Luxor: Valley of Kings & Queens Day Tour with Hatshepsut

Summary

Ancient tombs, royal legends and quiet moments in Luxor

You’ll walk through ancient tombs in Luxor’s Valley of Kings & Queens, hear stories from an Egyptologist guide, eat lunch near Medinet Habu, and glimpse Nefertari’s painted ceiling up close. Expect heat, history, laughter—and moments that linger long after you return to your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The day started before I was fully awake—our guide, Ahmed, was already waiting outside the hotel with this half-smile like he knew what was coming. The air on Luxor’s West Bank felt different, sort of dusty but soft. First stop: the Valley of the Kings. Walking down into those tombs, I swear you can smell old stone and something like incense lingering from centuries ago. Ahmed pointed out these tiny painted details on the walls—he said they told stories about the afterlife. I tried to imagine being one of those artists, painting by torchlight. My shoes crunched on gravel and it echoed weirdly in the tunnels.

We moved on to Hatshepsut’s Temple. It rises out of the cliffs so suddenly—I didn’t expect that part. The sun bounced off pale stone and made me squint (bring sunglasses, really). Ahmed explained how Hatshepsut was Egypt’s “Foremost of Noble Ladies,” which sounds grand but also a little lonely when you see her temple standing apart from everything else. There were a few local families picnicking nearby; one kid offered me a piece of flatbread with this salty cheese. I said yes mostly because he looked so proud.

The Colossi of Memnon are just massive—like, you stand there and feel small in a good way. Lunch was at a simple spot with grilled chicken and rice (nothing fancy but honestly perfect after all that walking). We kept going: Medinet Habu’s carvings still have color if you look close enough; Deir el-Medina felt quieter than everywhere else, almost like the workers’ voices were still tucked into the stones. By the time we reached the Valley of the Queens—Nefertari’s tomb especially—I was tired but didn’t want to leave yet. Something about those painted ceilings sticks with you.

I’m not sure I took it all in while it was happening. Even now, thinking back, I remember more about how it felt—the way Ahmed laughed when I tried to pronounce “Deir el-Medina,” or how my shirt stuck to my back from heat inside the tombs—than any single fact or date. If you’re curious about ancient Egypt but want a real day out (with someone who actually knows their stuff), this Luxor day trip covers more than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Bank Luxor Tour Highlights

• Pick up from hotel or Nile Cruise
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Explore Temple of Queen Hatchepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon statues
• Lunch break
• Tour Medinet Habu temple
• Visit Deir el-Medina artisans village
• Explore Valley of the Queens tombs
• Visit Tombs of the Nobles
• Return to hotel or Nile Cruise

Top questions

How long does this Luxor day tour last?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 hours including transfers and visits.

Is hotel pickup included in this Luxor tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor is included.

Are entry fees for all sites covered?

Entry fees for Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Hatshepsut Temple, Deir el-Medina, and Medinet Habu are included.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your tour after visiting several sites.

Will we visit Nefertari’s tomb in Valley of Queens?

The tour includes entry to Valley of Queens where Nefertari’s tomb is located; access may depend on ticket availability.

How far are these sites from central Luxor?

The West Bank attractions are within 30-40 minutes’ drive from most hotels in central Luxor.

What kind of guide leads this tour?

A qualified Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout the day trip.

Is water provided during the tour?

You’ll get a bottle of water during your trip as part of the inclusions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or Nile cruise pickup and return by air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees for all major sites including Valley Of The Kings and Queens, Deir el-Medina and Hatshepsut Temple, a local lunch near Medinet Habu with time to rest before exploring more tombs, plus guidance from a licensed Egyptologist and bottled water along the way.