Explore Plus

Day Tours

Private Ramesseum, Medinet Habu & Valley of the Queens tour

1 days$0/ per person
  • Valley Of The Queens
  • Medinet Habu
  • Ramesseum
  • Deir El Medina
  • Luxor Tours
  • West Bank
  • Egyptology
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Ancient Egypt
Discover the Royal Temples and Tombs of Luxor's West Bank Travel beyond the most famous sights of Luxor's West Bank and discover three remarkable archaeological treasures on this private Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens tour. Explore the magnificent Ramesseum, the great mortuary temple of Pharaoh Ramesses II. Continue to Medinet Habu, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Luxor and an extraordinary monument built by Ramesses III. Finally, visit the Valley of the Queens, the ancient necropolis where queens, royal family members and important figures of the New Kingdom were buried. With a private Egyptologist and private air-conditioned vehicle, this full-day excursion takes you deep into the history of ancient Thebes, revealing the stories of powerful pharaohs, royal women, gods, funerary beliefs and the ancient Egyptian concept of the afterlife.
Book Your Private Luxor West Bank Tour Discover the royal monuments and tombs that reveal the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. Explore the monumental Ramesseum, admire the spectacular reliefs of Medinet Habu, and enter the ancient royal necropolis of the Valley of the Queens. Add the extraordinary Tomb of Queen Nefertari when available and experience some of the finest surviving art of ancient Egypt. Book your private Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens tour from Luxor and discover the royal secrets of ancient Thebes.

Tour Overview

Country

Egypt

Duration

1 days

Starts

Nile Cruise

Ends

Nile Cruise

Age Range

6 – 99

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Tour Guide

English speaking Guide

Hotel Rating

Meals Included

Optional Lunch

Tour Style

Tour Style

History

Trip Type

Private

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Pace2/5
Physical Rating3/5

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

  • History lovers, Couples & Families
  • Art and photography lovers
  • Archaeology enthusiasts
  • Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
  • Travelers interested in Egyptian funerary traditions
  • Visitors who want to explore beyond the main tourist sites

Trip Map

Route line appearance

Tour Highlights

• Visit the magnificent Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Ramesses II • Learn about the legendary pharaoh Ramesses the Great • See the remains of the enormous Ramesses II statues • Discover the famous battle scenes of the Ramesseum • Explore Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III • Admire some of Luxor's best-preserved ancient reliefs and inscriptions • Learn about the mysterious Sea Peoples and Ramesses III's reign • Visit the Valley of the Queens • Discover the famous tomb of Queen Nefertari, subject to ticket availability • Learn about ancient Egyptian beliefs concerning the afterlife • Enjoy a private Egyptologist throughout the tour • Travel comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle

Itinerary

Align flights to your itinerary

Pick a start date and we'll place flight suggestions on the matching itinerary days.

Multi-city search from your itinerary

Set a tour start date above and we'll build the multi-city legs automatically.

