Hotels near Valley of the Queens

The Valley of the Queens (ancient Ta-Set-Neferu, 'place of beauty') holds around 90 known tombs of New Kingdom queens, royal princes and a few high officials. The reason most travellers come is the tomb of Nefertari, principal wife of Ramses II, often called the finest painted tomb in Egypt. Her chambers spread across 520 square metres of wall surface covered in scenes from the Book of the Dead, with the queen's name in cartouches and her face still showing original cosmetic blue eyeliner. Entry is capped at 150 visitors per day on a 1,400 EGP supplementary ticket valid for ten minutes inside; book at the West Bank ticket office at 7:30 AM or via your hotel. The standard valley ticket (250 EGP) covers three other queens' tombs that are still strong even without Nefertari.

Pro Tip: The tomb of Prince Amunherkhepshef (one of the standard three) is small but vivid - the prince stands beside his father Ramses III on every wall, painted in startling reds and yellows.