Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina & Medinet Habu

Morning: The Colors of the Queens We begin our journey at the southern end of the Theban necropolis. Your guide will lead you into the Valley of the Queens, a quiet canyon where the Pharaohs' wives and children were laid to rest. Unlike the gloomy, imposing tombs of the Kings, the tombs here—such as that of young Prince Amun-her-khepeshef—feature incredibly preserved, bright colors on white backgrounds. You will see touching scenes of the young prince, still wearing his side-lock of youth, being introduced to the gods.

• Note: If you decide to purchase the premium add-on ticket, this is where you will visit the legendary Tomb of Nefertari, widely considered the most beautiful tomb in Egypt.

Midday: The Lives of the Artists Next, we move to Deir el-Medina, the ancient village of the workmen. This is a highlight of the Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina & Medinet Habu itinerary because it shows you real life, not just royal death. You will walk through the stone foundations of the workers' actual houses, seeing where they slept, cooked, and raised families. Then, you will descend into their private tombs, such as the tomb of Sennedjem. These are small, intimate spaces covered floor-to-ceiling in yellow and gold paintings depicting their hope for a happy afterlife, farming in the Field of Reeds.

Afternoon: The Fortress Temple After a relaxing lunch break at a countryside restaurant, we finish at Medinet Habu. This temple is a beast—a massive fortress with high walls and deep, heavy carvings that act as shadows in the afternoon sun. You will wander through courtyards where the paint is still visible on the ceilings and columns, examining the dramatic reliefs of Ramses III defeating the "Sea Peoples." It is one of the most atmospheric and complete temples you will see in Luxor.