Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Memnon Day Tour

Summary

Walk ancient tombs in Luxor then share lunch after Hatshepsut

You’ll walk through Luxor’s Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist guide who brings ancient stories to life, explore Hatshepsut’s cliffside temple, and stand beneath the silent gaze of Memnon’s colossi. Includes hotel pickup and a relaxed local lunch—a day that lingers in memory long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our coffee when the van pulled up outside our hotel in Luxor. There were a few others already inside—quiet at first, but you could tell everyone was a little nervous-excited about the Valley of the Kings. The city faded out fast; suddenly it was just golden sand and that dry, almost chalky smell in the air. Our guide, Ahmed, started pointing out little things—how the light hits the cliffs differently depending on time of day. I tried to take a picture but honestly my phone couldn’t catch it.

The Valley of the Kings felt heavier than I expected. Not spooky, exactly—just quiet in a way that made you lower your voice without thinking. Ahmed led us through a couple tombs (he seemed to know which ones would be less crowded) and explained some hieroglyphs. At one point he laughed because I kept mixing up Osiris and Horus—he said even locals get them confused sometimes. The air inside was cooler, almost damp against my skin after the sun outside. I still think about those colors on the walls—how they survived so long.

After that we drove over to Hatshepsut’s temple. It looks like it’s growing right out of the cliffs—three big terraces stacked above each other. There was this breeze coming down from the rock face that felt like someone opened a door to another world (maybe sounds dramatic but that’s how it felt). We wandered around while Ahmed told stories about Hatshepsut herself—how she ruled as pharaoh when women weren’t supposed to. Someone asked if people still argue about her statues being defaced; Ahmed just shrugged and said “history is always complicated.”

The last stop was the Colossi of Memnon—two massive statues just standing there facing east, looking kind of lonely but also unbothered by all these centuries passing by. We took photos with them (someone tried to do a funny pose but tripped on a stone). Lunch was at this local spot nearby—I can’t remember what everything was called but there was eggplant and bread and something with cumin that smelled amazing. I didn’t expect to feel so tired by mid-afternoon, but it was good-tired. On the ride back everyone got quieter again, maybe thinking about all those stories buried under the sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — West Bank tour of Luxor highlights

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Explore Hatshepsut Temple
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does this Luxor day tour last?

The tour is a full-day experience including transport time from your hotel in Luxor.

Is lunch included on this Valley of the Kings tour?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included during your day trip.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Luxor?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included for convenience.

Are entry fees or taxes included?

All taxes and service charges are covered as part of your booking.

Is this day trip suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can join with prams or sit on an adult's lap.

Who leads this guided tour in Luxor?

A professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide accompanies your group throughout.

What sites are visited on this Luxor West Bank tour?

You’ll visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is transportation between sites included?

Yes, all transportation between attractions is provided as part of your shared group tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor, all taxes and service charges taken care of up front, entry to each site with an Egyptologist guide leading you through every story-filled corner—and finally a traditional lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel in comfort.