Egypt Discovery
From per person£37
ExcursionLuxor

Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour

A private Egyptologist explains this New Kingdom burial ground and Nefertari’s tomb; entry to its burial chamber requires a separate ticket.

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

The Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour is a half-day private guided excursion to the Valley of the Queens 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
Valley of the Queens
Includes
Private vehicle and driver · Pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise · Private licensed Egyptologist guide · Valley of the Queens entrance ticket
Best for
Travelers interested in New Kingdom history · Visitors focused on royal tombs · Private-tour travelers · Families comfortable with uneven walking paths

Best time to go

October through April is generally more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing in Luxor, with cooler mornings and milder daytime conditions than in summer. Summer temperatures can become very high, so an earlier departure is preferable when available; visitor numbers may rise during winter holidays and school breaks. Ramadan dates change each year, and opening arrangements or local schedules may be affected.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a private licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • Private vehicle transport with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise is included.
  • The Valley of the Queens entrance ticket is included; Nefertari’s tomb ticket and gratuities are excluded.

02Overview

A first look

On Luxor’s West Bank, the track into the Valley of the Queens gives way to pale dust and rough stone underfoot. Beyond the entrance, your Egyptologist helps make sense of the painted walls and carved details, and of the royal women and children whose tombs lie here. There is little shade across the archaeological area, so a hat and water are useful in the heat.

Nefertari’s tomb is part of the valley’s story, though entry to its richly decorated burial chamber needs a separate ticket. We arrange a private vehicle and a licensed Egyptologist to accompany you, keeping the visit focused on what the site itself reveals.

Background

The facts

The Valley of the Queens is an ancient royal burial ground on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor. It was used mainly for queens and royal children during Egypt’s New Kingdom, conventionally dated to about 1550–1070 BCE. The archaeological site contains rock-cut tombs in a desert valley; visitors should expect uneven walking surfaces and limited shade.

One of the best-known tombs is QV66, the burial place of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. Its decorated burial chamber is renowned for painted scenes and inscriptions. Entry to Nefertari’s tomb requires a separate ticket and is not included in this excursion; the tour includes the general Valley of the Queens entrance ticket and a view of the tomb’s exterior and setting.

This half-day excursion includes private vehicle transport with a driver from and back to a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, plus a private licensed Egyptologist guide. The itinerary focuses on the Valley of the Queens rather than providing a general West Bank circuit. Departure and return times should be confirmed with the operator; site conditions, opening arrangements and access to individual tombs can vary.

Named in this entry

Valley of the Queens·Luxor·Thebes West Bank·Queen Nefertari·QV66·Ramesses II·New Kingdom

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits travelers interested in New Kingdom royal history, tomb architecture and the stories of queens and royal children, especially visitors who want a focused West Bank visit. It involves walking over uneven archaeological ground, so travelers should be comfortable standing and walking for periods
  • children can attend with adult supervision.

What lingers

  • 01Explore the Valley of the Queens, a New Kingdom royal burial ground on Luxor’s West Bank.
  • 02Hear about the queens and royal children buried in the valley from a licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • 03See the exterior and setting of Nefertari’s tomb; entry to its burial chamber requires a separate ticket.
  • 04Travel by private vehicle from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a broad West Bank sightseeing circuit, this excursion focuses on the Valley of the Queens and its royal tombs. It includes private transport and a private licensed Egyptologist guide; Nefertari’s tomb chamber is not included and requires a separate ticket.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver, with pick-up and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide
  • Entrance ticket to the Valley of the Queens

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses and drinks
  • Lunch
  • Separate ticket for entry to Nefertari’s tomb

Tailor it

Make it yours

The supplied itinerary is a private half-day visit focused on the Valley of the Queens, with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise. Ask Discovery Tours Egypt whether departure timing, pickup arrangements or an additional West Bank site can be requested. Nefertari’s tomb requires a separate ticket, subject to availability and site rules.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Children of any age are charged the adult rate for transport and guide services, and each child needs a seat in the vehicle. Entrance tickets are free for children under 6; children aged 6 and over pay the full ticket price. Paths can be uneven or sandy, and tombs may have steps or low doorways. Pushchairs are unlikely to be practical at the site or inside tombs. No meal is included.

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

·In summary

The Valley of the Queens half-day tour includes private vehicle transport with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and the Valley of the Queens entrance ticket. Entry to Queen Nefertari’s tomb requires a separate ticket, and the visit involves walking on uneven ground with limited shade.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour?
    This excursion typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, from the moment of pickup at your Luxor accommodation until your return. This allows for a thorough exploration of the Valley of the Queens with your private Egyptologist.
  2. 02What is included in the price of this tour?
    The tour includes private transfers with a driver from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and your entrance ticket to the Valley of the Queens. We handle all the ground arrangements for a seamless visit.
  3. 03What is not included in the tour price?
    The tour price does not cover gratuities for your guide and driver, personal expenses, drinks, or lunch. Please note that a separate ticket is required for entry into Nefertari's tomb, which is also excluded.
  4. 04Is the Valley of the Queens tour suitable for travellers with mobility issues?
    The Valley of the Queens is an archaeological site with uneven ground and limited shade, requiring some walking. While our private vehicle provides direct access, movement within the site itself may present challenges for those with significant mobility concerns.
  5. 05What should I wear for the Valley of the Queens tour?
    We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable when visiting historical and religious sites in Egypt.
  6. 06Can children join this private tour?
    Yes, children are welcome on this private tour. Our Egyptologist guides are experienced in engaging younger visitors, and the private nature of the tour allows for flexibility to suit family needs and pacing.
  7. 07What is the best time of day to visit the Valley of the Queens?
    Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is generally best to avoid the intense midday heat and larger crowds. Your private tour can be scheduled to optimise your experience, unlike fixed-schedule group tours.
  8. 08What is the photography policy at the Valley of the Queens?
    Photography is generally permitted within the Valley of the Queens, but specific rules may apply inside individual tombs. Your Egyptologist guide will inform you of any restrictions, particularly regarding flash photography.
  9. 09Why is Nefertari's tomb not part of the standard entrance ticket?
    Nefertari's tomb is celebrated for its exceptionally preserved and vibrant wall paintings, making it a highlight for many. Due to its delicate condition and to manage visitor numbers for preservation, it requires a separate, higher-priced ticket.
  10. 10How will my pickup for the tour be arranged?
    Your private vehicle and Egyptologist guide will collect you directly from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise ship. Please provide your pickup details when booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.

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-993287

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