  1. Ramesseum, Medinet Habu & Valley of the Queens — The West Bank Without the Queue
    Tour OverviewDiscover some of Luxor's most impressive but often overlooked monuments on a private West Bank excursion. The tour is particularly interesting for travelers who have already visited the Valley of the Kings or who want to explore more of Luxor's royal and funerary heritage.
    Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Luxor • Destination: Luxor West Bank • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Pickup: Luxor hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation • Meals: Optional lunch • Return: Luxor hotel or Nile cruise ship • Suitable For: Couples, families, history lovers, archaeology enthusiasts and photographers
    Detailed ItineraryMorning – Pickup from Luxor Your private Egyptologist and driver will meet you at your Luxor hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation. Cross the Nile toward the West Bank and begin your private journey through the ancient landscape of Thebes. Your guide will introduce you to the history of Luxor's West Bank and explain why this area became the center of royal funerary architecture during the New Kingdom. Unlike the East Bank, which was associated primarily with temples and religious life, the West Bank became famous for its royal tombs, mortuary temples and cemeteries.
    RamesseumThe Great Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II Your first major stop is the Ramesseum, the enormous mortuary temple built for Pharaoh Ramesses II, often known as Ramesses the Great. Ramesses II ruled Egypt for approximately 66 years and became one of the most famous pharaohs of ancient Egypt. His reign was marked by major building projects, military campaigns and diplomatic achievements. The Ramesseum was constructed as a place where the king could be worshipped and commemorated after death.
    The Colossal Statue of Ramesses IIOne of the most impressive features of the Ramesseum was the enormous seated statue of Ramesses II. Although the monument is now heavily ruined, fragments of the colossal statue remain at the site. Your Egyptologist will explain the original scale of the statue and the symbolic importance of monumental royal representations. Ancient Egyptian rulers used colossal statues to communicate power, stability and their connection with the gods.
    The Ramesseum ReliefsStories of War, Kingship and Religion The walls of the Ramesseum contain important reliefs and inscriptions associated with the reign of Ramesses II. Among the most famous scenes are representations connected with the Battle of Kadesh, one of the best-known military campaigns of Ramesses II. Your guide will explain the historical background of the conflict with the Hittites and how Ramesses II presented his role in the battle. The temple also contains religious scenes showing the king before the gods. These reliefs provide insight into how pharaohs presented themselves as protectors of Egypt and intermediaries between the human and divine worlds.
    Ramesses II and the Battle of KadeshThe Battle of Kadesh is one of the most famous military events associated with Ramesses II. The conflict took place between the Egyptian and Hittite forces in the region of Kadesh. Ramesses II commissioned numerous inscriptions and reliefs describing the campaign and portraying the king as a heroic warrior. Your Egyptologist will explain how historical events, royal propaganda and religious symbolism were combined in ancient Egyptian temple decoration.
    Medinet HabuExplore the Mortuary Temple of Ramesses III Continue to Medinet Habu, one of the most impressive and best-preserved temple complexes on Luxor's West Bank. The temple was built by Ramesses III, a ruler of Egypt's 20th Dynasty. Although Ramesses III's reign came more than a century after Ramesses II, he deliberately created a monumental temple complex that reflected the power and traditions of the New Kingdom.
    The Massive Entrance GateThe entrance to Medinet Habu is particularly impressive. The enormous fortified gateway has a distinctive architectural appearance and is sometimes described as a migdol-style gateway. Your Egyptologist will explain how the temple's entrance differed from the traditional appearance of many Egyptian temples. The monumental gateway was decorated with royal and religious imagery emphasizing the authority of Ramesses III.
    The Reliefs of Medinet HabuOne of Luxor's Best-Preserved Temple Complexes Medinet Habu is famous for its exceptionally well-preserved reliefs and inscriptions. The walls depict religious ceremonies, military campaigns, offerings and royal victories. Your guide will point out scenes showing the king before various Egyptian gods and explain the symbolism of the temple decorations. The quality of the surviving reliefs makes Medinet Habu one of the most rewarding sites for travelers interested in ancient Egyptian art.
    Ramesses III and the Sea PeoplesOne of the most historically significant aspects of Medinet Habu is its record of the conflicts involving the Sea Peoples during the reign of Ramesses III. The temple contains scenes depicting naval and land warfare. Your Egyptologist will explain the historical context of these conflicts and why they are important for understanding the wider political changes affecting the eastern Mediterranean during the late Bronze Age.
    Royal Palace AreaMedinet Habu also contains remains associated with the royal palace and other structures connected with the temple complex. Your guide will explain how mortuary temples were not simply places of burial. They were religious institutions where rituals, offerings and ceremonies were performed in honor of deceased kings.
    Valley of the QueensDiscover the Royal Necropolis Continue to the Valley of the Queens, located in the hills of Luxor's West Bank. The ancient Egyptians called the area Ta-Set-Neferu, often translated as "Place of Beauty." The valley contains tombs belonging to queens, princes and other members of the royal family, particularly from the New Kingdom. Compared with the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens provides a different perspective on royal funerary traditions.
    Tomb of Queen NefertariOne of Egypt's Most Beautiful Tombs The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Queens is that of Queen Nefertari, the principal wife of Ramesses II. The tomb is renowned for its extraordinary paintings and richly decorated chambers. The walls depict Nefertari interacting with Egyptian gods and goddesses as she journeys through the afterlife. The colors and artistic quality of the tomb are among the finest surviving examples of New Kingdom funerary art. Important Note The tomb of Nefertari is subject to separate admission, capacity restrictions and current site regulations. If available, your private tour can be arranged to include this remarkable tomb as an optional upgrade.
    Ancient Egyptian Beliefs About the AfterlifeThe Valley of the Queens provides an opportunity to understand how ancient Egyptians viewed death and the afterlife. They believed death was not the end of existence but a transition into another form of life. Tomb decorations were therefore extremely important. Images of gods, offerings, food, protection and the deceased's journey through the afterlife were intended to help the deceased reach eternal life. Your Egyptologist will explain the meaning behind the scenes and symbols found inside the tombs.
    Optional LunchAfter visiting the archaeological sites, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from Egyptian, oriental, international or vegetarian dishes. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences.
    Return to LuxorAfter completing your West Bank sightseeing, return to your private air-conditioned vehicle. Your driver will take you back to your Luxor hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation.
    Optional Services Enhance your private West Bank experience with: • Tomb of Queen Nefertari, subject to availability • Additional Valley of the Queens tombs • Traditional Egyptian lunch • Guide in another language • Professional photography assistance • Private vehicle upgrade • Additional West Bank sightseeing • Valley of the Kings extension • Hatshepsut Temple extension • Colossi of Memnon stop
    The Story of Luxor's Royal West BankThe West Bank of Luxor is one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Egypt. Ancient Egyptians associated the setting sun in the west with death and the afterlife, which helps explain why royal tombs and mortuary monuments were concentrated on the western side of the Nile. The landscape includes: • Royal tombs • Mortuary temples • Private tombs • Royal family cemeteries • Temples dedicated to deceased pharaohs The Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens each reveal a different part of this ancient funerary landscape.
    Suggested Tour Schedule A typical schedule may look like: 08:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Luxor by private air-conditioned vehicle 08:30 AM – 09:30 AM – Visit Ramesseum Explore the mortuary temple of Ramses II, famous for its colossal statues and intricate reliefs Guided tour highlighting its historical and architectural significance 09:45 AM – 10:45 AM – Visit Medinet Habu Tour the well-preserved mortuary temple of Ramses III See detailed military and religious reliefs depicting the king’s victories 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Visit Valley of the Queens Explore the burial site of queens and royal children, including beautifully decorated tombs like that of Queen Nefertari (subject to ticket availability) Learn about the role and lives of royal women in ancient Egypt 12:30 PM – 01:00 PM – Optional lunch break (arranged upon request) 01:00 PM – 01:30 PM – Return transfer to your hotel in Luxor 01:30 PM – Arrival back at hotelor optional continuation of afternoon activities
    Overnight:
    Your Nile Cruise
    Meals:
    Optional Lunch
    Visit:
    Ramesseum Medinet Habu Valley of the Queens
    Entrance Fees:
    $40

