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Valley of the Queens — Rates, Photos & Booking Help

A private guided tour of the Valley of the Queens on the Luxor West Bank — the exquisitely painted tombs of the queens and royal children of ancient Thebes, crowned by the tomb of Nefertari, the "Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt". About 3 hours, from $70 per person.

3 Hours Private Tour Luxor West Bank 👑 Queen Nefertari
The Valley of the Queens is the resting place of the queens, princes and princesses of the New Kingdom, and its tombs are smaller but often more delicately painted than those of the kings. The undisputed jewel is the tomb of Nefertari (QV66), widely regarded as the most beautiful in all of Egypt — but it is protected by a separate, premium timed ticket with a strictly limited visit, so if you wish to enter it please tell us in advance and we will arrange it. The standard ticket admits you to the other open tombs, such as those of the sons of Ramesses III. The valley is on the open desert West Bank, so it can be hot and shadeless; closed shoes, a hat, sun protection and water are essential, and mornings are the coolest and least crowded.
27+ years of Egypt expertise since 1998
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🛡No booking fees — pay only on confirmation
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Valley of the Queens — Overview

On the Luxor West Bank, tucked into a quiet desert valley just south of the Valley of the Kings, lies the necropolis the ancient Egyptians called Ta-Set-Neferu — "the place of beauty" and "the place of the royal children". Here, from about 1550 to 1070 BC, the queens, princes and princesses of the New Kingdom were laid to rest in more than ninety rock-cut tombs.

Though smaller than the royal tombs across the ridge, the finest tombs of the Valley of the Queens are painted with a delicacy and freshness that is breathtaking. Chief among them is the tomb of Nefertari (QV66), the beloved Great Royal Wife of Ramesses II — its walls covered in vivid, jewel-like scenes of the queen playing senet and being led by the gods through the afterlife. So celebrated is it that visitors call it the "Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt".

Alongside Nefertari's tomb, the valley holds the touching tombs of the young sons of Ramesses III — Amun-her-khepeshef and Khaemwaset among them — where a father is shown introducing his children to the gods. With your own Egyptologist to read the walls and a private air-conditioned vehicle, it is an intimate, deeply moving half-day among the royal women and children of ancient Thebes.

Photos

The desert setting of the Valley of the Queens on the Luxor West Bank Vivid painted wall reliefs in the tomb of Nefertari (QV66) Painted burial chamber in the Valley of the Queens Tomb of a son of Ramesses III in the Valley of the Queens

Rates

Solo Guest

1 guest

$90per person

2 to 6 Guests

per person

$70per person

7+ Guests

per person

$65per person

Children

👶
Free Infant

Infants up to 4 years old join free of charge.

🎓
50% Discount Per Child

Children from 4 to under 12 years old receive a 50% discount.

Best For

History and art lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a quieter, more intimate counterpoint to the Valley of the Kings. The delicate painted tombs — above all Nefertari's — reward a slow, guided look, and the valley is usually far less crowded than its royal neighbour. Because it involves walking on uneven desert ground in the heat, an early start and comfortable shoes make all the difference.

What You’ll See

  • The exquisitely painted tombs of the queens and royal children of Thebes
  • The tomb of Nefertari, QV66 — the "Sistine Chapel of ancient Egypt" (premium ticket)
  • Scenes of Queen Nefertari playing senet and journeying to the afterlife
  • The tombs of the young sons of Ramesses III, Amun-her-khepeshef and Khaemwaset
  • A quieter, dramatic desert setting just south of the Valley of the Kings

Tour Includes

  • Pick-up service from your hotel
  • Egyptology guide
  • Entrance fees to sightseeing as per the program
  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water during your trip
  • All taxes & service charge
  • Drop-off at your hotel

Tour Excludes

  • Tips
  • Meals and beverages
  • Premium ticket for the tomb of Nefertari (QV66)
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Tour FAQ

How long is the tour?
About 3 hours at the Valley of the Queens, plus transfer time from your Luxor hotel. It is usually a relaxed half-day tour.
Can I visit the tomb of Nefertari?
Yes, but Nefertari's tomb (QV66) requires a separate premium ticket with a short, timed visit. Let us know in advance and we will arrange it for you; otherwise the standard ticket covers the other open tombs.
How many tombs are included?
The standard ticket admits you to the tombs open on the day, typically including those of the sons of Ramesses III. Nefertari's tomb is the main exception, on its own premium ticket.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Private pickup and drop-off at your Luxor hotel or Nile cruise ship are included in an air-conditioned vehicle.
When is the best time to go?
Early morning is best — cooler, with softer light and thinner crowds on the open desert plateau.
Is the tour private?
Yes. You have your own Egyptologist guide and a private vehicle, and the per-person rate falls as the group grows.
Can children join?
Absolutely. Infants up to 4 are free, and children from 4 to under 12 receive a 50% discount.
Please Note: Prices are calculated based on entrance fees, fuel price and local taxes as at June 30, 2020. Any increase in entrance fees, fuel price or local taxes will be reflected on any unpaid tour immediately. However, any pre-paid tour will not be affected by the change of rates. We highly recommend booking your tours in advance to be protected from price fluctuation.

Early Booking Benefits

💰 Payment & Deposit
  1. Deposit: only 20% deposit at the time of booking.
  2. Installments: 0% interest, equal monthly installments. The last installment is required 30 days before the tour date.
🛌️ Tour Privileges — all tours booked 6 months in advance get
  1. A private guide free of charge, without supplements.
  2. Your choice of guiding language: English, French, Italian, German or Spanish.
📅 Flexibility (Changes)
  1. Date change: free of charge, with respect to seasonality price, up to 7 days before the tour date.
  2. Tour swap: free of charge, with respect to the price difference between both tours, up to 7 days before the tour date.
  3. Name change: free of charge up to 7 days before the tour date.
📉 Price Fluctuation Protection
  1. Price increase guarantee: your price is protected against any future increase in tour rate, fuel price, government taxes or entrance fees.
  2. Price drop guarantee: you receive a refund of the difference if the price drops (same booking conditions).
🌍 National / Global Shutdown Protection

Examples: pandemic, airspace closure, or force-majeure events affecting all tours.

  1. Postpone travel date free of charge: move your travel to a later date, keeping the exact same booked plan, benefits and conditions.
  2. Full refund: receive a 100% refund.