Tomb of Queen Nefertari

The Tomb of Nefertari was discovered in 1904 by the Italian archaeologist Ernesto Schiaparelli. It is usually considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Queens owing to the brilliant wall paintings. These murals convey the life of Queen Nefertari, the granting of divinity, and her relationship with her husband, Pharaoh Ramses II. Restoration and conservation works have, over the years, been carried out extensively in the tomb to protect these fragile artworks from weathering induced by natural elements as well as from the increasing number of visitors. For trendsetters in Egyptian history and art, a visit to the tomb during a Luxor day tour or along with a Luxor adventure tour is truly unforgettable. The discovery and continuous preservation of the tomb bring to light the incomparable creativity and genius of the old artists of Egypt, and it must be viewed.

• Situated on the West Bank of Luxor in the Valley of the Queens.
• An option far quieter and less crowded with tourists than the adjacent Valley of the Kings.
• Included in many tours on the Luxor West Bank and Luxor Excursions.
• A perfect spot for those who want to enjoy a quiet historical experience.

To get the full experience of the visit to Nefertari's tomb, consider early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid midday heat and crowds. The climate there is very hot in summer, hence it is generally advisable to visit between October and April to enjoy relatively comfortable weather. If you are planning a day trip to Luxor, try pairing the tomb visit with other activities or tourist spots, such as a Nile cruise from Luxor or an East Bank tour of Luxor, so that you can enjoy the numerous offerings of Luxor's cultural and natural beauties.

The tomb lies on the Luxor West Bank and can be approached by car, taxi, or as part of an organized tour. Most of the tourists go on a Private Luxor day tour or are part of a Luxor day tour, including transportation, entrance fee, and the service of an informed guide. This option is highly advised, as it unburdens one from logistics, while the insightful commentary from the guide enriches the visit. For independent travelers, taxis are available, but one would save time and have a probably much smoother experience if they rather arrange the tour guide themselves, especially if it is their first time in the area.

The choice of guided tour or independent visits mostly depends on one’s preference and on one’s sense of travel. Guided tours that fall under Luxor adventure tours or Luxor excursions provide great amounts of historical background, cultural context, and detailed explanations on the symbolism of the tomb and artwork. This makes it much richer, especially for those who do not know much about ancient Egyptian history. An independent visit is better in case of issues related to timing and speed, but these can be information gaps if one has no direct contact with a guide during the visit. Generally, given that it is in Luxor and it is the first visit to this area, one will always get more out of guided tours on their day trips.

Photography in the tomb of Queen Nefertari is generally prohibited to protect the delicate and ancient wall paintings from damage caused by light. Visitors are asked to please adhere to this rule in an effort to continue preserving this precious heritage for coming generations. Photography, however, is allowed in the outside areas surrounding the tomb and the Valley of the Queens. If photography is an utmost priority to you, be sure to check with your tour operator about current photography regulations ahead of your visit. On East Bank tours and West Bank tours in Luxor, guides usually remind guests of these rules and regulations during the tours.

The Tomb of Queen Nefertari is situated perfectly with a number of other iconic sites on Luxor’s West Bank, making it easy to combine visits to the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon. Many excursions in Luxor include these sites in their itinerary, thus providing travelers with a day full of exploration through some of Egypt's most remarkable archaeological sites. Furthermore, supplementing your West Bank tour with a Nile cruise from Luxor or a visit to East Bank temples such as Karnak and Luxor Temples allows for a tasteful, rounded glimpse of ancient Egypt's spiritual and cultural history.

When visiting the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, it is good to come well prepared. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as some of the paths can be uneven and require a fair amount of walking. Wearing a hat or caps, applying at least good sunscreen, and bringing lots of water are the basics in case you choose to visit in the hot months. Thin, breathable clothing will keep you fresh and comfortable on your Day trip to Luxor or Luxor West Bank Tour. Carry a small backpack or bag with you to hold these essentials so your hands will be free to write down notes or simply appreciate the site.

Visitors have had an array of questions before their visit, ranging anywhere from:

• What are the opening hours? The tomb is normally open early in the morning until late afternoon, but to be sure, check with your tour operator as to the present hours.
• Are children allowed? Indeed, they are, but they should be well supervised lest they endanger the site.
• Can the tomb be accessed by anyone with a physical disability? The way there has been somewhat uneven and could pose some difficulty for anyone with limited mobility. If this is an issue for you, inquire beforehand about assistance.
• Have all tours been able to absorb the sight? Yes indeed! Many a Private Luxor day tour would consider the tomb as one among many on their tour. All these practical considerations will make planning your visit smooth, enjoyable, and worthwhile on your Luxor Adventure Tour as a whole.

ET

Egypt Day Trips Team

Egyptologists, travel designers and trip coordinators

Last reviewed 30 July 2026 · first published 28 July 2025

The in-house team at Egypt Day Trips — licensed Egyptologist guides, travel designers and on-the-ground coordinators who plan and lead every journey themselves from our Cairo office.

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• Operating from Cairo since 2007

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