Egypt Discovery
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 Luxor’s West Bank burial ground, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Half Day
Travel style
Tour with a Private Guide
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Explore Egypt
Destinations
Valley of the Queens
Includes
Car and driver for private use · Collection and return to a hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor · Private Egyptologist guide, licensed · Admission ticket to the Valley of the Queens · Nefertari’s tomb chamber ticket available separately
Best for
For travellers keen to learn about New Kingdom history · Ideal for visitors with an interest in royal tombs · Travellers who prefer a private tour · Families comfortable walking on uneven ground

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable, with Luxor daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C; summer days can exceed 40°C. Winter holidays and school breaks can bring more visitors, while Ramadan dates and site arrangements vary each year, so check local opening information before travel.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a private licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • A private vehicle and driver provide hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off.
  • The Valley of the Queens entrance ticket is included.
  • Nefertari’s tomb ticket, gratuities, personal expenses, drinks and lunch 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 a royal burial ground on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, part of the ancient Theban necropolis. This half-day excursion centres on the valley and its rock-cut tombs rather than a circuit of the wider West Bank.

The site lies on Luxor’s West Bank. The supplied itinerary gives no road distance or fixed departure time; pickup and return arrangements should be confirmed for the chosen hotel or Nile cruise. The visit includes walking among the tombs, where surfaces are uneven and shade is limited.

The valley was used mainly for queens and royal children during the New Kingdom, conventionally dated to about 1550–1070 BCE. Its best-known tomb is QV66, the burial place of Queen Nefertari, wife of Ramesses II. Painted scenes and inscriptions decorate its burial chamber. Entry to that chamber requires a separate ticket; the general site ticket does not include it.

The Valley of the Queens is within the ancient Theban necropolis, which forms part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis. Site opening arrangements can vary, so confirm current access and departure details before travelling. The ground is uneven and shade is limited.

Named in this entry

Valley of the Queens·Luxor·Nile·Thebes·Theban necropolis·Queen Nefertari·QV66·Ramesses II·New Kingdom·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This half-day visit suits adults and older children interested in New Kingdom queens, royal children and tomb decoration. It works well for couples, solo travellers and families comfortable walking on uneven ground and standing for periods, who prefer a focused visit over a broad West Bank overview.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another outing if you need step-free access or cannot manage uneven archaeological paths. Very young children may find the walking and limited shade difficult, particularly in summer.

What lingers

  • 01Discover the Valley of the Queens, a New Kingdom burial site on Luxor’s West Bank.
  • 02Learn about the queens and royal children buried in the valley with a licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • 03View the surroundings of Nefertari’s tomb; a separate ticket is needed to enter the burial chamber.
  • 04Travel by private vehicle between the site and your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.

Honest assessment

Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.

Highlights

  • Focused visit to the Valley of the Queens on Luxor’s West Bank
  • A private Egyptologist guide explains the royal burial ground
  • Valley entrance ticket is included; Nefertari’s tomb is clearly separate
  • Private transport picks up and returns to your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise

Things to Consider

  • Uneven archaeological paths require steady footing
  • Limited shade makes midday visits uncomfortable
  • Nefertari’s burial chamber needs a separate ticket
  • Summer heat can make outdoor walking demanding

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most broad West Bank excursions combine several archaeological sites. We focus this visit on the Valley of the Queens and its royal tombs. The general entrance ticket is included, but Nefertari’s burial chamber requires a separate ticket.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver for collection from and return to your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
  • A private Egyptologist guide with a licence
  • Admission to the Valley of the Queens

Not included

  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Your personal purchases and drinks
  • Lunch
  • The additional admission ticket for Nefertari’s tomb

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask us about the site’s current opening arrangements and your pick-up and return times before departure.

  2. 02

    If Queen Nefertari’s burial chamber is a priority, check separate-ticket availability before your visit.

  3. 03

    Wear shoes with a firm grip for the uneven paths through the archaeological area.

  4. 04

    Bring water, a hat and sun protection; shade is limited around the tombs.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The supplied visit is private, with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise; ask us whether a different departure time or pickup arrangement can be requested. An additional West Bank site may also be possible by request. Nefertari’s tomb needs a separate ticket, subject to availability and site rules.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Where it fits

Fits as a focused half-day on Luxor’s West Bank, paired with a separate visit to the Valley of the Kings or Hatshepsut’s temple. The site visit centres on the royal burial ground; Nefertari’s tomb requires a separate ticket.

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.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Deir el-Medina2 km
  • Medinet Habu5 km
  • The Ramesseum4 km
  • Valley of the Kings7 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Focus on royal burials rather than a general West Bank circuit

  2. 02

    Our licensed Egyptologist explains the valley’s royal context

  3. 03

    Nefertari’s separate ticket requirement is clear before you go

·In summary

The Valley of the Queens was used mainly for royal burials during Egypt’s New Kingdom, around 1550–1070 BCE. The excursion includes the general site ticket, while entry to Queen Nefertari’s QV66 burial chamber requires a separate ticket.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How much time does the Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour take?
    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 clothing is suitable for a visit to the Valley of the Queens?
    We suggest comfortable shoes for walking, a hat, sunglasses and light, breathable clothing. When visiting Egypt’s historic and religious sites, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is advisable.
  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. 07When is the ideal time of day to go to the Valley of the Queens?
    An early-morning or late-afternoon visit is usually best for steering clear of the strongest midday heat and bigger crowds. Unlike group tours with set timetables, your private tour can be arranged to make the most of your experience.
  8. 08Are there any photography rules 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 beforehand: hold on to the whole amount as credit, or have part of it refunded.
  • Within 24 hours of the tour, or if you don't turn up, 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 stays valid for 12 months from your original travel date and can go towards any tour, cruise or stay with us.Read our full cancellation and refund policy

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-LUX-993287

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