Egypt Discovery
ExcursionLuxor

Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon

Hotel pickup in Luxor, private Egyptologist and air-conditioned transfers to the Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon is a one-day guided excursion to Luxor’s West Bank, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Photography
  • Archaeology & history
  • Cultural

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
1 Day
Travel style
Guided Excursion
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
The Valley of the Kings · Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari · The Colossi of Memnon
Includes
Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned transport from the pickup point and return · Entrance tickets for three tombs in the Valley of the Kings
Best for
Ancient Egypt enthusiasts · History-focused travellers · Photography enthusiasts · Travellers with limited time in Luxor
Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are usually milder and better suited to outdoor sightseeing. Summer visits from May to September can be very hot, often exceeding 40°C, so an early departure is preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and visitor flow can change, so timing should be confirmed in advance.

  • Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
  • An Egyptologist guide is included.
  • Air-conditioned transport from the pickup point and back is included.
  • Entry to three Valley of the Kings tombs is included.
  • Premium tomb entries, including Tutankhamun and Seti I, are identified as separate purchases.

02Overview

A first look

By 8 am the western bank feels quieter than Luxor’s Nile-side avenues, the limestone cliffs catching low sunlight while the air still holds a trace of river cool. You will move between shaded courtyards and torchlit tomb entries, pausing to read scenes carved for Ramesses and Seti and to photograph the setting where funerary processions were rehearsed in stone.

We escort you with one of our Egyptologists who explains architectural phases and ritual detail; unlike rushed coach tours, we allow measured time at each monument for photography and questions. We arrange hotel pickup and return, and your Egyptologist will meet you at departure to confirm the three tombs included.

Background

The facts

Luxor’s West Bank contains the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom, including the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs from around the 16th to 11th centuries BC. The site lies roughly 6 km west of the Nile from central Luxor, with access by road across the river and onward by vehicle to the tomb area. Visitors usually explore selected tombs on foot, with separate entry required for premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s tomb.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari stands beneath the cliffs of Qurnet Murai and is about 2.5 km north of the Valley of the Kings. Built for Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th Dynasty, it is arranged on terraced levels linked by ramps and decorated with reliefs showing expeditions, ritual scenes and royal symbolism. The temple was partly reconstructed after ancient damage and modern excavation.

The Colossi of Memnon are two seated stone statues on the West Bank plain, each originally part of Amenhotep III’s mortuary complex. They are around 18 metres high and are one of the most easily recognised monuments in the Luxor area. A guided West Bank excursion typically links these three sites in one chronological route, moving from royal tombs to temple architecture and monument restoration context.

Logistics usually involve hotel pickup or a central meeting point in Luxor, air-conditioned road transfer, and a return after the site visits and walking stops. Entrance fees for three tombs at the Valley of the Kings are included in the standard arrangement, while special tombs and gratuities are normally extra unless specifically stated.

Named in this entry

Luxor·Thebes·Nile·The Valley of the Kings·Deir el-Bahari·Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple·Hatshepsut·The Colossi of Memnon·Amenhotep III·Tutankhamun·Seti I

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time visitors to Luxor, history enthusiasts, and travellers who want a structured explanation of the New Kingdom rather than a self-guided visit. It is suitable for adults and older children who are comfortable with moderate walking, steps, and uneven ground at archaeological sites.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another outing if you need step-free access or cannot manage uneven ground, steps and narrow tomb passages. Summer visits can also be demanding in the heat, particularly later in the morning.

What lingers

  • 01Visit Valley of the Kings – standard tomb entries included; Tutankhamun tomb (premium) excluded unless requested.
  • 02Two-hour guided visit to Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari; our Egyptologist explains architectural phases.
  • 03See the Colossi of Memnon; 20-minute stop for photos and discussion of Amenhotep III's mortuary complex.
  • 04Private air-conditioned vehicle and licensed driver; we don't run coach-based group tours on this itinerary.
  • 05Expect walking on uneven stone and steps inside tombs; bring sturdy shoes and light sun protection.
  • 06Operated by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; standard entrance fees included unless otherwise stated.

Honest assessment

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

Highlights

  • Compare wall scenes inside three included Valley of the Kings tombs.
  • See Hatshepsut’s colonnaded terraces at Deir el-Bahari.
  • View the Colossi of Memnon beside Amenhotep III’s mortuary complex.
  • An Egyptologist explains New Kingdom burial practices and tomb decoration.
  • Optional premium tomb tickets let you choose whether to pay extra.

