Egypt Discovery
ExcursionLuxor

Medinet Habu & Valley of the Kings Day Tour: Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon

Explore three royal tombs, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon accompanied by 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 to four ancient sites in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • New

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full day
Travel style
Private Tour with a Guide
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Tours to discover Egypt
Destinations
Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Deir el-Bahari · Colossi of Memnon · Medinet Habu
Includes
Private car and driver · Collection from and return to a hotel in Luxor or a Nile cruise · Private guide licensed as an Egyptologist · Entry to the Valley of the Kings, including three tombs · Entrance to Hatshepsut’s Temple at Deir el-Bahari · Entrance to the Colossi of Memnon · Entrance to Medinet Habu
Best for
Ancient history enthusiasts · First-time Luxor visitors · Families with older children · Travellers seeking a private guided excursion

Best time to go

October to April is generally more comfortable, with daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C; May to September can bring temperatures above 35°C, particularly around midday. Earlier visits help reduce heat exposure and may avoid some crowds. Ramadan dates shift each year, so check site opening hours and local schedules; Easter and half-term periods can also be busier.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • The excursion includes a private licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • The itinerary specifies entrance tickets for all four listed sites.
  • The Valley of the Kings ticket covers three tombs; premium tomb tickets for Tutankhamun and Seti I are excluded unless requested.
  • A private vehicle with driver is arranged for pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.

02Overview

A first look

At Medinet Habu, the carved stone walls hold the afternoon light; Ramses III’s figures and inscriptions reward a slower look than a quick circuit allows. On Luxor’s West Bank, the tomb passages at the Valley of the Kings feel close and quiet, before the open terraces of Hatshepsut’s temple widen the view towards the cliffs. The Colossi of Memnon mark another change in scale, with Amenhotep III’s seated statues rising beside the road.

Medinet Habu gives this visit a further perspective beyond the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple. Our private Egyptologist can link the reliefs and burial places to the rulers of ancient Thebes, while we arrange your driver and vehicle.

Background

The facts

The Luxor West Bank excursion is a guided visit to four archaeological sites on the west side of the Nile at ancient Thebes: the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the visit with a private vehicle and Egyptologist guide.

The route links royal tombs cut into the limestone hills with mortuary temples and monumental statues. The Valley of the Kings was principally used for royal burials during the New Kingdom, about 1550–1070 BCE. Hatshepsut’s temple dates to the 15th century BCE, during the 18th Dynasty. The Colossi of Memnon are approximately 18 metres tall and represent Amenhotep III, who ruled in the 14th century BCE. Medinet Habu is the mortuary temple of Ramses III.

These sites form part of the archaeological landscape of ancient Thebes, a UNESCO World Heritage property. The Valley of the Kings standard ticket covers three tombs; entry to the tombs of Tutankhamun and Seti I requires separate premium tickets. Expect walking over uneven ancient surfaces and steps at archaeological sites. Opening times can vary by season and site, so check locally before setting out; summer visits require protection from strong sun and heat.

Named in this entry

The Valley of the Kings·Deir el-Bahari·The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·The Colossi of Memnon·Amenhotep III·Medinet Habu·The Mortuary Temple of Ramses III·Ramses III·Thebes·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Egypt's New Kingdom·Tutankhamun·Seti I

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This private Luxor West Bank excursion suits adults and older children, roughly 10 and up, who are interested in royal tombs, temple architecture and ancient Egyptian history. It is a good match for couples, families or solo travellers who prefer a private Egyptologist guide and can manage several hours on foot over uneven ground.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose a shorter visit if you have limited mobility, need step-free access or find several hours of walking difficult. The route is also a poor fit for very young children who are unlikely to enjoy extended site visits in the heat.

What lingers

  • 01Enter three tombs with the standard Valley of the Kings ticket.
  • 02Discover the terraces and reliefs of Hatshepsut’s funerary temple at Deir el-Bahari.
  • 03View the Colossi of Memnon, statues of Amenhotep III.
  • 04Visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III.
  • 05Hear site-specific explanations from a private licensed Egyptologist guide.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Includes Medinet Habu as well as the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
  • Standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers three tombs.
  • Private Egyptologist guide can explain the sites in context.
  • Private vehicle connects the West Bank sites from Luxor.
  • Colossi of Memnon stop adds a brief, accessible viewpoint.

