West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
West Bank - Valley of kings, Hatshepsute Temple & Colossi of Memnon Day Tour is a 1-day guided excursion covering the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Best time to go
The best months are October to April, when daytime temperatures in Luxor are generally more comfortable for outdoor walking and tomb visits. In summer, especially June to August, the West Bank can be very hot by late morning, so earlier departures are preferable. During Ramadan and major holidays, some services may operate on adjusted schedules and monuments can be busier around local peak times.
02Overview
A first look
A guided half-day on Luxor’s West Bank visiting three principal monuments west of the Nile. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) carry additional charges.
Background
The facts
Luxor’s West Bank is the ancient necropolis of Thebes, used primarily during Egypt’s New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BCE). The area contains the Valley of the Kings, where royal tombs were cut into the limestone hills to conceal burials from tomb robbers, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built in terraces against the cliffs on the western edge of the Nile valley.
The Valley of the Kings contains dozens of tombs, but visitor access is rotated and not every tomb is open at the same time. This excursion includes entrance for three tombs, allowing comparison of burial chamber plans, painted religious texts, and wall scenes from different periods of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are not included unless purchased separately on site.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was built for the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, who ruled in the 15th century BCE, and is known for its long colonnaded ramps and surviving reliefs. The Colossi of Memnon are two seated stone statues of Amenhotep III, originally guarding his mortuary temple complex. They stand on the West Bank plain, approximately 1 km from the remains of the temple precinct and are typically visited as a final stop because of their location near the route back to Luxor.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion is suited to first-time visitors to Luxor, history-focused travelers, and adults or older children who want a structured introduction to New Kingdom burial practices. It also fits private-travel clients who prefer an Egyptologist-led visit with time for photography and interpretation at each monument.
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.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Egyptologist guide
- Air-conditioned transport from pickup point and return
- Entrance tickets for three tombs at the Valley of the Kings
Not included
- Premium tomb entrances (for example Tutankhamun or Seti I)
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Food and beverages unless stated at booking
- Hotel pickup outside defined pickup zones, supplementary transfers
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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.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.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.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.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.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.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
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: EXC-LUX-893089
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