Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings & Hatshepsut Private Tour

Summary

Walk ancient tombs and temples on Luxor’s West Bank guided day trip

You’ll cross to Luxor’s West Bank for a private day trip with hotel pickup, exploring tombs in the Valley of the Kings, walking through Queen Hatshepsut’s cliffside temple, and pausing by the silent Colossi of Memnon. Expect stories from your local guide, small surprises along the way, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely out of Luxor when our driver pointed across the Nile and said, “That’s where the real secrets are.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from this half-day tour — I’d seen photos of the Valley of the Kings but nothing prepares you for that first breath inside a tomb. The air is cooler down there, kind of dusty and old, and our guide (Ahmed, who grew up nearby) explained how each symbol on the wall told a story. He even showed us a spot where someone had scratched their name in Greek centuries ago — not exactly respectful, but it made me laugh a little.

The Temple of Hatshepsut is something else. It’s carved right into these pale cliffs that almost glow in the sun. Ahmed told us how she ruled as pharaoh — he seemed genuinely proud talking about her. I tried to pronounce her name right (Haht-shep-soot?), but he just grinned and said I was close enough. There was this faint smell of incense drifting from somewhere, maybe from offerings left by locals? We wandered through columns and open courtyards while a group of schoolkids practiced their English with us (“Where you from?”), which honestly felt just as memorable as seeing all that ancient stonework.

The Colossi of Memnon were our last stop — two massive statues just standing out there in a field, birds perched on their shoulders like it was nothing special. The light was sharp by then and everything felt quieter than I expected; even the other groups around us kept their voices low. Our guide handed out cold water bottles (bless him) before we headed back toward Luxor city. I still think about that blue sky above those statues — it didn’t look real at all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Luxor's West Bank monuments

• Visit Valley of the Kings tombs
• Tour Queen Hatshepsut Temple
• See Colossi of Memnon statues

Top questions

How long does this Luxor West Bank tour take?

This is a half-day tour; expect around 4-5 hours including transfers.

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

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

Are entry fees covered on this private tour?

Entry fees are included if you select that option during booking.

Will we have a local guide during the day trip?

A local guide is included if chosen in your booking options.

Is lunch provided on this Luxor private tour?

Lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included if you select that option.

What sites are visited during this West Bank tour?

You’ll visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

Are transfers by air-conditioned vehicle?

Yes, all transfers use a private air-conditioned vehicle.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees if selected when booking, bottled water to keep you cool under the sun, plus an optional lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant before returning to your hotel or next adventure.