Valley of the Nobles: Tours and Guided Visits

Ancient Egypt is rife with culture and history, and it is in this beautiful region that you can find the Valley of the Nobles – sitting along the West Bank of the Nile. Recently uncovered by archaeologists, this vast area is home to at least 400 tombs of former pharaohs and other notable figures from the New Kingdom era.

Since the other Luxor-based valleys – that of the Kings and that of the Queens – get most of the spotlight, the Valley of the Nobles is heralded as a hidden gem, blessed with smaller crowds but just as much fascinating history attached.

If you've already ticked off the main Luxor landmarks and want to learn all about the Egypt of bygone eras, grab yourself some Valley of the Nobles tickets and make your way to the beautiful desert.

Here's all you need to know about Valley of the Nobles, one of the most exciting attractions in Luxor.

How much do Valley of the Nobles tickets cost?

Each group of tombs within the valley has a separate admission fee – the prices do change but they are all very affordable. Tickets for the Noble Tombs are generally around 60 EGP (about US$2), while a photo pass will cost you 300 EGP (roughly US$10).

The ticket office is on the corner of the turn-off to the Valley of the Queens and you must buy all the groups of tombs you want to visit here at the same time.

Should you book in advance?

Thanks to its location off the tourist circuit, the Valley of the Nobles is not as busy as its royal counterparts. If you are visiting independently, there is no need to book tickets in advance. However, if you’re part of a group tour (especially one that visits multiple landmarks), it is worthwhile booking tickets in advance to guarantee entry and secure the best price.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Valley of the Nobles and other attractions?

Yes, in fact, the majority of Valley of the Nobles tours are combination tours that visit the Valley of the Queens and other nearby attractions. The most popular combination tours are listed in detail below.

Medinat Habu, Valley of the Nobles and Deir el Madina

Lasting around 5 hours, this comprehensive tour checks off three of Luxor's main attractions back to back. The Medinet Habu Temple is known for its impressive murals and statues, as well as housing the burial temple of Ramses III.

Of course, the Valley of the Nobles is known for its many New Kingdom tombs, while Deir el Madina gives an insight into an ancient workers' village. Collectively, you'll walk away with an incredible overview of Luxor's fascinating past.

Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Nobles combination tour

Home to more than 90 known tombs, including that of Nefertari, the Valley of the Queens is a must-visit – luckily for visitors, It's easy to combine it with Valley of the Nobles in one tour. Taking around 6 hours, this tour shows off the best of both sites and includes transport, entrance fees, and the services of an experienced local guide.

Depending on which particular tour you book, you might also get to visit the Valley of the Artisans (Deir el-Medina) and have an authentic Egyptian lunch at somewhere like the Malkata House.

Ramesseum Temple and the Valley of Nobles combination tour

Located in the Theban necropolis, the Ramesseum Temple  – one of Egypt's most famous monuments, dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II – is a must-visit for any cultural exploration of Luxor. Dating back to the 13th century BC, it's now known for its well-intact pillars, giant statues and impressive courtyard.

It sits a stone's throw from the Valley of Nobles, making it easy to combine the two in one day. You'll be able to explore both sites in detail and marvel at their spectacular architecture. If you want to see more in one day, some tours also provide the extra option of visiting the Habu Temple. This particular tour should take around 5-6 hours and includes hotel pickup, entrance fees, and your own private guide.

What will you see inside?

The Valley of Nobles is believed to house over 400 different tombs. Only a handful of them, however, are currently open to the public.

The tombs of Ramose, Sennefer, Minna and Rekhmire are among the crowd favorites, as they offer some of the best-preserved wall paintings and hieroglyphic inscriptions. Collectively, the tombs' decorations depict scenes of life in Ancient Egypt, something that you won't get in the Valley of the Queens or Kings.

If you visit the Valley of Nobles, you'll likely visit the Ramesseum Temple too. Here, you can explore the Temple’s columned court, where massive statues of Ramses II used to stand (although only fragments remain today).

How to get there?

The Valley of Nobles is located in the Theban Necropolis, on the West Bank of the Nile River. The easiest way to get there from Luxor or the East Bank is by taxi or a private tour, which will usually pick you up from your hotel. The drive is about 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a public ferry across the river and travel by cab (10 minutes) or walk (one hour) to reach this fascinating destination.

What are the opening times?

On most days, the Valley of Nobles is open from 6 AM to 5 PM. You should allocate around 2 hours to go through the tombs, but you can spend more time if you wish.

When is the best time to visit the Valley of the Nobles?

It's best to visit early in the day (before 10 AM) when it is cooler and less crowded. If you book a combination tour, request an early pick up so you can enjoy the Valley before it gets too hot.

Which other attractions can be visited in Luxor?

• Valley of the Kings
• Luxor Temple
• Hatshepsut Temple
• Karnak Temple
• Colossi of Memnon
• Tomb of King Tutankhamun

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven roads.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, even if you're visiting in the morning.
• Expect to meet a custodian in front of each tomb. These custodians will tell you about the history of the landmark and are very helpful, but they expect a tip of around 10-20 Egyptian pounds (less than US$1).