Day Tour to the West Bank: Exploring the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon

The West Bank of Luxor is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian wonders, representing the realm of the dead in the ancient Egyptian belief system. It is home to the most iconic sites of the New Kingdom, including the majestic Valley of the Kings, the striking Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the colossal statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. This full-day tour will take you through some of the most significant and breathtaking landmarks of ancient Egypt, giving you a deep insight into the life, death, and afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.

Morning: Valley of the Kings

Hotel Pick-Up and Drive to the West Bank

Your adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Luxor. As you cross the Nile River, heading towards the West Bank, the sun rises over the river, casting a warm golden hue over the landscape. The drive takes you through lush farmlands and small villages, contrasting the arid desert hills where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom chose to be buried. Your guide will provide an overview of the day’s itinerary and share fascinating details about the historical importance of the West Bank.

Arrival at the Valley of the Kings

The first stop of the day is the Valley of the Kings, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The valley served as the royal burial ground for pharaohs, nobles, and other elite members of society during the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BCE). Hidden within the desert hills, over 60 tombs have been discovered, with each tomb uniquely designed and decorated to ensure the deceased’s safe passage into the afterlife.

Exploration of Three Royal Tombs

Your entry ticket includes access to three tombs, chosen by your guide based on their historical and artistic significance. Some of the tombs may change depending on the day’s restrictions, but common highlights include:

• Tomb of Ramesses IV (KV2): Known for its vibrant wall paintings and well-preserved sarcophagus, this tomb offers a great example of the artistic style used during the New Kingdom. The ceiling is decorated with a star-studded sky, representing the night journey of the king’s soul through the afterlife.
• Tomb of Merenptah (KV8): The son of the great pharaoh Ramesses II, Merenptah’s tomb is one of the largest and deepest in the valley. Its long corridors are filled with depictions of the Book of the Dead, showcasing the various trials the king’s soul had to endure in order to reach eternal peace.
• Tomb of Tausert and Setnakht (KV14): This unusual tomb was originally constructed for Queen Tausert, but was later usurped by Pharaoh Setnakht. The dual ownership is evident in the tomb’s design and decoration, making it a unique blend of two different reigns.

Optional Visit: Tomb of Tutankhamun

If you’re interested in visiting the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), there is an additional ticket fee, but it’s well worth the experience. While the tomb itself is smaller compared to others, it contains the original sarcophagus and the walls are adorned with vivid scenes from the afterlife. Your guide will explain the significance of the discovery by Howard Carter in 1922 and the subsequent worldwide fascination with the boy king.

Time to Reflect at the Valley

After visiting the tombs, take a moment to reflect on the grandeur and spiritual significance of the Valley of the Kings. As you walk through this ancient necropolis, you’ll feel the weight of history, standing in a place that was meant to remain hidden for eternity. The peaceful and somewhat eerie atmosphere of the valley offers a profound experience.

Mid-Morning: Temple of Hatshepsut

Drive to the Temple of Hatshepsut

After your tour of the Valley of the Kings, you’ll continue to the nearby Temple of Hatshepsut. The drive is short, about 10 minutes, and as you approach the temple, its striking architecture set against the backdrop of limestone cliffs becomes visible. Built into the cliffside, the temple’s unique design makes it one of the most impressive and visually striking monuments in all of Egypt.

Arrival and Introduction to the Temple of Hatshepsut

Upon arrival, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s few female pharaohs. Hatshepsut ruled Egypt during the 18th Dynasty and is remembered for her prosperous reign, marked by extensive trade expeditions and grand construction projects. The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Djeser-Djeseru (“Holy of Holies”), was designed as a place of worship for Amun-Ra and a tribute to her reign.

Exploring the Temple’s Terraces

The temple consists of three large terraces connected by ramps. You’ll begin your exploration at the bottom terrace, which once featured lush gardens and trees brought back from Hatshepsut’s expeditions to the land of Punt (modern-day Somalia). As you ascend, your guide will highlight the significance of the reliefs on the walls, which depict scenes of Hatshepsut’s divine birth, her coronation, and the famous Punt expedition.

