Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
See the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel on a private day trip from Aswan. Explore ancient sanctuaries carved out of the sandstone mountainside, the UNESCO-listed Abu Simbel temples are among Nubia's most spectacular, with monumental statues and elaborate carvings, but the sites are located far from the beaten path, near the Sudanese border. Visit Abu Simbel as a hassle-free day trip from Aswan, on a 9-hour private tour that includes entrance fees and transport by air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from several departure options at time of booking.
Available options
Abu Simbel Private Tour
Excluded: - Entry Fees (EGP750 per person).
- Local tour guide at the Temples<br/>Private Trip<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Bottled Water & Snacks.<br/>Vehicle: Limousine, Minivan, Van, Coast<br/>Included: - Return Way Private Transfer
- Local Egyptologist tour Guide
Excluded:
Entry fee (EGP750 Per Person)
<br/>Pickup included
Private Guided Tour
Entry Fees included<br/>Duration: 9 hours<br/>Bottled Water & Snacks.<br/>Vehicle: Limousine, Minivan, Van, Coaster car<br/>Included: - Entrance fees to Abu Simbel Temples
- Professional Tour Guide
- Modern Car for all Transfers
- Pickup & Drop off<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water during the tours
Qualified Egyptologist tour guide
All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
Pick up services from your hotel in Aswan and return
All service charges and taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Begin with pickup at your hotel or Nile cruise boat in Aswan, and then make the trip to Abu Simbel in a private Car (almost 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival your guide will show you the world renowned twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II.
2
Stop 2
The Great Temple at Abu Simbel is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt. The great temple of Amon Re and Ra-Harakhte where the four famous colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically over 20 meters high, staring out across the desert. Enjoy a fantastic lecture from your personal guide outside the temples, and then free time to look inside the temple interior, which sinks 200 feet (60 mt) into the mountain, with statues and carvings that depict Ramses II’s military victories and captives. On the back wall of the temple you will see the statues dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself.
3
Later on, walk to the small temple of Hathor dedicated to the cow-headed goddess of love, happiness, joy and music built in honor of Ramses favorite wife Queen Nefertari, Six massive standing statues front the temple each 10 meters high.
Between 1964 and 1968, the entire site was carefully cut into large blocks (up to 30 tons, averaging 20 tons), dismantled, lifted and reassembled in a new location 65 metres higher and 200 metres back from the river, in one of the greatest challenges of archaeological engineering in history. Some structures were even saved from under the waters of Lake Nasser.
After visiting the temple complex, make the return trip to Aswan, where this tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship.
What's not included
Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
AR
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EN
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Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.3
6 reviews
5★
3
4★
2
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.5
4 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photocopy of all Travelers Passports Max. 48 hours before travel date
Pick-up location in Aswan: name and address - Max. 48 hours before travel date
Important notes
• WhatsApp: +201000027316
• Email: info@nileholiday.com
• Gratuities' to guides, drivers
• We recommend US$ 3-5 per traveler per tour as tips for the driver. However you might pay more or less depending on their service
About Aswan
Aswan is a charming city on the Nile River, known for its rich history, ancient temples, and stunning Nile landscapes. It offers a more relaxed and authentic Egyptian experience compared to the bustling cities of Cairo and Luxor.
Top Attractions
Philae Temple
A stunning temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island due to the Aswan High Dam.
Historical
2-3 hours
EGP 180
Aswan High Dam
A massive dam on the Nile River, built to control flooding and generate hydroelectric power.
Historical
1-2 hours
EGP 10
Abu Simbel
A magnificent temple complex built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues of the pharaoh.
Historical
Full day
EGP 300 (including transport)
Elephantine Island
An island in the Nile River with ancient ruins and a rich history dating back to the Old Kingdom.
Historical
2-3 hours
EGP 100
Nubian Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Nubian people, featuring artifacts and exhibits.
Museum
1-2 hours
EGP 100
Must-Try Local Dishes
Ful Medames
A traditional fava bean dish, often served with falafel and tahini.
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Grilled Nile Fish
Fresh Nile fish grilled and served with garlic sauce and vegetables.
Dinner
Gluten-free
Koshari
A popular street food made with rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions, topped with tomato sauce.
Lunch
Vegetarian
Basbousa
A sweet semolina cake soaked in syrup, often flavored with coconut or rosewater.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Nile cruises
Fishing on Lake Nasser
Quad biking in the desert
Boat trips on the Nile
Spa treatments
Sunset cruises
Visiting Philae Temple
Exploring the Nubian Museum
Best Time to Visit
October to April
This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Time Zone
EET (GMT+2)
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Aswan is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid scams and petty theft.
Important Precautions:
- • Bargain for prices in markets and taxis.
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
- • Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Getting there
By air
- Aswan International Airport • 10 km from city center
By train
Aswan Railway Station
By bus
Aswan Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport, connecting major areas within the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Corniche El-Nil
Souq Area
West Aswan
Day trips
Abu Simbel
280 km • Full day
A stunning temple complex built by Ramses II, featuring colossal statues of the pharaoh.
Lake Nasser
50 km • Half day to full day
A vast artificial lake created by the Aswan High Dam, offering scenic views and water activities.
Kom Ombo
50 km • Half day
A temple complex dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, offering insights into ancient Egyptian history.
Festivals
Aswan International Festival of Nubian Arts • February
Aswan Film Festival for Nubian Arts • October
Ramadan • Varies (Islamic calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit the Nubian villages for an authentic cultural experience.
- Take a felucca sailboat ride on the Nile at sunset for stunning views.
- Bargain for prices in markets and taxis to get the best deals.
- Carry small denominations of Egyptian pounds for tips and small purchases.
- Dress modestly and respect local customs, especially in religious sites.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
