private tour to Medinet Habu ,Valley of Nobles , Deir el Madina with lunch

Traveling through Egypt’s Luxor can be overwhelming, with its vast array of ancient monuments and historic sites. This private tour offers a carefully curated experience that takes you beyond the usual crowded spots to explore some of the lesser-known yet equally impressive sites on the West Bank. We’re here to give you a detailed look at what makes this tour both appealing and practical for travelers seeking an authentic, well-rounded day in Luxor.

What we love about this experience is the personalized touch of a dedicated Egyptologist guide, the chance to see beautifully preserved tombs, and the inclusion of a tasty local lunch. The tour’s intimate setting means you get time to breathe and really appreciate each site without the rush of larger group tours.

A possible consideration is that admission fees are not included for some stops, so budget accordingly. Also, since it’s a full-day experience, be prepared for some walking and a fair amount of sun exposure, so pack suncream, a hat, and plenty of water.

This tour suits travelers who want a meaningful, flexible experience with expert insights—perfect for history enthusiasts, photographers, or those wanting to add hidden gems to their Egypt itinerary.

Key Points

• Personalized Guidance: Led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist, ensuring an educational and engaging experience.
• Authentic Sites: Focus on less crowded, well-preserved tombs and villages, offering authentic insights into everyday ancient Egyptian life.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup/drop-off simplify logistics.
• Value for Money: At $75 per person, it offers a thorough, curated experience with lunch included.
• Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, which allows for more personalized attention and flexibility.
• In-depth Exploration: Each site gets ample time for exploration, photography, and questions.

Overview of the Tour Experience

Starting with a hotel pickup, this tour immediately sets a comfortable tone—no need to worry about navigating busy streets or booking multiple tickets. Instead, you’ll relax in a private air-conditioned vehicle, heading straight for the West Bank of Luxor, the area steeped in history but often overshadowed by the more popular East Bank temples.

Your guide, an expert Egyptologist, will be your narrator through the day, sharing stories and details that turn ancient stones into vivid tales. At $75 a person, this experience offers notable value, especially considering the personalized attention and included lunch.

The Highlights of Each Site

Medinet Habu: Ramses III’s Mortuary Temple

The first stop is Medinet Habu, built during Ramses III’s reign—one of Egypt’s most significant funerary temples. Its design and inscriptions have survived remarkably well, thanks in part to being less targeted by tomb robbers. You’ll be amazed by the intricate reliefs depicting the sea peoples’ invasion, a story vividly illustrated on the temple walls.

One reviewer commented, “The temple still has a great portion of amazing and beautiful paintings,” emphasizing how well-preserved the art is despite its age. Exploring Medinet Habu offers more than just a glimpse into religious architecture; it’s a chance to witness military history etched into stone.

Valley of the Nobles: An Intimate Look at Royalty’s Aristocrats

Next is the Valley of the Nobles, a site often overshadowed by the Valley of the Kings but equally fascinating. With over 500 tombs carved into the rock, this cemetery showcases the tombs of Egypt’s aristocrats and officials, decorated with frescoes depicting daily life, work scenes, and religious rituals.

One review notes, “We visited some beautifully preserved tombs,” highlighting how these sites often rival royal tombs in their artistry and condition. The absence of large crowds allows for a more contemplative experience—perfect for photography or simply soaking in the craftsmanship.

Deir el-Medina: The Artisans’ Village

The final major stop is Deir el-Medina, the ancient village where artisans and workers who built the royal tombs lived. It’s rare to find a settlement so well preserved, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives of those who crafted the tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

The site remains inhabited today, making it a living echo of ancient Egypt. One reviewer called it “one of the oldest settlements in history,” which makes it a compelling stop for history buffs wanting to understand the social fabric behind the monumental structures.

Additional Highlights: Colossi of Memnon

Before ending the tour, you’ll see the Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Standing at 18 meters tall, these giants immediately impress and set the tone for the grandeur of Luxor’s West Bank.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Transportation: The tour uses a private, air-conditioned vehicle, which means you avoid the crowds and have a flexible schedule. The pickup and drop-off from your hotel make logistics straightforward.

Timing: The full-day experience is spread over approximately 7 hours, with stops ranging from 1.5 hours to 40-minute visits, giving ample time at each site to explore comfortably.

Guidance: Led by a professional Egyptologist, your guide Michael—mentioned in one review—brings vivid stories and insightful details that turn static ruins into stories of ancient life and conflict.

Cost & Extras: At $75, the tour is quite reasonable, especially considering the guided experience, lunch (koshary or falafel sandwiches), bottled water, and transportation included. Note that entrance fees are not included for some sites, so be ready for additional costs if you wish to enter tombs.

Accessibility & Suitability: The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but be prepared for some walking and exposure to the sun. Pack sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

One traveler described the experience as “the best way to add 3 more hidden gems of the West bank to our Egypt experience,” appreciating the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to see well-preserved tombs less visited by travelers. They also highlighted the value of visiting sites that “are not to be missed” despite their lesser fame.

Another reviewer shared that the tour provided a relaxed pace with enough time to appreciate each stop, and praised the “beautifully preserved tombs” and “amazing reliefs” at Medinet Habu. The guide’s ability to explain complex historical scenes in accessible language was particularly appreciated.

The Value Proposition

This tour strikes a balance between affordability and depth of experience. For $75 per person, you get a private guide, transportation, lunch, and visits to some of the West Bank’s most significant yet often overlooked sites. The inclusion of lesser-known tombs and the artisans’ village means you’ll leave with a richer, less commercialized understanding of Egypt’s history.

The private nature of the tour means flexibility—your guide can adapt the pace to your interests, ask questions, and spend more time at sites that excite you most. The focus on well-preserved tombs and authentic sites provides a more genuine glimpse into ancient Egyptian life than more touristy, heavily curated options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re interested in history, photography, or authentic Egypt experiences, this tour offers excellent value and insight. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a personalized, in-depth look at the West Bank’s hidden corners.

It’s especially suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace, appreciate expert storytelling, and want to avoid the crowded, more commercialized sites. The included lunch and private transport also make it a stress-free way to explore without worrying about logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but be prepared for some walking and sun exposure, so bring appropriate clothing and water.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour fee does not cover entry to some sites like the tombs, so budget for additional entrance costs if you wish to explore inside.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 hours, with each site allocated about 1.5 hours or less, providing enough time for exploration and photos.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a meal of koshary or falafel sandwiches, which provides a break and energy for the day.

Can I customize the tour?
Since this is a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience to your interests, within the scheduled stops.

What should I bring?
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), comfortable shoes, camera, and bottled water.

Is pickup available from my hotel?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or a selected location are included, simplifying your day.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead guarantees availability and ensures your guide and transport are prepared for your chosen date.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This private tour offers a well-balanced, immersive peek into the less touristy yet equally compelling parts of Luxor’s West Bank. With expert guidance, authentic sites, and the comfort of private transport, it appeals to travelers eager for a meaningful, relaxed day out of the crowds. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or simply curious about daily life in ancient Egypt, this experience provides a wonderful blend of education, culture, and comfort.

Perfect for those who want to go beyond the typical tourist trail, it promises authentic stories, well-preserved monuments, and a taste of local life—all within a manageable, enjoyable day.