Tomb of Nefertari
Egypt's 'Sistine Chapel,' the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) boasts unparalleled, vibrant wall paintings, a testament to love and artistry.
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Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the limited daily visitor cap.
Tomb of Nefertari
Best Time
Beat the limited daily visitor cap.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Egypt's 'Sistine Chapel,' the Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) boasts unparalleled, vibrant wall paintings, a testament to love and artistry.
"The colors are so vibrant, the tomb looks like it was painted yesterday. Do not miss it!"
🎟️ Premium Ticket Needed
A separate, higher-priced ticket is required for entry. Consider the Premium Luxor Pass.
⏰ Strict 10-Minute Limit
Visits are strictly limited to 10-15 minutes to preserve the delicate artwork.
Highlights
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QV66 - Tomb of Nefertari
Valley of the Queens, Luxor
The 'Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt,' renowned for its incredibly preserved, vibrant wall paintings.
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Planning Your Visit
Check Reopening Status
Special Ticket Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Premium Ticket Needed
A separate, higher-priced ticket is required for entry. Consider the Premium Luxor Pass.
⏰ Strict 10-Minute Limit
Visits are strictly limited to 10-15 minutes to preserve the delicate artwork.
🚶♂️ Get a Guide
A guide enhances the experience by explaining the intricate hieroglyphs and stories.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the tomb to protect the ancient paintings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Premium Ticket Needed
A separate, higher-priced ticket is required for entry. Consider the Premium Luxor Pass.
⏰ Strict 10-Minute Limit
Visits are strictly limited to 10-15 minutes to preserve the delicate artwork.
🚶♂️ Get a Guide
A guide enhances the experience by explaining the intricate hieroglyphs and stories.
📸 No Photography Allowed
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the tomb to protect the ancient paintings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Tomb of Nefertari is widely praised as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved tombs in Egypt, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt' for its stunning, vibrant wall paintings. Visitors consistently find the artwork breathtaking and worth the high entrance fee, despite the strict time limits and recent closure. The primary drawback is its limited accessibility and the significant cost associated with entry.
"Visited 31 October 2022.
Included with the purchase of the Premium Luxor Pass.
This New Kingdom tomb is the best preserved in both the Valeys of the Kings and Queens bar Seti I. Both of these tombs require the purchase of an extra ticket to view and this is where the Premium Luxor Pass pays for itself.
QV66 is the tomb of the favourite and prime wife of King Ramses II, the famed Nefertari.
She was known by many titles, including Great of Praises, Sweet of Love, Lady of Grace, Great King’s Wife, His Beloved, Lady of The Two Lands, Lady of all Lands, Wife of the Strong Bull, god’s Wife, Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt and The One for Whom the Sun Shines.
Nefertari is one of the most renowned Queens of Egypt not to have ruled in her own right and died when she was only 46 years old.
Please note that visits inside the tomb are limited to fifteen minutes to preserve the beautiful work inside the tomb.
I'd recommend paying the extra ticket or purchasing the Luxor Pass to see this tomb.
The Valley of the Queens is far less visited so you won't have the huge crowds that descend on the Valley of the Kings."
S Hetherington
"This tomb is the reason to visit the valley of the Queens and one of the most impressive and beautiful tombs in all of Egypt. It is large with beautiful hieroglyphs and vivid colors. It costs around 50 euros or dollars on top of the valleys entrance fee but it is worth it. It is simply amazing and the max 10 minutes you are allowed inside is to short."
Gerben Voorsluijs
"The most guarded and protected tomb in all of Egypt
Probably one of the most detailed and more most colorful Rich tombs in all of Egypt. It was very well preserved. You can tell how much she was loved by the Pharaoh. It's going to cost you in addition ticket. Totally worth it.