    Arrival flight for Day 1

    Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.

    TLV → CAI · pick your date

    Skyscanner Kayak Refine on our Flights page
  2. Additional Info
    Cost Build (per adult, 2026 published rates) Ramesseum 220 $4.20 Medinet Habu 220 $4.20 Valley of the Queens (standard tombs) 220 $4.20 Colossi of Memnon 0 $0 Open roadside site (Egypt for Travel) Core ticket subtotal 660 ~$13 Deir el-Medina (optional) 160–220 $3–4.20 Tomb of Nefertari (request only) 1,400–2,500 $27–48 Students with a valid ISIC card pay exactly half on all three main tickets, which is a real saving worth flagging to families with university-age children.
    Add-on Guest price Notes Deir el-Medina $22 The best single addition; add 1 hour Tombs of the Nobles (Sennefer & Rekhmire) $20 Daily-life scenes, excellent contrast to the temples Temple of Seti I at Qurna $20 Superb relief carving, almost no visitors Howard Carter House $22 Good for Tutankhamun-focused guests Sunrise hot-air balloon $130–160 Booked the night before; weather-dependent, refundable Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) Quoted on confirmation Request only — currently closed, never pre-sell
    Guest Brief for the Confirmation Email
    • Pickup at 07:00, or 06:00 for May–September departures; the day runs 7–8 hours
    • Heat is the main planning factor. Hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a refillable bottle are essential. There is almost no shade at any of the three sites
    • Comfortable closed walking shoes: sand, loose stone and tomb staircases
    • Bring your passport and an ISIC card if you have one — it halves every ticket
    • Mobile-phone photography is free at all three sites; some tombs restrict flash and professional cameras
    • Site gates are card-only, so no cash is needed for tickets — but carry small Egyptian notes for the buggy, toilets and tips
    • Guests with claustrophobia should know the Valley of the Queens tombs involve descending narrow sloped corridors
    • Not recommended for guests with significant mobility limitations: uneven ground and steps throughout
    • Hawkers are persistent at the Colossi of Memnon; a polite firm "la shukran" and continuing to walk is the correct response
    Season October to April is the natural window, with daytime highs of 20–28°C and comfortable walking at every site (Egyptra). December and January are peak in Luxor overall, but these three sites stay quiet even then — that is precisely the product. February and March are the sweet spot: warm, clear, and the light on the Medinet Habu reliefs at mid-morning is exceptional. May to September is genuinely hot, above 40°C most days, but Luxor hotel rates fall by a third to a half and you will have the Ramesseum entirely to yourselves. Sell it honestly as the sunrise version — 06:00 pickup, everything done by 11:30, back at the pool by 13:00 — and it is one of the better-value weeks in Egypt. Do not sell a midday summer departure at any price.

