Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour
Explore this New Kingdom royal burial ground on Luxor’s West Bank and see the exterior of Nefertari’s tomb; chamber entry requires a separate ticket.
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. Runs daily, with hotel pickup. From $56 per person, based on 4 sharing. Book online.
02Overview
A first look
On Luxor’s West Bank, pale dust and uneven stone mark the approach to the Valley of the Queens. Inside the burial ground, painted scenes and carved details bring the stories of royal women and children into view as your Egyptologist explains what the tombs reveal. Limited shade makes a hat and water useful, especially in warmer months.
Unlike a broad West Bank overview, this visit keeps its attention on the valley and its royal tombs. You can see the setting of Nefertari’s tomb, while entry to its decorated burial chamber requires a separate ticket. We arrange private transport and a licensed Egyptologist guide, so your visit is grounded in the site rather than a general lecture.
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.
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
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
- New
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Private vehicle with driver, including pickup 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.
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.
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.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Half Day
- Travel style
- Private Guided Tour
- 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.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport or photo identification, if requested
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Comfortable walking shoes with a firm grip
- Small amount of cash for personal expenses
- Camera, subject to site rules
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees out of respect at heritage sites
Children & families
Children of any age are charged the adult rate for transport and guide services, and every child takes a seat in the vehicle. Entrance tickets are free for children under 6 and charged in full from age 6. The visit includes walking over uneven paths and may involve steps or low doorways at tombs, which can be tiring for young children. Strollers are unlikely to be practical on the site's uneven or sandy ground and inside tombs. This excursion does not include a meal.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This half-day visit involves walking on uneven ground, exposed stone paths and potentially sandy sections in the Valley of the Queens. Shade and seating can be limited, and access to individual tombs may involve steps, narrow passages or low doorways. A private vehicle can take you from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise to the site, but it does not remove the walking required there. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can discuss what may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The tour uses a private vehicle with a driver for the journey between your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise and the Valley of the Queens. We arrange the visit with a local Egyptologist guide and driver, keeping these services with people working in Luxor. The entrance ticket supports access to the archaeological site, but we do not have verified information about how ticket revenue is allocated or about a specific community program connected to this tour. Visitors can help protect the site by following guide instructions, staying on permitted paths and taking litter back with them.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
·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
01How long is the Valley of the Queens Half-Day Tour?
This is a half-day excursion, typically lasting around 3 to 4 hours from pickup to drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise. The duration allows for a focused exploration of the Valley of the Queens with your private Egyptologist.02What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private vehicle transfers with a driver from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and the entrance ticket to the Valley of the Queens. We arrange all ground logistics for you.03What is not included in the tour?
The tour price excludes gratuities for your guide and driver, personal expenses, drinks, and lunch. Entry to Nefertari's tomb also requires a separate ticket, which is not included.04Is the Valley of the Queens tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
The Valley of the Queens involves walking over uneven ancient ground and through an archaeological site with limited shade. While our private vehicle provides direct transport, movement within the site itself may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.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 is advisable, covering shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious or historical sites in Egypt.06Can children participate in this tour?
Yes, children are welcome on this private tour. Our Egyptologist guides are skilled at engaging younger visitors, and the private format allows for flexibility to accommodate family needs and pacing.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 midday heat and larger crowds. Your private tour can be scheduled to optimize your experience, unlike larger group tours.08What is the photography policy at the Valley of the Queens?
Photography is generally permitted in the Valley of the Queens, but specific rules may apply inside individual tombs. Your Egyptologist guide will advise you on any restrictions, especially regarding flash photography.09Why is Nefertari's tomb not included in the main ticket?
Nefertari's tomb is renowned for its exceptionally preserved and vibrant wall paintings, making it one of the most popular sites. Due to its delicate nature and limited visitor numbers, it requires a separate, higher-priced ticket to help with its preservation.10How do I arrange pickup for my tour?
Your private vehicle and Egyptologist guide will pick you up directly from your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise ship. Tell us about your pickup arrangements when you book.
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-LUX-993287
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, hotel pickup
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