Half-Day Tour to the Valley of the Kings, Deir EL Bahari &Collosi of Memnon

This half-day West Bank combo is interesting because it hits three heavy hitters in one smooth loop, with an Egyptologist guiding the story in plain English. You’ll see the Valley of the Kings’ tomb world, then shift to Queen Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el Bahari, and finish with the dramatic stillness of the Colossi of Memnon.

Two things I really like: the visit order packs the highlights into a realistic schedule, and the guide style (the name Abanoub shows up often in feedback) tends to make the sites feel understandable, not just impressive. One possible drawback is that the big entrance fees are not included, so you should budget for tickets and have cash on hand.

Key highlights to look for

• Valley of the Kings in focused time (about 1 hour 30 minutes) with guidance on where to spend your effort
• Deir el Bahari and Hatshepsut’s temple (about 1 hour 30 minutes), including context on her reign and the site’s design
• Short, easy finale at Colossi of Memnon with free admission and a quick 15-minute stop
• Small group cap of 15 travelers, which usually helps questions and pacing
• Air-conditioned vehicle plus an Egyptologist who explains what you’re actually seeing
• Mobile ticket for easier entry once you’ve handled on-site admissions

Why this 4-hour West Bank route works

If you only have a half day in Luxor, this route makes a lot of sense. The West Bank can feel like one long archaeology lesson, especially if you’re trying to do everything on your own. Here, you get a set sequence, timing built around the main monuments, and an Egyptologist to connect the dots.

I also like that you’re not asked to sprint. You have a solid block of time at both the Valley of the Kings and Deir el Bahari. Then you finish with a quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon, which keeps the day from turning into a blur.

The other thing that matters is pacing. The Valley of the Kings can get overwhelming fast for first-timers, mostly because there are many tomb choices. A good guide helps you avoid wasting time staring at signs, so you spend your limited hours where it counts most.

Getting there: pickup logic, small groups, and your mobile ticket

The tour starts at 10:00 am and runs about 4 hours. You’ll travel by air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real quality-of-life upgrade in Luxor’s heat.

Group size is capped at 15 travelers, so it’s not a giant cattle-car situation. That usually means less crowding at key viewpoints and more room to ask questions without shouting.

A practical note on pickup: the included pickup from accommodation in Luxor center is only for 4 persons or more. If you’re traveling as a smaller group, you should expect to make your own way to the meeting point using nearby public transportation, since the tour itself notes it’s near public transportation. Either way, the activity ends back at the meeting point.

You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which helps on the administrative side, letting you focus on the monuments once you arrive.

Valley of the Kings: the tombs, the decisions, and the big wow factor

The Valley of the Kings is the main event on this tour, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on site. This is the burial valley where kings were entombed, carved into rock and designed as places for eternity. You’ll get to see the grandeur of the architecture and get context on why this place mattered.

From the tour description, these are among the best-known tombs you’ll hear about:

• King Tuthmosis I
• Tuthmosis III
• Tut-Ankh-Amon
• King Ramssess VI
• King Mrenptah
• Amonhotep II

Here’s the value of going with a guide: time is tight, and the Valley can create decision fatigue. In practice, you’ll have a better experience if you let your Egyptologist steer you toward specific tombs based on what you want most, like the most famous names, the best art, or the strongest stories.

What to watch for during your Valley time

This stop can feel overwhelming if you try to do everything. You’ll enjoy it more if you slow down and let the guide turn each tomb choice into a reasoned plan. Ask questions like:

• Which tomb is the best first-timer choice and why?
• Where should I stand to understand the layout?
• What am I looking at, not just what does it have?

Also, plan for moderate physical effort, since the tour notes a moderate fitness level is needed. In the Valley area, that typically translates to walking on uneven terrain and moving between areas that can be sun-heavy. Comfortable shoes matter.

Cost reminder

The Valley of the Kings ticket is not included. The listed price is 250 EGP (about 16 USD). Since it’s separate, keep that in mind when budgeting.

Deir el Bahari and Hatshepsut’s temple: where myth turns into architecture

Next comes Deir el Bahari, home to the Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as El Dir El Bahari. You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes here, which is enough time to appreciate why this temple is famous and to understand it beyond the photo.

Hatshepsut is a standout figure in ancient Egypt. The tour description spells out key facts you’ll want to keep in mind while you walk the complex:

• She was the daughter of Thutmosis I
• She ruled Egypt for about 20 years during the 18th Dynasty
• Approximate reign dates given: 1490 to 1469 B.C
• She’s described as the only ancient Egyptian woman who reigned ancient Egypt

So what should you look for? Think of this temple as a carefully planned statement of power and legitimacy. Your guide should help you connect the buildings and carvings to the story of Hatshepsut’s rule, so you’re not just moving from hall to hall.

Why this stop is worth your time

This temple is one of those places where the setting and the design do the storytelling. If you’ve only ever read names and dates, this is where it becomes physical. You’ll likely understand quickly why Deir el Bahari is repeatedly paired with the Valley of the Kings on West Bank tours, because both are linked to belief in the afterlife, authority, and monument building.

