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

Summary

Walk where pharaohs rest on Luxor’s West Bank with stories in every stone

You’ll cross Luxor’s West Bank with a private guide who brings ancient stories alive—from stepping into tombs at the Valley of the Kings to tracing your fingers along Hatshepsut’s columns and pausing beneath Memnon’s gaze. Includes hotel pickup, transfers, water—and if you want, a local lunch. There’s something quietly moving about walking where pharaohs once did.

What’s the experience like?

You open your eyes and there’s already a kind of hush outside—just that soft scrape of sandals on stone and the faint smell of dust warming up under the sun. Our driver was waiting right at the hotel door (he waved before I even spotted him), and within minutes we were crossing the Nile, heading for the West Bank. The city faded behind us, replaced by fields and then that dry, golden stretch leading to the Valley of the Kings. Our guide, Mahmoud, had this gentle way of explaining things—he’d point out carvings or cracks in the rock and tell you which king rested where, like he knew them personally. I remember ducking into one tomb (Tutmosis III maybe?) and feeling how cool it was inside, like stepping into a secret. My shoes crunched on the sandy floor. It was quieter than I expected; you could almost hear your own breath.

I didn’t realize how close everything sits together until we drove just a few minutes to Queen Hatshepsut’s temple. The cliffs behind her temple look almost pink in the early light—hard to describe unless you see it yourself. Mahmoud told us how she ruled for two decades (the only woman pharaoh), but honestly what stuck with me was how proud he sounded talking about her. There were school kids visiting too, giggling as they tried to pronounce her name (I tried too—didn’t nail it). The temple itself feels huge but also delicate somehow; I kept running my hand along these smooth columns just to feel their age.

Last stop: Colossi of Memnon. They’re just standing there by the roadside, taller than you expect and kind of battered by centuries but still watching over everything. We snacked on dates from Mahmoud’s bag while he told us about old legends—he swears one statue used to sing at dawn (I wanted to believe him). Then we piled back in for a quiet ride home, tired but happy in that way you get when your brain is full and your feet are sore. So yeah—I still think about that first cool breath inside the tomb sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit West Bank Luxor highlights

• Pickup from hotel or cruise at 7:00 am
• Transfer to Valley of the Kings
• Explore tombs of ancient pharaohs
• Visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
• See the Colossi of Memnon

Top questions

How long does this Luxor West Bank tour take?

The tour covers highlights in half a day, typically starting around 7:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included for this Valley of the Kings tour?

Yes, round-trip private transfers from your hotel or cruise ship are included.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Entry fees are only included if you choose that option during booking; otherwise they’re extra.

What sites are visited during this Luxor day trip?

The tour visits Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Is lunch provided on this Luxor West Bank tour?

A traditional Egyptian lunch is included if you select that option when booking.

Are guides licensed Egyptologists?

Your guide is licensed and knowledgeable about ancient Egyptian history.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for each traveler during the tour.

Can infants join this private Luxor tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor by private vehicle with air conditioning, all transfers between sites on the West Bank, bottled water throughout—and if you choose that option—a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant. Entry fees and guide services depend on which package you book; snacks are also provided along the way before returning to your starting point.