Private tour West Bank Luxor, Valley of the Kings, temples, lunch
Private guided tour of Luxor’s West Bank with a professional Egyptologist. Visit the Valley of the Kings (three tombs), the Temple of Hatshepsut, Medinet Habu, and the Colossi of Memnon. Tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Luxor, bottled water and lunch at a local restaurant. Entrance tickets to sites are not included.
In Collaboration with Far and Beyond Travel. Updated on February 15, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Far and Beyond Travel, inspired by the tour Private tour West Bank Luxor, Valley of the Kings, temples, lunch. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Valley of the Kings — visit three royal tombs
- Temple of Hatshepsut — terraced mortuary temple
- Medinet Habu — mortuary temple of Ramses III
- Colossi of Memnon — twin statues of Amenhotep III
- Lunch at a local restaurant on the West Bank
Explore all itineraries in Luxor.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full private half-day on Luxor's West Bank with hotel pick-up and drop-off. Designed with comfortable pacing and short transfers for travelers preferring fewer continuous walking segments.
Valley of the Kings
Visit three tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Your Egyptologist guide will give an introductory briefing on the valley and the pharaohs buried here before entering the tombs.
- Monday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Carry your passport or a photocopy — it's commonly checked at Valley of the Kings entrance.
- Wear a broad-brim hat and sunscreen; shaded areas are limited and surfaces are uneven — good, sturdy shoes recommended.
- Restrooms are available near the visitor center; use them before entering the tomb areas where facilities are sparse.
Transfer to Temple of Hatshepsut (short drive)
Short transfer across the West Bank from the Valley of the Kings to the Temple of Hatshepsut with time to sit and rest if needed before the next visit.
Tips from local experts:
- The vehicle used for transfers is air-conditioned — use this time to cool down and sit for a short rest.
- If you use walking poles for stability, keep them handy for short walks at the next stop.
- Ask your guide for a quick recap or to repeat details if you'd like more time to absorb the Valley visit.
Temple of Hatshepsut
Guided visit to the terraced mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. The guide will explain the temple’s architecture, reliefs and Hatshepsut’s reign before you explore at your own pace.
- Monday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- There are steps between terraces; if stairs are difficult, request a route with fewer steps from your guide.
- Shaded seating areas are limited — carry a lightweight scarf or cooling towel for added comfort.
- Photography is allowed in most exterior areas; avoid flash inside delicate locations as requested by site staff.
Transfer to Medinet Habu
Short scenic drive along the West Bank to Medinet Habu; use this transfer to rest before the next temple visit.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a bottle of water with you (provided during the tour) and sip during transfers to stay hydrated.
- If you need a restroom break, mention it to your guide during this short transfer.
- Ask the guide about accessible paths at Medinet Habu if reduced walking is preferred.
Medinet Habu (Mortuary Temple of Ramses III)
Explore the courtyards and well-preserved reliefs of Medinet Habu with explanations from your Egyptologist guide on the temple’s religious and historical significance.
- Monday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Medinet Habu has flat courtyard areas suitable for short rests; ask your guide to point these out if you need seating.
- Wear comfortable, closed shoes — temple grounds have sandy and uneven surfaces.
- Large bags may be checked at entry; keep personal items minimal for ease of movement.
Colossi of Memnon
Stop to view the twin statues of Amenhotep III. The guide will describe the statues’ original role and their history; time for photographs is included.
Tips from local experts:
- The Colossi site is an open area with limited shade — carry sun protection and sit during short rests.
- The viewing area is level and requires minimal walking from the parking area, suitable for guests preferring shorter walks.
- Keep cameras ready; this stop is brief but provides clear photo opportunities of the statues.
Lunch at a local West Bank restaurant
Enjoy a freshly prepared meal at a local restaurant on the West Bank. Vegetarian options are available. Drinks are not included.
- MondayOpen 24 hours
- TuesdayOpen 24 hours
- WednesdayOpen 24 hours
- ThursdayOpen 24 hours
- FridayOpen 24 hours
- SaturdayOpen 24 hours
- SundayOpen 24 hours
Tips from local experts:
- Inform your guide of any dietary restrictions before seating so the kitchen can accommodate where possible.
- Meals typically include seated dining with accessible seating — ask for a quieter table if needed.
- Allow a short rest after the meal before your hotel drop-off if you prefer a slower pace.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Restaurant |
Private Tour West Bank Luxor Valley of the Kings Temples Lunch
Explore Luxor's West Bank temples and royal tombs on a private tour where lunch is included—a leisurely, intimate way to move through the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple without the rush of group tours.
Why this experience
The West Bank is Luxor's spiritual core: a landscape of royal tombs, terraced temples, and monuments carved by the greatest civilizations of the ancient world. A private tour with lunch included removes the friction of figuring out where to eat, letting you stay immersed in the experience. You'll descend into the Valley of the Kings with a guide who explains the hieroglyphs and burial practices of pharaohs, visit the unmistakable Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut rising from the desert in terraces, walk through quieter temples like Medinet Habu, and see the Colossi of Memnon guarding the floodplain. The tour is paced for you—no waiting for group members, no compressed timings. Lunch breaks the day naturally, often at a local restaurant with views of the Nile, where you can rest, reflect, and refuel before the afternoon sites. This experience is best in autumn and winter when temperatures allow for full days of exploration without exhaustion.
Before you go
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Best time | Autumn through spring (September–May). Summer heat makes full-day exploration difficult. |
| Budget | Entry fees and lunch are included. Bring cash for tips and any optional purchases. |
| Difficulty | Moderate. You'll walk through tombs and temple grounds for several hours. Wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. |
| What to bring | Hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, at least 1.5 litres of water, camera. |
| Getting there | Hotel pickup and drop-off are typically included. Confirm times the day before your tour. |
| Accessibility | Tomb interiors involve stairs and uneven ground. Valley of the Kings has shaded areas but limited wheelchair access. |
Frequently asked questions
How long is the tour? A typical full-day tour runs 8–10 hours from pickup to drop-off, depending on which sites you visit and how long you spend at each.
What sites are included? The Valley of the Kings is always included. Most tours add Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, Valley of the Queens, Colossi of Memnon, and sometimes Deir el-Medina. Ask your operator which specific sites are covered.
What's included in the tour? Private transport, hotel pickup and drop-off, entry fees to all sites, a private guide, and lunch at a local restaurant. Water and snacks may or may not be included—check with your operator.
Can I customize which sites to visit? Yes. Since it's private, you can discuss your interests with your guide and adjust the itinerary. If you want to skip a site to spend more time elsewhere, that's usually possible.
Is this tour suitable for families? Yes, especially for families with older children and teens. The full day is demanding for very young kids (under 6). Discuss pacing and site selections with your operator beforehand.
Complete your trip in Luxor
Pair this West Bank experience with a sunrise hot air balloon ride for aerial perspectives of the same temples. If you want more, extend your exploration south with a 2-day tour to Aswan, Abu Simbel, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Or combine cultural immersion with a private home-cooking experience on the West Bank.
Browse all Luxor itineraries at TheNextGuide.