The practical side

The Queen Hatshepsut temple ticket is not included, listed at 140 EGP (about 9 USD). Since these are separate fees, bring cash in Egyptian pounds or whatever your guide recommends for on-site purchase.

Colossi of Memnon: the short finale that still leaves an impression

The last stop is the Colossi of Memnon, with only 15 minutes. That sounds brief, but it works because you’re finishing with something iconic and easy to absorb.

The tour description explains that you’ll see two twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, plus two smaller statues carved by his feet. One is described as his wife and the other his mother.

This is a great way to end the day because it’s less about long indoor movement and more about scale and atmosphere. After the tombs and temple complex, the Colossi feel like a reset button: stand, look, and let the size do the talking.

Cost win

Admission here is free as stated. So this is one of the rare “you don’t pay extra” moments on this particular itinerary.

Price and value: what $35 covers, and what’s still on you

The tour price is $35.00 per person. That’s budget-friendly mainly because the core services are included: an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and a setup that runs for about half a day.

But here’s the honest breakdown: several key admissions are not included. Based on the listed prices:

• Valley of the Kings ticket: 250 EGP (about 16 USD)
• Queen Hatshepsut temple ticket: 140 EGP (about 9 USD)
• Ferry ticket: 5 EGP (not included)
• Colossi of Memnon: free

If you add the USD amounts for the two paid admissions to the tour price, you’re at roughly $60 USD before considering the ferry fee and tips. That’s still a reasonable total for two major monuments plus a guide, especially compared to paying for private tours.

So the value equation is simple:

• You’re paying $35 for the guide and transport
• You’re paying on top for the two biggest sites
• You end with a free stop

Tips matter

The tour notes tips are at your discretion. Egypt tours often work best when you reward good service, and the guide’s explanation is a big part of what you’re buying.

How to get the most from your Egyptologist (and not just collect stamps)

One theme that comes through clearly is that an Egyptologist guide changes the quality of your visit. You’re not just walking through stone rooms, you’re learning what the objects mean and how the sites connect.

If your guide is Abanoub, you can expect a style that tends to be patient and detailed, with explanations that make the structure and the stories easier to follow. Even when the Valley of the Kings feels like a lot at once, a good guide should help you focus and choose tombs that match your interests.

A smart move: tell your guide what kind of experience you want before you enter. For example:

• Do you want the most famous names, or the most visually rewarding tombs?
• Are you more interested in religion and myths, or in architecture and layout?
• Do you prefer fewer crowds, even if it means choosing certain tombs over others?

The tour also flags that you should have a moderate physical fitness level. That matters for your “ask me anything” time too. If you’re comfortable moving, you’ll be more relaxed asking questions and taking photos without rushing.

What to bring: money, comfort, and timing sense

This is a half-day tour, but you still need to be prepared for on-site payments and walking. Since the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut temple tickets are not included, plan to pay on the day.

Practical checklist based on the tour info:

• Bring cash for the Valley of the Kings ticket (250 EGP) and Hatshepsut temple ticket (140 EGP)
• Budget for the ferry ticket (5 EGP) if that crossing is part of your route
• Pack for moderate walking, since the tour requests moderate physical fitness
• Wear comfortable footwear, because you’ll move between multiple sites and areas

Also, start time is 10:00 am, so it’s worth being ready a bit early at the meeting point. A smooth start keeps your best moments from getting eaten by logistics.

Who should book this Luxor West Bank half-day

This tour is a strong fit if:

• You’re a first-timer who wants the main West Bank highlights without building your own schedule
• You have limited time and want a clear plan across the Valley, Deir el Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon
• You care about having a guide interpret what you’re seeing, not just walking past it
• You prefer smaller groups (max 15 travelers) for better pacing

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate paying separate admission fees, because two of the three major stops require tickets
• You want a long, slow visit where you can wander independently for hours

If you can handle moderate movement and you’re okay with on-site ticket payments, this is a practical way to experience the West Bank’s top monuments.

Should you book it?

I’d book this half-day West Bank tour if you want a budget-friendly way to see the big three: Valley of the Kings, Deir el Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon, with an Egyptologist guiding the story. The time allocation is sensible, and the free Colossi stop is a nice bonus.

Skip it if your priority is staying flexible inside the monuments for a full day on your own, or if you’d rather avoid separate tickets altogether. But if you’re planning a first trip to Luxor and want a clear, efficient route, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

What sites does this half-day tour include?

It includes the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 10:00 am, and the duration is about 4 hours.

Is the Colossi of Memnon admission fee included?

No. Colossi of Memnon admission is listed as free, so there is no ticket fee to pay there.

What’s included in the price?

Included are an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, and pickup from your accommodation in Luxor center for groups of 4 persons or more.

What tickets or fees are not included?

Not included are the ferry ticket (5 EGP), the Valley of the Kings ticket (250 EGP), the Queen Hatshepsut temple ticket (140 EGP), and tips for the guide.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.