Egypt Discovery
From per person£39
ExcursionLuxor

Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles Half-Day Tour

Visit Luxor’s West Bank with a private licensed Egyptologist, comparing the workers’ settlement with decorated burial places of Theban officials.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles Half-Day Tour is a private half-day excursion covering Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles on Luxor’s West Bank, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Half day
Travel style
Private Guided Tour
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Deir el-Medina · Valley of the Nobles · Luxor West Bank
Includes
Private vehicle with driver · Pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise · Private licensed Egyptologist guide · Entrance tickets to Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles
Best for
Ancient Egyptian history enthusiasts · Travelers interested in daily life and tomb art · Couples and families with older children · Visitors seeking a focused West Bank excursion

Best time to go

October through April generally brings cooler conditions for walking on Luxor’s West Bank, while daytime heat is more intense from May through September. Site hours and visitor numbers vary by season and date; tell us if you have a preferred departure time.

  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide included
  • Private vehicle and driver included
  • Entrance tickets to Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles included

02Overview

A first look

Morning light catches the low stone walls at Deir el-Medina, where narrow lanes once linked the homes of royal tomb workers. As you explore the village, the scale feels personal; then painted scenes in the Tombs of the Nobles shift the view towards the lives and beliefs of Theban officials. Our Egyptologist helps you notice what each place reveals, without trying to cover the whole West Bank in a few hours.

There is uneven ground underfoot, so comfortable shoes are useful. We arrange a private vehicle for pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, and your licensed Egyptologist guide brings the details into focus as you go.

Background

The facts

This private half-day excursion visits Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles on Luxor’s West Bank. Deir el-Medina was the settlement of artisans and other workers who constructed and decorated royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Its archaeological remains provide evidence of the community’s homes and working lives.

Named in this entry

Deir el-Medina·Valley of the Nobles·Thebes·Valley of the Kings·Valley of the Queens·Luxor West Bank

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits adults and older children interested in archaeology, ancient Egyptian daily life, and tomb decoration. It is a private guided visit for travelers who prefer to focus on two West Bank sites rather than cover a larger set of monuments
  • expect walking over uneven archaeological ground.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Deir el-Medina, the ancient village of royal tomb workers.
  • 02See the Tombs of the Nobles on Luxor’s West Bank.
  • 03Compare evidence of workers’ daily lives with the decorated tombs of Theban officials.
  • 04Explore with a private licensed Egyptologist guide.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike broader Luxor West Bank itineraries that combine several major monuments, this excursion concentrates on Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles. Its focus is the contrast between evidence of royal tomb workers’ community life and the decorated burials of Theban officials and other elite members.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver
  • Pickup and return drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
  • Private guide who is a licensed Egyptologist
  • Admission tickets for Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal spending and drinks
  • Lunch

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • The listed format is a private excursion with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and entrance tickets to both sites. Ask Discovery Tours Egypt whether timing, pickup arrangements, or additional West Bank stops can be adjusted
  • extra sites may affect duration and cost.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

There is no minimum age stated for this excursion. Each child needs a seat in the vehicle, and transport and guide services are charged at the adult rate at any age. Entrance tickets are free for children under 6 and charged in full from age 6. Uneven ground and steps can make pushchairs impractical, and pushchairs may not enter tombs. Tell us your child’s age and seating needs when you enquire.