    Return flight after Day 2

    Departure flights for the last day of your itinerary.

    CAI → TLV · pick your date

    Skyscanner Kayak Refine on our Flights page

Nights You Will Stay

Extended your tour stayIf you wish to enjoy more time at your destination, extending your hotel stay or add hotel in Luxor or Aswan is easy. Notify Us Early. Inform us so we can check availability and secure your room for the additional nights with extra payment.

Meals

Optional Egyptian LunchBetween your sightseeing, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from traditional Egyptian and oriental cuisine, international dishes or vegetarian options. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences. You can sample traditional dishes such as: • Koshari • Grilled meats • Falafel • Egyptian salads • Fresh bread • Traditional desserts Vegetarian meals can also be arranged. Lunch is optional unless specifically included in your selected package

Included

  • Lunch: Optional for hotel stay

What Makes This Tour Special?

Ramesseum vs. Medinet HabuBoth monuments are royal mortuary temples, but they offer different experiences. Ramesseum → The Ramesseum was built for Ramesses II and is especially important for its connection with one of Egypt's most famous pharaohs, his monumental building program and representations of the Battle of Kadesh. Medinet Habu → Medinet Habu was built by Ramesses III and is particularly famous for its excellent reliefs, inscriptions, monumental gateway and scenes depicting military conflicts. Visiting both allows you to compare two important royal monuments from the New Kingdom.
Valley of the Queens vs. Valley of the KingsThe two royal necropolises provide complementary experiences. Valley of the Kings → The Valley of the Kings was primarily used for the burial of kings of the New Kingdom. Valley of the Queens → The Valley of the Queens was primarily associated with queens and members of the royal family. A visit to both areas provides a broader understanding of royal funerary traditions and the complex beliefs surrounding death and eternal life.

What's included & what's not

Tap an item to build your own package — remove what you don't need, add the extras you want, then send the summary with your inquiry.

Included (3/3)

Not included (0 added)

Pricing

Essentials

  • Group departure

Signature

  • Small group (max 8)

Luxury

  • Private Guide & Driver

Additional Extras

Sound and light show

in Egypt are night events held at famous historical sites like the Giza Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and Philae Island

A Nile River dinner cruise

in Egypt is a 2 to 3 hour evening excursion featuring an open buffet, live music, cultural performances belly dancing and Tanoura shows

An optional lunch buffet

Usually features local or traditional dishes, side items, and fruits, though specialized diets (like strict vegan or allergen-free)

Good To Know

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Luxor?
+
Yes, it offers a balanced introduction to major temples and quieter archaeological sites, ideal for first-timers seeking cultural depth without rushing.

How long is the Ramesseum, Habu & Valley of the Queens tour?
+
Typically 7–8 hours including travel, guided visits, lunch, and rest, with a relaxed pace for photography and reflection.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?
+
October to April for cooler temperatures; early morning starts recommended year-round to avoid midday heat.
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
+
Yes, standard entrance fees to all main sites are included. Optional special tomb tickets can be purchased on-site.

Is this a private or group experience?
+
It is a private tour with a licensed Egyptologist and private transportation, suitable for couples, families, or small groups.

What should I wear during the tour?
+
Comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, sun protection, and modest attire for temples, especially in warmer months.

What is the Valley of the Queens, Habu & Ramesseum Day tour?
+
A full-day private Luxor West Bank tour exploring Medinet Habu, the Ramesseum, Deir el-Medina, and royal tombs of queens, with an Egyptologist guide and private transport.

Send Inquiry

About this tour

Additional information

Confirmation

You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.

Documents

A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.

Pick-up

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.

Group size

Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.

Accessibility

Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.

Children

Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.

Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.

Cancellation & refund policy

30 days or more before departure

100% refund

15 – 29 days before departure

50% refund

14 days or less before departure

No refund

  • • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
  • • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
  • • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
  • • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
  • • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Egypt to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

No similar tours have been picked yet — browse our full collection to find your next adventure.

Browse all tours →
Call usAsk us
This chat is for questions about Explore Plus services only — tours, day tours, Nile cruises, hotels and attractions. It does not confirm bookings or payments.