Things to Consider

  • Several hours of walking on uneven ancient stone.
  • Limited shade at some sites, especially around midday.
  • Tutankhamun and Seti I tomb tickets cost extra.
  • Lunch, drinks and gratuities are not included.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Many West Bank itineraries focus on the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple. We include the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu, with a private guide and vehicle rather than a group bus.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver, with collection from and return to your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise.
  • Private guide who is a licensed Egyptologist.
  • Admission to the Valley of the Kings, covering three tombs, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari, the Colossi of Memnon and Ramses III’s Mortuary Temple at Medinet Habu.

Not included

  • Gratuities.
  • Personal spending and drinks.
  • Lunch.
  • Additional tickets for premium tombs, such as those of Tutankhamun and Seti I, unless requested.

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Choose comfortable shoes with grip; tomb passages and temple grounds include uneven stone underfoot.

  2. 02

    Carry water and sun protection, particularly during warmer months when shade across the sites is limited.

  3. 03

    Keep small notes for optional purchases and gratuities; gratuities are not part of the listed inclusions.

  4. 04

    Ask your Egyptologist to distinguish the surviving Colossi from the largely lost mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The excursion is private, with pickup and drop-off at a Luxor hotel or Nile cruise. Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s tombs can be requested at extra cost, subject to availability and site ticket rules; lunch and drinks are not included.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This full-day West Bank excursion fits naturally into a Luxor stay, alongside a separate visit to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank. It can also sit between time in Cairo and a Nile cruise departing from Luxor.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Every child needs 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. Uneven paths and steps, including access routes inside some tombs, may be tiring for children. Pushchairs are unlikely to be practical on many archaeological paths and may need to stay with the driver. Please share the ages of children travelling so we can discuss arrangements.

These fares are a guide, as prices and departure move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.

While you're here

Worth pairing

  • Valley of the Queens3 km
  • Ramesseum3 km
  • Deir el-Medina4 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Medinet Habu adds Ramses III’s temple to the West Bank route

  2. 02

    Three Valley of the Kings tombs are covered by the standard ticket

  3. 03

    Our private Egyptologist explains the sites in context

·In summary

The Valley of the Kings standard entrance ticket covers three tombs; Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s tombs require separate premium tickets. The West Bank route also visits Hatshepsut’s temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu, Ramses III’s mortuary temple.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long does the Luxor West Bank Day Tour typically last?
    This Luxor West Bank Day Tour is a full-day excursion, usually taking between six and eight hours from when we collect you until we drop you off. We carefully plan the schedule to allow thorough visits to each historical site without feeling rushed.
  2. 02What is included in the price of this West Bank tour?
    Included in the tour price are a private, air-conditioned vehicle and driver, convenient pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise, a private licensed Egyptologist guide, and all standard entry tickets. Tickets cover the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon and Medinet Habu.
  3. 03Which things are excluded from the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    Not included in the tour price are tips for your guide or driver, personal expenses, drinks or lunch. Special premium tomb tickets, including those for Tutankhamun's or Seti I's tombs in the Valley of the Kings, are also excluded unless you specifically request them.
  4. 04Is this tour suitable for travellers with mobility issues?
    Some sites, like the Valley of the Kings, involve walking on uneven ancient stone and ramps, with stairs inside tombs. Hatshepsut Temple features a long ramp to its upper terraces. While our private vehicle minimises travel between sites, significant portions of the tour require walking and navigating ancient terrain.
  5. 05Can families with children enjoy this West Bank tour?
    Yes, this private tour is well-suited for families with children. Our Egyptologist guides are experienced in engaging younger travellers with captivating stories of ancient Egypt. The pace can be adjusted to accommodate families, though some walking is necessary at each location.
  6. 06What clothing and other items should I take for the Luxor West Bank Day Tour?
    We advise wearing comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress is recommended for visiting temples. Please bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and your camera. A small backpack for personal items is also practical.
  7. 07What is the photography policy at the sites on the tour?
    Photography is generally permitted outside most sites. Flash photography is usually banned inside tombs and temples to help protect the ancient artwork. Some places may require a separate camera photography ticket; your guide can advise you.
  8. 08When is the best time of year to take this tour?
    The cooler months from October to April are ideal for visiting Luxor, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoor sites. During the summer, from May to September, it can be very hot, so we recommend early morning starts to avoid the midday heat.
  9. 09Can I choose which tombs to visit in the Valley of the Kings?
    Your standard entrance ticket to the Valley of the Kings allows access to three tombs, which you can choose 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 differ from other West Bank options?
    Unlike many tours that focus solely on the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, our itinerary also includes Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramses III. This provides a more comprehensive insight into New Kingdom funerary architecture and royal traditions on the West Bank.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour·Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: EXC-LUX-915172

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