $48) and is sometimes closed for conservation.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees: Valley of the Queens, Medinet Habu and the Ramesseum
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Tomb of Nefertari (about $48), optional
- Extra drinks
- Tips for the guide and driver
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $150 |
| 2 travellers | $92 |
| 3–5 travellers | $75 |
| 6+ travellers | $62 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the tomb of Nefertari?
Usually, yes. Nefertari’s tomb has some of the finest paintings in Egypt and needs a special ticket of about $48, bought at the site. Visits are limited to 10 minutes, and the tomb is sometimes closed for conservation, so we cannot guarantee it on a given day.
Is this tour good if I have already seen the Valley of the Kings?
Yes, that is exactly who it is for. These three sites are less crowded and give a fuller picture of the West Bank: royal family tombs, the best-preserved colour of any mortuary temple, and the remains of Ramesses II’s great temple.
How hot does it get?
The West Bank is very hot from May to September, often over 40°C by midday. We start at 08:00 and keep the outdoor walking for the morning. In winter the weather is pleasant all day. Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Can I add Deir el-Medina or the Tombs of the Nobles?
Yes. The workers’ village of Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles are close by and each needs a small extra ticket. Tell us when booking, and we will adjust the timing and the price.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
