Luxor: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Memnon Statues Tour

Explore Luxor’s royal tombs and temples with a local guide

You’ll walk through ancient tombs in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings with an Egyptologist guide, explore Queen Hatshepsut’s dramatic cliffside temple, and pause at the Colossi of Memnon—all with easy hotel pickup included. Expect real stories and unexpected moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor, entry tickets for both Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple (plus admission to see those towering Colossi of Memnon), a private air-conditioned vehicle throughout, and a knowledgeable English-speaking Egyptology guide who keeps things lively without ever rushing you along.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor's West Bank sites

• Pickup from Luxor hotel
• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Optional visit to King Tutankhamun tomb
• Tour Temple of Hatshepsut terraces
• See the two Colossi of Memnon

The Experience

I’ll never forget how quiet it got when we stepped out at the Valley of the Kings. Our guide, Ahmed, handed me a ticket and grinned—he said if I wanted to see King Tut’s tomb, it’d cost extra, but “worth it if you like stories.” The air was dry and cool that morning, with this faint smell of dust and old stone. We wandered through tunnels carved into the mountain—some walls still had paint clinging on after thousands of years. I tried to imagine what it must’ve been like for the workers who built all this by torchlight. You can feel the weight of history here, even if you’re not usually into that sort of thing.

Afterwards, we drove over to Hatshepsut’s Temple. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be so taken by it. The cliffs behind look almost unreal—like someone painted them just for drama. Ahmed explained how Hatshepsut ruled as Pharaoh (and wore a fake beard for portraits), which made me laugh a bit because her statues actually do look kind of stern. There were schoolkids on a field trip running around, their teacher trying to keep them from climbing on anything sacred. The sun was getting hot by then but there was this odd breeze coming off the terraces—I remember thinking how much work went into every block here.

We stopped briefly at the Colossi of Memnon—two giant statues just standing there in an open field, looking both proud and a little lonely. It was quick but somehow felt necessary; Ahmed told us locals believe they used to sing at dawn (I still wonder about that). On the way back to our hotel, I realized how much I’d learned without even meaning to—it’s not every day you walk where pharaohs did. If you’re doing a day trip in Luxor or want something more than just photos for your feed, this tour really sticks with you.

Top questions

How long does the Luxor Valley of the Kings tour take?

The half-day tour typically lasts around 4-5 hours including transfers between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Luxor tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor are included in your booking.

Can I visit King Tutankhamun's tomb during this day trip?

Yes, you can enter King Tutankhamun's tomb for an additional fee during your visit to the Valley of the Kings.

What languages does the tour guide speak?

The Egyptology guide speaks English as standard; other languages may be available upon request.

Are entry fees included in this private tour?

Your entry fees for Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Colossi of Memnon are included unless otherwise specified by your booking option.

Is lunch provided on this Luxor day trip?

No lunch is included; however, water is provided and there are opportunities nearby to purchase snacks or drinks.

How many tombs can I enter at Valley of the Kings?

The standard ticket allows entry into three tombs; special tombs like King Tutankhamun require an extra ticket.