Luxor West Bank Private Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Explore Valley of the Kings & Queens with a Local Expert

Step into ancient Egypt on Luxor’s West Bank: walk among towering statues at Memnon, descend into colorful tombs in the Valley of the Kings & Queens, and hear local stories from your guide in Deir el-Medina. With private transport and pickup included, you’ll experience moments—like sipping tea in temple shade—that stay with you long after leaving Luxor.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet crunch of sand under our shoes as we stepped out near the Colossi of Memnon. They just stand there, these massive stone figures, staring across the fields like they’ve seen everything—maybe they have. Our guide, Ahmed, waved us over and pointed at a crack running down one statue’s leg. “Earthquake,” he said, and shrugged like it was just another Tuesday in Luxor. There was this faint smell of warm dust and wildflowers from somewhere nearby, which I didn’t expect at all.

We drove along the edge of the Nile, windows down because even with air conditioning you want to feel that dry breeze. At the Valley of the Kings, Ahmed handed us tiny flashlights (“Egyptian batteries,” he joked) before we ducked into one of the tombs. The walls were so close I could almost feel their coolness through my shirt, covered in colors that haven’t faded after thousands of years—how is that possible? It’s strange how quiet it gets underground; you can hear your own breathing and sometimes someone else’s footsteps echoing ahead.

I got lost for a second in Deir el-Medina—the village where artisans lived. There’s something about seeing where people actually slept and ate after painting those tombs all day. Ahmed told us stories about their families and how some workers left little graffiti behind (he laughed when I tried to read one out loud—my pronunciation is hopeless). The Temple of Hatshepsut looked almost unreal against the cliffs; sunlight bouncing off pale stone so bright I had to squint. We stopped for sweet tea at a small stall before heading on, which felt right somehow.

The Valley of the Queens was quieter than I expected—fewer people, more wind whistling through cracks in the rock. Some of those painted ceilings are so beautiful you forget you’re underground at all. By the time we reached Medinet Habu, my shoes were full of sand and my head was spinning with stories about pharaohs and queens and ordinary folks who built all this. I still think about that view from outside Hatshepsut’s temple—blue sky, sharp cliffs, everything humming quietly in the heat.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore West Bank of Luxor

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Tour Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Valley of the Queens
• Visit Valley of the Nobles
• Tour Medinet Habu Temple
• Visit Deir el-Medina Village
• Return to Valley of the Queens

Top questions

How long does this Luxor West Bank private tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering several sites on Luxor’s West Bank.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

Which attractions are visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Valley of the Queens, Valley of the Nobles, Medinet Habu Temple, and Deir el-Medina.

Is there an expert guide during the tour?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you throughout your visit to each site.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Can I use public transportation to reach the starting point?

Public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes private air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off on Luxor’s West Bank; you’ll be guided by a knowledgeable local who shares stories at every stop—from tombs to temples—and there are specialized infant seats available if you need them.