Luxor West Bank Tour: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & More

Summary

Explore Ancient Tombs and Temples on Luxor’s West Bank

You’ll walk through royal tombs painted with ancient stories, stand beneath towering statues, and see temples where pharaohs shaped history. If you want to really feel Luxor’s past—and get solid value with an English-speaking guide—this tour hits all the right spots.

What’s the experience like?

The air felt dry and a little dusty as we crossed the Nile early in the morning—there’s something about that first glimpse of the Theban hills that sticks with you. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out cold bottled water (trust me, you’ll want it) before leading us into the Valley of the Kings. The quiet here is different; even with other visitors around, there’s this hush when you step inside a tomb. I remember tracing my fingers over the sunken hieroglyphs—still bright after thousands of years—and thinking about how Ramses II and Tutankhamun once lay just a few feet away. You can almost smell the old stone mixed with desert air.

Later, we wound our way to Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el-Bahari. It rises up against the cliffs in layers—three terraces stacked neatly, almost modern-looking from a distance. Ahmed pointed out where Queen Hatshepsut had herself depicted as a pharaoh, beard and all. There was a local vendor selling mint tea near the entrance; I grabbed a cup while watching kids chase each other between tour groups.

We didn’t stay long at the Colossi of Memnon—just enough time for photos and to hear how these giant statues once guarded Amenhotep III’s temple. They’re battered by centuries but still impressive in size. Last stop was Medinet Habu, Ramses III’s temple. The colors on some carvings are shockingly fresh—reds and blues that pop even under harsh sun. Our guide shared stories about ancient rituals performed here; you could almost picture priests moving through those halls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor's West Bank Highlights

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Tour Temple of Hatshepsut
• See Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Medinet Habu Temple

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people who aren’t very fit?

Yes, it’s designed for all fitness levels. There’s some walking but nothing too strenuous.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Absolutely! Your guide speaks English and shares lots of local insights along the way.

Are entrance fees included?

No, entrance fees aren’t included in the price—you’ll pay those directly at each site.

How big is the group?

This is a shared tour with other travelers—usually small groups so it doesn’t feel crowded.

What’s included

Bottled water is provided during your tour to keep you refreshed in Luxor’s heat. An English-speaking guide leads every step and shares stories at each site.