Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
In Luxor lies the Valley of the Queens, which is perhaps the most beautiful archaeological site Egypt's necropolis of female nobility once was. Though normally overshadowed by the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens is not less valuable culturally and historically. The necropolis speaks volumes about ancient Egypt's richness, artistry, and religiosity.
In this article, we are going to talk about the history, most visited tombs, and cultural value of the Valley of the Queens. Are you planning your next tour to Egypt or just an interested individual in ancient civilizations, then this article is your ultimate travel guide.
The Valley of the Queens lies on the west bank of the Nile River near Luxor, within the Theban Necropolis south of the Valley of the Kings. It is near other places like Medinet Habu, the Valley of the Kings, and Deir el-Medina—all forming a high-density archaeological scene that provides a lot of information regarding Egypt's New Kingdom era.
Valley of the Queens, which in ancient days was referred to as Ta-Set-Neferu ("The Place of Beauty"), was the burial ground of royal consorts, princesses, and princes of the 18th to 20th Dynasties (c. 1550–1070 BCE).
As opposed to the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs and nobles were buried, this necropolis is unique in that royal women were accorded prestige there. The queens were believed to have god-like attributes, and the burial rites were used to emphasize their special roles in life and afterlife.
Of all the tombs discovered in the Valley of the Queens, QV66—Pharaoh Ramses II's favorite wife, Queen Nefertari's tomb—is the most celebrated and aesthetically appealing.
Wall paintings as vibrant as ever after two thousand years.
Excerpts from the Book of the Dead, which would guide the queen to the afterlife.
Scenes extravagant enough to depict Queen Nefertari as a goddess.
This is one of the most beautiful tombs all over Egypt. That it's in such a great condition and the workmanship is perfect is what makes it worthwhile for tourists to visit Luxor.
Related: Learn About The Valley of the Kings in Egypt
Related: Learn About The Great Egypt Luxor City
Over 90 tombs have been found in the valley, including those of royal princes and lesser known queens. Although not all are accessible to visitors, some of the more notable ones are:
QV52 (Queen Tyti): The wife of Ramses III, as is believed, this tomb has well-preserved depictions of deities such as Osiris and Anubis.
QV44 (Prince Khaemwaset): A son of Ramses III, this tomb has bizarre depictions of the prince surrounded by gods.
QV55 (Prince Amunherkhepeshef): Another highly decorated tomb which depicts common funerary rituals.
Access to the Valley of the Queens is typically included in most Luxor day tours. However, Queen Nefertari’s tomb requires a separate, premium ticket due to its fragile preservation and limited daily access to minimize damage.
The best months to visit are from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring archaeological sites.
What is special to the Valley of the Queens is the iconography and the symbolism. The tombs are adorned with:
Egyptian mythological representations depicting the queens' progress in the afterlife.
The images of the gods ushering and protecting the dead.
Spells from the funerary texts designed to guide the soul to the afterlife peacefully.
These features help to highlight the way that the afterlife and women's role in cosmology were conceived by the ancient Egyptians.
Valley of the Queens has been excavated and researched by archaeologists since more than a century ago. Italian explorer Ernesto Schiaparelli unearthed the tomb of Queen Nefertari in 1904, and the valley has since been producing precious details concerning royal burial practices and New Kingdom theology.
Its excavation has developed our understanding of:
Royal funerary customs
Ramesside-era artistic styles
The role of queens in ancient Egyptian politics and religion
Travelers tend to rush to see the Giza Pyramids or the Karnak Temple—so for a more contemplative and off-the-beaten-path experience, the Valley of the Queens offers:
An idyllic, contemplative environment
Exquisite antiquity art
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the private lives of Egypt's queenly women
The Valley of the Queens is not just an archaeological graveyard but a silent witness to the loveliness of ancient Egyptian civilization and to religious respect in which it believed its royal women. With the stunning tomb of Queen Nefertari and the religious iconography of the afterlife, the valley peels away the mystery, beauty, and artistry of one of the world's most lovely civilizations.
Discover now our answers to the most common questions that may come to your mind about tourism and trips to Egypt
Cultural, historical, adventure, and custom customized trips are just a few of the tours that Deluxe trips offer in Egypt and Jordan.
The Dead Sea, Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's historic temples, and many other famous sites can be expected to be explored with Deluxe Tours.
offer a hassle-free holiday, Deluxe Tours' packages generally include lodging, transport, meals, guided tours with experienced local experts, and entry fees to attractions.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the finest weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, making those months the best times to visit Egypt and Jordan.
These two countries are close by, only a 1.5-hour flight apart, and when combined, offer a variety of distinctive experiences. We advise you to spend at least 12 days visiting both countries for a truly unforgettable experience
Combining the eclipse viewing with visits to historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and a Nile River cruise are highly recommended.
