Egypt Discovery
From per person£90
ExcursionLuxor

Medinet Habu & Valley of the Kings Day Tour: Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Visit three Valley of the Kings tombs, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu with a private licensed Egyptologist.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Luxor West Bank Day Tour is a full-day private excursion covering the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full Day
Travel style
Private Guided Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Deir el-Bahari · Colossi of Memnon · Medinet Habu
Includes
Private vehicle with driver · Pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise · Private licensed Egyptologist guide · Valley of the Kings entrance ticket covering three tombs · Entrance tickets to Hatshepsut’s Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu
Best for
Ancient history enthusiasts · First-time Luxor visitors · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a private guided day tour

Best time to go

October through April is generally the most comfortable period for visiting Luxor, with cooler mornings and less intense midday heat; arrive at opening time where scheduling allows to reduce exposure and avoid some crowds. May through September can be very hot, especially around midday, so bring water, sun protection and light clothing; Ramadan dates shift annually, and opening hours or local schedules can vary.

  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide
  • Private vehicle with driver for site transfers
  • Included entrance tickets are specified by site, with the Valley of the Kings ticket covering three tombs

02Overview

A first look

At Medinet Habu, the carved stone walls hold the afternoon light; Ramses III’s figures and inscriptions reward a slower look than a quick circuit allows. On Luxor’s West Bank, the tomb passages at the Valley of the Kings feel close and quiet, before the open terraces of Hatshepsut’s temple widen the view towards the cliffs. The Colossi of Memnon mark another change in scale, with Amenhotep III’s seated statues rising beside the road.

Medinet Habu gives this visit a further perspective beyond the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple. Our private Egyptologist can link the reliefs and burial places to the rulers of ancient Thebes, while we arrange your driver and vehicle.

Background

The facts

This full-day private excursion visits four sites on Luxor’s West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu. A private vehicle with driver provides pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, accompanied by a private licensed Egyptologist guide. The included Valley of the Kings ticket covers three tombs; premium tickets for Tutankhamun and Seti I are not included unless requested.

The Valley of the Kings is a royal burial ground used principally during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550–1070 BCE. Its tombs were cut into the limestone hills west of the Nile. Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el-Bahari stands beneath a high limestone escarpment and is known for its tiered terraces and reliefs. Hatshepsut ruled during the 18th Dynasty, in the 15th century BCE.

The Colossi of Memnon are two approximately 18-metre seated statues of Amenhotep III, dating to the 14th century BCE. They once stood before his mortuary temple, most of which has not survived. Medinet Habu is the mortuary temple of Ramses III, a 20th-Dynasty pharaoh who ruled in the 12th century BCE; its pylons, courts and carved reliefs document royal and religious themes.

The sites are spread across the West Bank rather than forming a single compact walking route, so the excursion travels between them by private vehicle. Visitors walk within each archaeological area over uneven ground and exposed paths. Standard entrance tickets for all four listed sites are included; lunch, drinks, gratuities and premium tomb tickets are excluded.

Named in this entry

Valley of the Kings·Deir el-Bahari·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Amenhotep III·Medinet Habu·Mortuary Temple of Ramses III·Ramses III·Thebes·New Kingdom of Egypt

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits adults and older children interested in ancient Egyptian history, royal tombs and temple architecture who want a private guide and transport between sites. It is a good fit for travelers based in Luxor who can manage several hours of walking on uneven, often sun-exposed ground.

What lingers

  • 01Visit three tombs with the standard Valley of the Kings entrance ticket.
  • 02See the terraces and reliefs of Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari.
  • 03View the Colossi of Memnon, statues associated with the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
  • 04Explore Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III.
  • 05Hear site-specific context from a private licensed Egyptologist guide.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a tour limited to the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, this route also includes the Colossi of Memnon and Ramses III’s mortuary temple at Medinet Habu. It is a private guided excursion with vehicle transfers between sites, rather than a self-guided visit or a group bus tour.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver, with collection from and return to your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.
  • Private guide who is a licensed Egyptologist.
  • Admission to the Valley of the Kings, covering three tombs, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon and Ramses III’s Mortuary Temple at Medinet Habu.

Not included

  • Gratuities.
  • Personal spending and drinks.
  • Lunch.
  • Additional tickets for premium tombs, such as those of Tutankhamun and Seti I, unless requested.

Tailor it

Make it yours

  • The supplied itinerary is a private tour
  • pickup and drop-off are available at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise. Premium tomb tickets, including Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s, can be requested at additional cost, subject to availability and site ticket rules
  • lunch and drinks are not included.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Every child needs a seat in the vehicle. 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 paths and steps, including access routes inside some tombs, may be tiring for children. Pushchairs are unlikely to be practical on many archaeological paths and may need to stay with the driver. Please share the ages of children travelling so we can discuss arrangements.

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

·In summary

The private Luxor West Bank day tour includes transport with a driver, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and entrance tickets to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu. The standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers three tombs; Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s tombs require separate premium tickets.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long does the Luxor West Bank Day Tour typically last?
    This Luxor West Bank Day Tour is a full-day excursion, usually taking between six and eight hours from when we collect you until we drop you off. We carefully plan the schedule to allow thorough visits to each historical site without feeling rushed.
  2. 02What is included in the price of this West Bank tour?
    The tour price covers a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, convenient hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and all standard entrance tickets. This includes the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu.
  3. 03What is not included in the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    The tour price does not include gratuities for your guide or driver, any personal expenses, drinks, or lunch. Additionally, special premium tomb tickets, such as those for Tutankhamun's or Seti I's tombs in the Valley of the Kings, are excluded unless you request them specifically.
  4. 04Is this tour suitable for travellers with mobility issues?
    Some sites, like the Valley of the Kings, involve walking on uneven ancient stone and ramps, with stairs inside tombs. Hatshepsut Temple features a long ramp to its upper terraces. While our private vehicle minimises travel between sites, significant portions of the tour require walking and navigating ancient terrain.
  5. 05Can families with children enjoy this West Bank tour?
    Yes, this private tour is well-suited for families with children. Our Egyptologist guides are experienced in engaging younger travellers with captivating stories of ancient Egypt. The pace can be adjusted to accommodate families, though some walking is necessary at each location.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    We advise wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress is recommended for visiting temples. Please bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and your camera. A small backpack for personal items is also practical.
  7. 07What is the photography policy at the sites on the tour?
    Photography is generally allowed at the exterior of most sites. Inside tombs and temples, flash photography is typically prohibited to help preserve the ancient artwork. Some locations may require a separate photography ticket for cameras, which your guide can advise on.
  8. 08When is the best time of year to take this tour?
    The cooler months from October to April are ideal for visiting Luxor, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoor sites. During the summer, from May to September, it can be very hot, so we recommend early morning starts to avoid the midday heat.
  9. 09Can I choose which tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings?
    Your standard entrance ticket to the Valley of the Kings allows access to three tombs, which you can choose on the day from those open to the public. Access to premium tombs, such as Tutankhamun's or Seti I's, requires a separate, additional ticket.
  10. 10How does this tour differ from other West Bank options?
    Unlike many tours that focus solely on the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, our itinerary also includes Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. This provides a more comprehensive insight into New Kingdom funerary architecture and royal traditions on the West Bank.

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-915172

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