Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourLuxor

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

Explore Luxor’s West Bank with a private licensed Egyptologist, comparing royal tomb workers’ village life with the decorated tombs 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

On Luxor’s West Bank, the path through Deir el-Medina leads past the remains of a village shaped by the work of royal tomb builders. Inside the decorated tombs nearby, painted walls bring a different world into view: the status and beliefs of Theban officials. Our Egyptologist helps you read the contrast between a community’s daily life and the art created for elite burials.

We keep the visit focused on these two sites rather than covering the West Bank broadly. Your private, licensed Egyptologist guide puts the details in context, while we arrange pickup and drop-off by private vehicle at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.

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 with driver
  • Pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise
  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide
  • Entrance tickets to Deir el-Medina and the Valley of the Nobles

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses 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

Every child takes 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. The route includes uneven ground and steps at some site entrances, so strollers may be difficult to use and may not enter tombs. Tell us the child’s age and seating needs when you inquire.

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. 01What is the duration of the Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles tour?
    This is a half-day tour, typically lasting around 4 to 5 hours from pickup to drop-off. It focuses specifically on Deir el-Medina and the Tombs of the Nobles, allowing for a concentrated exploration of these two sites on Luxor's West Bank.
  2. 02Where does the tour pick up and drop off guests in Luxor?
    We provide convenient pickup and drop-off directly from your hotel or Nile cruise ship located in Luxor. Our private air-conditioned vehicle and driver will meet you at a pre-arranged time, ensuring a seamless start and end to your excursion.
  3. 03What is included in the Deir el-Medina and Tombs of the Nobles tour?
    The tour includes a private air-conditioned 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 include 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.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for individuals with mobility challenges?
    The sites involve walking on uneven ancient stone paths and some sandy areas. While our private vehicle minimizes overall walking distances between sites, access within the tombs can involve stairs and narrow passages. Please inform us of any specific mobility concerns when booking.
  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 travelers 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 elite officials, providing a distinct social perspective.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Product ID: EXC-LUX-118260

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