• First Terrace: The lowest terrace originally featured colonnades and was adorned with sphinxes leading up to the second terrace. The reliefs on this level include detailed depictions of the trees and plants brought back from Punt, as well as offerings to the gods.
• Second Terrace: The central terrace includes a series of colonnades that depict Hatshepsut’s journey to Punt, a key achievement of her reign. The vivid carvings show the arrival of ships laden with treasures, exotic animals, and incense trees. One of the most striking reliefs is the depiction of the Queen of Punt herself, showing the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two lands.
• Third Terrace: The upper terrace houses the sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra. While much of the temple was defaced or destroyed after Hatshepsut’s death (due to her successor Thutmose III trying to erase her legacy), the remaining statues and reliefs still convey a sense of her divinity. Your guide will explain how Hatshepsut portrayed herself as both male and female in temple reliefs, highlighting her unique position as a female ruler in a male-dominated world.

Time to Reflect

Take some time to wander through the terraces on your own, soaking in the grandeur of the temple and its beautiful surroundings. The dramatic setting, combined with the remarkable achievements of Hatshepsut, makes this a memorable part of the day.

Late Morning: Colossi of Memnon

Drive to the Colossi of Memnon

After visiting the Temple of Hatshepsut, your guide will take you on a short 15-minute drive to the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. The temple itself has largely disappeared, but the two statues remain as silent sentinels overlooking the Theban Necropolis.

Exploring the Colossi of Memnon

Standing at 18 meters (60 feet) tall, these two statues depict Amenhotep III seated on his throne. The statues are made from quartzite sandstone and were transported over 700 kilometers from Cairo. Your guide will explain the significance of these statues, which were originally part of a much larger temple complex that has since been destroyed, most likely due to floods from the Nile and later stone quarrying activities.

The Colossi are famous not only for their impressive size but also for a phenomenon that occurred during the Roman period. After an earthquake in 27 BCE, one of the statues began to “sing” at dawn, producing a strange melodic sound caused by rising heat and humidity. This phenomenon attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire, who believed the statues had supernatural powers. Your guide will share stories of how Roman emperors and travelers documented their visits to the site in ancient graffiti.

Lunch Break: Local Egyptian Cuisine

Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant

After a morning of exploration, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant on the West Bank. This is an excellent opportunity to sample authentic Egyptian cuisine, such as koshari, a popular dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce, or tagine, a slow-cooked stew made with lamb, chicken, or vegetables. Enjoy the warm hospitality and unique flavors of the region as you relax and recharge for the afternoon.

Afternoon: Optional Visit to the Ramesseum or Medinet Habu

Optional Visit: The Ramesseum

If time permits and you’re interested in seeing more of the West Bank’s treasures, your guide can take you to the Ramesseum, the mortuary temple of Ramesses II. Known as the “House of Millions of Years,” the Ramesseum was built to honor one of Egypt’s most powerful and famous pharaohs. The site includes towering statues of Ramesses II and beautiful reliefs depicting his military conquests, including the Battle of Kadesh.

Optional Visit: Medinet Habu

Alternatively, you could visit Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III. Medinet Habu is one of the best-preserved temples on the West Bank and is famous for its colorful and intricate carvings. The walls of the temple depict scenes of Ramesses III’s victories over the Sea Peoples, a group of mysterious invaders who threatened Egypt during his reign. The temple complex also includes smaller chapels and a palace, offering a glimpse into the daily life and rituals of the pharaohs.

Evening: Return to Hotel

Return to Luxor

As the day comes to a close, you’ll drive back to Luxor, reflecting on the incredible sights and experiences of the day. The West Bank of Luxor offers a profound journey through the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians, showcasing their reverence for death, the gods, and the pharaohs who ruled their land. By the time you return to your hotel, you will have gained a deep appreciation for the grandeur and complexity of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Price Inclusions:

• Assistance of our guest relations during your stay
• All transfers to/from hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle:
• All sightseeing tours (Private Tours)
• All Sightseeing tours as in the itinerary.
• English speaking Tour guide during your trips
• Bottled water during the trip
• All service charges and taxes

Price Exclusions:

• International airfare
• Entry visa to Egypt(your visa stamp at the bank desk before you queue for passport control and you need $25 cash for it!).
• Accommodation in Cairo
• All Entrance fees : Tickets to all sites as indicated in the itinerary.
• All Extra entrance fees
• Drinks and any personal expenses.
• Meals during the Tours
• Optional tours
• Tipping