Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourLuxor

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 guide.

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, carved figures and hieroglyphs cover the walls of Ramses III’s temple, while the open courtyard holds the heat of the day. Across Luxor’s West Bank, the scale shifts from the quiet entrances of the Valley of the Kings to Hatshepsut’s rising terraces at Deir el-Bahari and the seated Colossi of Memnon. Our Egyptologist helps connect these places to the rulers who commissioned them and the beliefs that shaped royal burial in ancient Thebes.

Medinet Habu adds a distinct perspective beyond the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple: its reliefs record the reign of Ramses III. We arrange the private vehicle and guide, so you can focus on the details underfoot and overhead.

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 with driver, including pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.
  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • Entrance tickets to the Valley of the Kings, including three tombs; the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari; the Colossi of Memnon; and the Mortuary Temple of Ramses III at Medinet Habu.

Not included

  • Gratuities.
  • Personal expenses and drinks.
  • Lunch.
  • Premium tomb tickets, including 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 takes 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. The day includes walking over uneven ground and steps, including access routes within some tombs, so consider your child’s mobility and stamina. Strollers are unlikely to be practical on many archaeological paths and may need to remain with the driver. Tell us the ages of the children traveling 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. 01What is the typical duration of the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    This Luxor West Bank Day Tour is a full-day excursion, typically lasting around 6 to 8 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off. We arrange the timing to ensure a comprehensive visit to all sites without feeling rushed, allowing ample time at each location.
  2. 02What is included in the tour price?
    The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver, hotel or Nile cruise pickup and drop-off in Luxor, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and entrance tickets to the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu.
  3. 03What is not included in the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    The tour price does not cover gratuities for your guide or driver, personal expenses, drinks, or lunch. Additionally, premium tomb tickets, such as those for Tutankhamun's or Seti I's tombs in the Valley of the Kings, are excluded unless specifically requested.
  4. 04How accessible are the sites on the West Bank for travelers with mobility concerns?
    Some sites, like the Valley of the Kings, involve walking on uneven ancient stone and ramps, with stairs inside tombs. Hatshepsut Temple has a long ramp to the upper terraces. While our private vehicle minimizes walking between sites, significant portions of the tour require moderate mobility.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for children and families?
    Yes, this private tour is suitable for children and families. Our Egyptologist guides are skilled at engaging younger travelers with stories of ancient Egypt. The pace can be adjusted to accommodate families, though some walking is involved at each site.
  6. 06What should I wear and bring for the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress is advisable for temples. Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and your camera. A small backpack for personal items is also useful.
  7. 07What is the photography policy at the sites visited?
    Photography is generally permitted at the exterior of most sites. Inside tombs and temples, flash photography is typically prohibited to protect ancient artwork. Some sites may require a separate photography ticket for cameras, which your guide can advise on.
  8. 08What is the best time of year to take this tour?
    The cooler months from October to April are ideal for visiting Luxor, with pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoor sites. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, so early morning starts are recommended to avoid midday heat.
  9. 09Can I visit specific tombs in the Valley of the Kings?
    Your standard entrance ticket to the Valley of the Kings covers access to three tombs, chosen by you 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 compare to other West Bank options?
    Unlike tours that only visit the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, our itinerary includes Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. This provides a more complete understanding of New Kingdom funerary architecture and royal traditions on the West Bank.

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-915172

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