The Valley of the Queens sits 1.5km southwest of the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank — a quieter, less-visited neighbour that contains one of the most extraordinary treasures in all of Egypt: the Tomb of Queen Nefertari (QV66), whose paintings are widely considered the finest examples of ancient Egyptian art ever preserved. While most Nile cruise itineraries focus on the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens rewards visitors who add half a morning to their West Bank day.
Valley of the Queens 2026 — Complete Visitor Guide
Quick Facts
| Location | West Bank, Luxor — 1.5km southwest of Valley of the Kings |
| Total Tombs | 90 known tombs (queens, princes, daughters of pharaohs) — ~10–15 open at any time |
| Period | New Kingdom, 18th–20th Dynasties (~1550–1070 BC) |
| Entrance Fee 2026 | ~220 EGP (~$4) general area · Tomb of Nefertari (QV66): ~2,500 EGP (~$50) extra — strictly limited daily tickets |
| Opening Hours | 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily |
| Crowd Level | Significantly quieter than Valley of the Kings — often less than 20% of the crowds |
Valley of the Queens vs Valley of the Kings
| Valley of the Kings | Valley of the Queens | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is buried there | Pharaohs (kings) of the New Kingdom | Queens, princes and royal children |
| Total tombs | 63 known | 90 known |
| Entry fee | 750 EGP (3 tombs) | 220 EGP general + 1,200 EGP for Nefertari |
| Crowd level | High (peak season) | Much quieter |
| Highlight | KV9 Ramesses VI astronomical ceiling | QV66 Nefertari — finest ancient Egyptian paintings anywhere |
The Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) — Egypt’s Most Beautiful
The Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) — favourite wife of Ramesses II, buried around 1255 BC — is consistently described by Egyptologists as containing the most beautiful paintings in the ancient world. While the Valley of the Kings tombs are largely religious texts and narrative reliefs in relatively muted tones, Nefertari’s tomb is an unrestrained explosion of colour and artistry: vivid yellows, turquoise blues, deep reds and elegant figures of gods and goddesses covering every surface in flawless condition. The scenes show Nefertari’s journey through the afterlife — guided by Isis, greeted by Thoth, playing Senet (the ancient Egyptian board game) against an invisible opponent. The entry ticket is deliberately expensive (1,200 EGP, ~$24) and daily numbers are strictly limited to protect the paintings from humidity damage. Book through Egypt For Travel in advance — tickets are often sold out on the day.
Other Open Tombs Worth Visiting
- QV44 — Tomb of Khaemwaset: Son of Ramesses III. Fine painted scenes of the prince being introduced to the gods by his father. Well-preserved and uncrowded.
- QV55 — Tomb of Amenherkhepshef: Another son of Ramesses III. Remarkable scenes of the pharaoh introducing his young son to various deities, the prince shown at approximately 10 years old.
- QV52 — Tomb of Tyti: Queen of the 20th Dynasty. Smaller than Nefertari’s but with fine paintings and much more accessible ticket pricing.
Combining with Deir el-Medina
Adjacent to the Valley of the Queens is Deir el-Medina — the ancient village where the workers who built and decorated the royal tombs lived for 400 years. The village is extraordinary: entire community layouts, workers’ houses, a temple, and beautifully decorated private tombs (the craftsmen painted their own tombs with the same skill they applied to the royal tombs, but with more personal and domestic scenes). Entry is approximately 180 EGP. Ask your Egyptologist guide to combine Deir el-Medina with the Valley of the Queens for a West Bank morning that most tourists never experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Valley of the Queens worth visiting?
Yes — especially if you add the Tomb of Nefertari. The general Valley of the Queens (220 EGP) is worth 90 minutes even without Nefertari. Adding QV66 (1,200 EGP extra) makes it one of the most extraordinary cultural experiences in Egypt. The paintings in Nefertari’s tomb are simply in a different category from everything else on the West Bank, and the significantly lower crowd levels compared to the Valley of the Kings make the visit more contemplative and personal.
Can I combine the Valley of the Queens with the Valley of the Kings in one day?
Yes — and this is the optimal West Bank day for serious visitors. Start at the Valley of the Kings at 6:00 AM (3 standard tombs, approximately 2 hours). Then Hatshepsut Temple (220 EGP, 90 minutes). Then Colossi of Memnon (free, 15 minutes). Then Valley of the Queens + Nefertari in the late morning before the midday heat. Egypt For Travel can build this full West Bank day as an extension to any Nile cruise itinerary — ask when booking.
Visit the Valley of the Queens with Egypt For Travel as an extension to your Nile cruise West Bank day. Nefertari tickets pre-arranged, private Egyptologist guide, all entrance fees. Browse Nile cruises or WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466. ETA Licence No. 1947.
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