Things to Consider

  • Uneven ground and steps make the sites tiring underfoot.
  • Tomb passages can be narrow and involve stairs.
  • Limited shade at the Valley of the Kings and temple.
  • Luxor heat can make late-morning walking uncomfortable in summer.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Most rushed coach excursions allow limited time at each monument. We allow measured time for photography and Egyptologist-led context at the sites.

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Egyptologist guide
  • Air-conditioned transport from the pickup point and back
  • Entrance tickets for three tombs in the Valley of the Kings

Not included

  • Entrance to premium tombs, such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver
  • Food and drink, unless stated at booking
  • Hotel pickup outside the defined pickup zones
  • Additional transfers

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Ask your Egyptologist to compare the painted religious texts and burial-chamber layouts across the three tombs you enter.

  2. 02

    Tomb access changes by rotation, so ask which tombs are open before deciding whether to buy a premium entry.

  3. 03

    Tutankhamun and Seti I require separate payment on site, so keep time in your plans for the ticket decision.

  4. 04

    At Deir el-Bahari, look across the temple’s terraces to see how its colonnades meet the cliff face.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Tutankhamun and Seti I tombs are optional, paid entrances and are not part of the three included tomb tickets. Hotel pickup outside the defined zones requires a supplementary transfer; ask us whether a private option or additional sites can be arranged for your date.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Where it fits

This Luxor West Bank excursion fits well between a visit to Karnak Temple on the East Bank and a Nile journey towards Aswan. It focuses on royal tombs and mortuary monuments rather than the temples on Luxor’s East Bank.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum recommended age is 6 years due to steep tomb steps and narrow passages. Children under 12 normally receive a reduced ticket rate, please ask at booking for exact child pricing and ID requirements. Strollers are impractical at the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple because of steps and uneven ground; a baby carrier is more practical. We can pace the visit for families and provide child seating in the vehicle, advise us of children travelling when you book so we can adapt the timing.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup within Luxor city hotels — lobbyMap

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

  • Medinet Habu7 km
  • Deir el-Medina4 km
  • The Ramesseum5 km
  • Karnak Temple7 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

  1. 01

    Compare decoration across three included royal tombs

  2. 02

    Hear New Kingdom context from an Egyptologist

  3. 03

    Allow measured time at each West Bank site

·In summary

The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from Egypt’s 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties, dating to the New Kingdom, c. 1550–1070 BCE. Tomb access rotates, and this excursion includes entry to three tombs; Tutankhamun and Seti I require separate premium tickets.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01Are entrance fees to the Valley of the Kings included?
    Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I require separate premium tickets. Ticketing is managed at the site and subject to daily quotas and conservation closures. We can request premium-tomb tickets in advance for an additional fee, but availability is not guaranteed.
  2. 02Can I visit Tutankhamun's tomb during this tour?
    Visiting Tutankhamun's tomb requires a separate premium ticket and is not guaranteed. Premium tickets are limited each day and tombs may close for conservation or rotation. We can attempt to secure a ticket before your tour for an extra charge, but you should expect that access might be refused on the day.
  3. 03Is the West Bank day tour wheelchair accessible?
    Accessibility is limited: uneven ancient stone, steep steps and sandy approaches make some areas difficult for wheelchairs. Many tombs have narrow, steep entrances; Hatshepsut's terraces involve steps, while the Colossi of Memnon are on level ground with close access. We can adapt the route, provide shorter stops and arrange porter assistance, but full wheelchair access cannot be assured.
  4. 04What should I wear and bring for the West Bank tour?
    Bring sun protection, plenty of water, comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing covering shoulders and knees. Also carry a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30+), a light layer for early mornings and a photocopy of your passport for ticketing. Small cash is useful for drinks, tips and any premium-tomb fees you choose to buy.
  5. 05How long does the West Bank tour take and what is the pace?
    This is typically a half-day visit focused on the West Bank, usually completed within a morning or an afternoon. We spend most time in the Valley of the Kings because of walking and tomb visits; Hatshepsut and the Colossi are shorter stops. Transfer times depend on your hotel location in Luxor; unlike brief cruise stopovers, this gives more focused time at each site.
  6. 06Which sites will we visit on this West Bank day tour?
    The itinerary visits the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. These locations form part of the Ancient Theban Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Individual tomb interiors require separate tickets and may be rotated or closed for conservation.
  7. 07Do you provide a guide and what kind of group sizes do you run?
    We provide a licensed Egyptologist to lead the tour and we operate as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranging private guided excursions. Our Egyptologist explains the archaeology and inscriptions and can tailor the visit to your interests; guides speak English and other languages on request. If you prefer a shared-group option, tell us when you enquire and we will advise availability.

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 10 December 2025

Last updated 10 December 2025Product ID: EXC-LUX-893089

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