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Biban el-Melouk and Biban el-Harem (Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens) Description: The Valley of the Kings is a limestone valley situated in the Theban Hills where the mummified bodies of many Egyptian pharaohs were interred. The area marks a period in ancient Egyptian history in which the pharaohs abandoned the pyramid style and chose instead tombs dug within limestone in order to preserve the mummies for eternity and prevent grave robbing. The secretive tombs were decorated with murals depicting hunting and banqueting scenes and all aspects of daily life, as well as scenes representing the pharaoh’s journey into the Underworld. The pharaohs were buried along with their daily possessions in order to recreate their mortal life and keep their belongings in prime condition for the afterlife. The tombs, although stripped of many of their contents centuries ago, still display fantastic wall paintings depicting the lives of the pharaohs in ancient Egypt, down to the minutest detail. The most famous tomb, that of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, was discovered in pristine condition by Howard Carter in 1922. The many treasures found in the tomb are now exhibited in the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo. Nearby, the wall paintings in the tombs of the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Nobles are equally fascinating, depicting ancient Egyptian scenes from the perspective of these ‘lesser mortals’. The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Queens is the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, the principal wife of Ramses II, which was only opened to the public in 1995. Contact Addresses: Luxor Tourist Office, Nile St, Luxor, Egypt Tel: (095) 382 215 or 373 294. Website: www.luxorguide.com Transportation: Air: Luxor International Airport. Water: Ferry: A tourist ferry leaves from the East Bank to take passengers across the River Nile. Motor boats can also be hired. Road: Coach: The majority of tourists visit the temple as part of an organised coach tour. Taxi: Taxis are available to take visitors to the temple and can be hired on arrival on the West Bank. Bicycle: Bicycles can be hired in Luxor. Opening Times: Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens: Daily 0700-1700. Admission Fees: Any three tombs in the Valley of the Kings: EŁ20 (adult), EŁ10 (student). Valley of the Queens: EŁ12 (adult), EŁ6 (student). Additional tickets are required for extra tombs, including entry to the Tomb of Tutankhamun and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari. 
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