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

·In summary

This private Luxor half-day tour visits Deir el-Medina, the former village of royal tomb workers, and the Valley of the Nobles, where officials and other elite members of ancient Thebes were buried. It includes a private vehicle and driver, pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a licensed Egyptologist guide, and entrance tickets to both sites.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles tour?
    This is a half-day excursion, typically lasting between four and five hours from when we collect you until your return. It provides a focused exploration of Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles on Luxor's West Bank, rather than a broad overview.
  2. 02Where do you pick up and drop off guests for this tour?
    We arrange convenient pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel or Nile cruise ship in Luxor. Our private, air-conditioned vehicle and driver will meet you at a pre-arranged time, ensuring a smooth start and end to your visit.
  3. 03What is included in the Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles tour?
    The tour includes a private vehicle with a driver, pickup and drop-off from your Luxor accommodation, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and all entrance tickets to Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles.
  4. 04What is not included in the tour price?
    The tour price does not cover gratuities for your guide and driver, personal expenses such as souvenirs, or any drinks. Lunch is also excluded, as this is a half-day tour designed to fit around your meal plans.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for travellers with mobility challenges?
    The sites involve walking on uneven ancient stone paths and some sandy areas. While our private vehicle minimises overall walking distances between sites, access within the tombs can involve stairs and narrow passages. Please inform us of any specific mobility concerns when making your enquiry.
  6. 06Can children participate in the Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles tour?
    Yes, children are welcome on this private tour. Our Egyptologist guides are skilled at engaging younger travellers with stories of ancient Egypt. The pace can be adjusted to suit families, making it a flexible and educational experience for all ages.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring for this tour?
    We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing, especially during warmer months. Modest dress is advisable for visiting ancient sites. Bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, and your camera.
  8. 08What is the photography policy at Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles?
    Photography is generally permitted at both sites, though flash photography is often prohibited inside tombs to protect the ancient artwork. There may be a small fee for camera tickets at some specific tombs; your guide will advise you on site.
  9. 09What is the best time of day or year to take this tour?
    The cooler months from October to April are ideal for visiting Luxor. For this half-day tour, an early morning start is recommended to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the sites with fewer crowds, particularly during peak season.
  10. 10What makes Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles unique compared to other Luxor West Bank sites?
    Deir el-Medina offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the artisans who built the royal tombs, showcasing their homes and community. The Tombs of the Nobles, unlike royal tombs, feature vibrant scenes of everyday life, professions, and religious beliefs of Theban officials.

If plans change

Plans change? We make it easy.

  • More than 72 hours before your tour: keep the full amount as credit towards a future holiday with us, or take a refund.
  • Between 72 and 24 hours: keep the full amount as credit, or take a partial refund.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't join it, we're unable to offer a refund or credit.
  • Should we ever have to cancel, because of the weather or anything else beyond our control, you won't lose a penny.

Credit is valid for 12 months and can be used on any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Product ID: EXC-LUX-118260

You Might Also Like

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan – Day TourAswan

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan – Day Tour

We arrange a private return flight from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) for a day visit to the temples at Abu Simbel. Flight time is approximately 40–50 minutes each way. On arrival our English-speaking Egyptologist will guide you at the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. The site forms part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (UNESCO, 1979). We include standard site entrance fees, airport handling and domestic flight taxes, and private transfers to and from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise. Practical notes and trade-offs: the tour requires an early start and is tightly scheduled according to domestic flight timetables; the on-site visit is usually brief (typically 1–2 hours) so you should expect a short, focused walk around the façades and interiors. There is limited shade at the site and much walking is on uneven ancient stone. Photography opportunities are best outside the temples; the solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary of Ramesses II occurs around 22 February and 22 October each year. Flights use regional aircraft and luggage/weight limits set by the carrier apply. The tour is operated by our Egyptologists and ground team, licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA).

From £418

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day TourAswan

1 Days

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day Tour

A full-day road transfer from Aswan to the twin rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel, returning the same day. Walk among the four seated colossi of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and cross to the adjacent Temple of Nefertari, both moved above the original Nile shore during the 1960s resettlement. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can confirm local entrance arrangements and Egyptologist-guided visits. The road option lets you see Lake Nasser and the desert landscape between Aswan and Abu Simbel, rather than traveling by air.

From £81

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wad Natrun & Pompey's PillarCairo

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wad Natrun & Pompey's Pillar

Two-night private itinerary from Cairo to Alexandria, visiting Wad Natrun monasteries, Pompey's Pillar, the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Roman Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany key visits. Cairo to Alexandria is about 220 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours by car). Unlike rushed one-day coach excursions, this itinerary gives you two nights and a full day in Alexandria to see the main sites at a steady pace. Trade-offs: expect early starts, a long road transfer each way and limited shade at several outdoor sites.

From £222