Tour Facts
Discover the fascinating monuments of Luxor's West Bank on a private tour of the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and Valley of the Queens. Explore royal temples and beautifully decorated ancient tombs away from the usual highlights.
- Tour Name
- Ramesseum, Medinet Habu & Valley of the Queens Tour
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour Type
- History
- Start Location
- Nile Cruise
- End Location
- Nile Cruise
- Main Attractions
- Ramesseum, Deir al-Medina & Nobles' Tombs (opens in a new tab)
- Guide Type
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Accommodation Category
- See the accommodation details for each pricing option
- Price from
- 130 USD per person
Destinations
Package starting prices
- Essentials
- 130 USD per person
- Signature
- 165 USD per person
- Luxury
- 220 USD per person
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Nile Cruise
Nile Cruise
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
History
Private
Fully Guided
Best 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
Explore the Journey
Follow the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu & Valley of the Queens Tour itinerary stop by stop
Itinerary stops
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Tour Highlights
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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 photographersDetailed 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.Ramesseum [orange] The Great Mortuary Temple of Ramesses II[/orange] 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 II One 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 Reliefs Stories 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 Kadesh The 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 Habu Explore 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 Gate The 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 Habu One 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 Peoples One 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 Area Medinet 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 Queens Discover 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 Nefertari One 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 Afterlife The 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 Lunch After 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 Luxor After 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 ServicesEnhance 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 stopThe Story of Luxor's Royal West Bank The 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 – Pick-up from your hotel 08:30 – Visit Ramesseum 09:45 – Visit Medinet Habu 11:00 – Visit Valley of the Queens 12:30 – Optional lunch break (arranged upon request) 01:00 – Return transfer to your hotel in Luxor 01:30 – Arrival back at hotel or 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.
→ CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
Your Daily Details
Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Ramesseum, Medinet Habu & Valley of the Queens Tour, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.
Pricing
Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.
Essentials
$130 / per person
$85 per child
- Group departure
Signature
$165 / per person
$105 per child
- Small group (max 8)
Luxury
$220 / per person
$145 per child
- Private Guide & Driver
How much pay for Entrance Fees
Cost & Entrance Fees
- RamesseumEGP220US$4
- Medinet HabuEGP220US$4
- Valley of QueensEGP220US$4
- Deir el-MedinaEGP220US$4
- Tomb of NefertariEGP2500US$48
Guest Brief
Important Entrance Fee Information
Prices and update date
Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.
Visitor categories
Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.
Student discounts
Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.
Optional tombs and attractions
Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.
What the fee covers
Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.
Payment and currency
Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.
USD conversions
Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.
Opening hours and access
Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.
Best Time to Visit
Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.
Cairo & Giza
Best: October to AprilTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
Luxor
Best: October to MarchTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24°C (75°F) | 3.4 |
| Luxor | 28°C (82°F) | 0 |
Averages across the recommended months for each place.
Before You Travel to Egypt
A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.
Choose the season that suits you
October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.
Check entry rules before you fly
Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Carry Egyptian Pounds
Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.
Use sealed bottled water
Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.
Dress for heat and local customs
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.
Know when to bargain
Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.
Distances from Cairo
How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Giza Pyramids | 25 km / 16 mi |
| Luxor | 660 km / 410 mi |
Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.
Select a city
Giza Pyramids
25 km / 16 mi
About 45 min by road
Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.
Visa Requirements for Egypt
Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.
No visa needed (7)
Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau
e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)
Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania
Special rules (1)
Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.
UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.
Israel
Embassy visa required (17)
Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.
Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.
Daily Budget
Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 EGP |
Tips for saving money
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
- Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
- Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
- Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
- Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.
Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.
Nights You Will Stay
Meals
Included
- Lunch: Optional for hotel stay
Why Choose This Tour?
Top Attractions
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What's included & what's not
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Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
Visit the Souk
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
What is Medinet Habu famous for?+
What can I see at the Ramesseum?+
What is the Valley of the Queens?+
Can I visit these sites in half a day?+
Are these sites less crowded than the Valley of the Kings?+
Can I customize the Luxor West Bank tour?+
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Luxor? +
How long is the Ramesseum, Habu & Valley of the Queens tour? +
What is the best time of year to take this tour? +
Are entrance fees included in the tour price? +
Is this a private or group experience? +
What should I wear during the tour? +
What is the Valley of the Queens, Habu & Ramesseum Day tour? +
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Book Now — Pay Now
Signature package
$165 / per person · $105 / Children Under 12
$165 per adult
Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.
Secure payment via PayPal
$165 / adults · $105 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
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.
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