Abu Simbel Tour
Join this exceptional Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan and witness one of Egypt’s most magnificent ancient landmarks. Hewn from the cliffs by the great Pharaoh Ramses II, the twin temples of Abu Simbel stand as a symbol of divine power and artistic mastery. With the guidance of a knowledgeable Egyptologist, you’ll explore the colossal statues, detailed reliefs, and the extraordinary solar phenomenon that illuminates the inner sanctuary twice a year. This immersive day trip offers a profound look into the spiritual and architectural brilliance of the New Kingdom, making it an essential experience for
Overview
Join this exceptional Abu Simbel Tour from Aswan and witness one of Egypt’s most magnificent ancient landmarks. Hewn from the cliffs by the great Pharaoh Ramses II, the twin temples of Abu Simbel stand as a symbol of divine power and artistic mastery. With the guidance of a knowledgeable Egyptologist, you’ll explore the colossal statues, detailed reliefs, and the extraordinary solar phenomenon that illuminates the inner sanctuary twice a year. This immersive day trip offers a profound look into the spiritual and architectural brilliance of the New Kingdom, making it an essential experience for travelers in Aswan.
Highlights
- A full day south from Aswan to the temples at Abu Simbel
- Both temples at the site are on the programme
- You return to Aswan the same day
Itinerary
1Abu Simbel Temples Excursion from Aswan
Your adventure begins early in the morning when your professional Egyptologist guide meets you at your hotel in Aswan. Set out in a comfortable, modern vehicle for the scenic drive through the desert to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, one of the most remarkable achievements of ancient Egypt. Upon arrival, marvel at the grandeur of the two rock-cut temples commissioned by Ramses II during the 19th dynasty. The larger temple honors the pharaoh himself alongside the gods Ptah, Re-Horakhty, and Amun-Re, while the smaller one is devoted to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating insights into the temples’ history, their symbolic design, and the incredible rescue mission led by UNESCO that saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Twice each year, on February 22 and October 22, sunlight penetrates the temple’s inner sanctuary to illuminate the statues of the gods and the king—a breathtaking testament to ancient Egyptian engineering and astronomical precision. Take time to capture stunning photos and absorb the atmosphere of this timeless site before returning comfortably to Aswan. By the end of the day, you’ll carry with you a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s royal legacy and the enduring genius of its builders. Meals: None Overnight: Not included (return to Aswan)
What’s included
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Aswan
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- Complimentary bottled water during the tour
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Any personal expenses or optional activities not listed
- Tipping
How booking works
Send your dates
Use the enquiry form with your travel dates and how many people are coming. Nothing is charged and nothing is held at this point.
We reply with a plan
You get a written itinerary and a full price back — what is included, what is not, and what the alternatives are if a date or a hotel does not work.
You change what you want
Go back and forth as many times as you need. The itinerary is not fixed until you say it is.
Confirm and travel
Once the plan is right, we confirm the bookings and send you the final documents with your guide and driver details.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Abu Simbel Tour?
1 day in total.
Is there a day-by-day itinerary?
Yes — 1 day is written out above, with what you see and where you sleep on each one. Every day can be changed before you book.
How much does Abu Simbel Tour cost?
It starts at $95 per person. The final price depends on your dates, your group size and the hotel level you choose, so we quote it for your specific trip rather than selling a fixed package.
What is included in the price?
6 things are included, listed in full above. In short: all transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle; pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in aswan; private english-speaking egyptologist guide; entrance fees to all mentioned sites, and more.
What is not included?
The exclusions are listed above in full. The main ones are any personal expenses or optional activities not listed; tipping. Ask us before you book if you want any of them added — most of them can be.
Where does Abu Simbel Tour start?
It starts in Aswan. If you are arriving somewhere else, or on a different day, tell us and we will adjust the first and last days around your flights.
Can this trip be changed?
Yes. Nothing on this page is fixed. Days can be added or dropped, sites swapped, hotels moved up or down, and the whole route rebuilt around what you actually want to see.
What to pack
Clothing
- Loose cotton or linen — it is hot in the sun and cold on the water after dark
- A light long-sleeved layer for evenings and for sun cover at open sites
- Shoulders and knees covered for mosques and churches; a scarf for women at mosques
- One warm layer between November and February — desert nights drop sharply
Feet
- Closed walking shoes you have already broken in — temple ground is uneven stone and sand
- Sandals or slip-ons for the boat and the hotel
Sun and heat
- A wide-brimmed hat — there is almost no shade at Giza, Karnak or Abu Simbel
- High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- A refillable water bottle
Practical
- A universal adapter — Egypt uses European two-pin type C and F sockets at 220V
- Any medication you take, in its original packaging
- Small notes in local currency for tips and small purchases
- A power bank — you will be off a socket for most of each day
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