Also don't be an idiot and do yourself a favor and get a tour guide he/she will explain everything you're looking at before hand. It makes the experience that much better to know what you're staring at rather than just guessing
You only get 10 mins to be inside this tomb, plus they only allow 300 visitors per/day. Get there early"
Josue Polanco
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tomb of Nefertari is located in the Valley of the Queens on the West Bank of Luxor. You can hire a taxi or arrange for a private car to take you there. Many tours also include transportation to the Valley of the Queens.
Generally, the Valley of the Queens is less crowded than the Valley of the Kings, making for a more relaxed visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Tomb of Nefertari requires a special, additional ticket that is significantly more expensive than standard tomb entry fees, often around 50 euros or dollars.
Information on online ticket purchasing for the Tomb of Nefertari is limited, and it's often recommended to purchase tickets on-site or as part of a package like the Premium Luxor Pass.
The Premium Luxor Pass is an all-inclusive ticket that covers entry to many sites in Luxor, including the Tomb of Nefertari, making it a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
The Tomb of Nefertari (QV66) has been closed to the public since March 2023, with no confirmed reopening date. It's crucial to check the latest status before your trip.
Only a limited number of visitors, around 300 per day, are allowed inside the tomb to help preserve its delicate artwork. Arriving early is advised.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Tomb of Nefertari to protect the ancient paintings from damage caused by flashes and handling.
The ban on photography is a crucial conservation measure. The vibrant colors and delicate details of the tomb are extremely sensitive to light and environmental changes.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Visitors are typically allowed only 10 to 15 minutes inside the tomb due to conservation efforts.
It's considered one of the most beautiful and best-preserved tombs in Egypt, often called the 'Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt' for its stunning, vivid wall paintings. 
Nefertari was the beloved Great Wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, known for her beauty and influence. Her tomb is a testament to the love and respect Ramesses II had for her.
You'll see incredibly detailed hieroglyphs and colorful paintings depicting Nefertari's journey to the afterlife, her relationship with the gods, and scenes from her life.
Most visitors agree that despite the steep price, the tomb's unparalleled beauty and preservation make it absolutely worth the cost.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the current closure, families interested in ancient Egyptian tombs in Luxor might consider visiting other well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings or Valley of the Queens that are currently accessible. These sites can still offer a fantastic glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices and artistry, and may be more manageable for younger travelers. Always check the accessibility and ticket requirements for any tomb before your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
For budget-conscious travelers, exploring other tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens that are included in standard entry tickets might be a more viable option. While they may not possess the same level of preservation or artistic detail as Nefertari's tomb, they still offer a rich historical experience without the substantial additional cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Sistine Chapel of Ancient Egypt'
+1The artwork within QV66 is unparalleled in its detail and color saturation. Unlike many other tombs that have faded significantly over millennia, Nefertari's tomb retains a stunning vibrancy, making it appear as if it were painted recently. The scenes depict Nefertari's divine journey into the afterlife, her interactions with various gods and goddesses, and intimate portrayals of her life. The sheer artistry and emotional depth conveyed through these paintings offer a unique window into the beliefs and aesthetics of the New Kingdom period.
Due to the tomb's fragility and the need for conservation, access has been historically restricted. While it was once accessible with a special permit and a time limit, recent reports indicate it has been closed to the public since March 2023, with no clear indication of when it might reopen. This closure underscores the delicate balance between allowing public access and preserving these invaluable ancient treasures for future generations.
Conservation and Access Challenges
Historically, access was limited to a short duration, typically 10 to 15 minutes per visitor, and a cap on the number of daily visitors was enforced. These restrictions were crucial in minimizing the impact of human presence on the tomb's interior. Despite these efforts, concerns about deterioration have persisted, leading to periods of closure for restoration and assessment.
Most recently, the tomb was closed in March 2023, with reports suggesting that a researcher identified deterioration shortly after a period of reopening. This highlights the ongoing struggle to balance tourism with preservation. The indefinite closure means that experiencing this masterpiece firsthand is currently impossible, leaving many travelers disappointed but emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.
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