Private Tour to Abo Simbel Temple from Aswan

Abu Simbel , Egypt

Private Tour to Abo Simbel Temple from Aswan

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About this experience

The Great Temple at Abu Simbel took around twenty years to build. Also known as Temple of Ramses II, it was dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the Great King Ramesses himself. It is considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during Ramesses II’s reign, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

The entrance to the Great Temple is flanked by four colossal statues on its facade, 20 m statues, each one representing Ramesses II seated on a throne. The façade of the main temple is decorated with hieroglyphs that commemorate the great victory of Ramses II at the Battle of Kades.

Upon entering the great temple, there are a series of rooms, dedicated to Ramses himself and important members of his family. The final room, the sanctum sanctorum, remains in darkness every day except two days a year. This was not done by chance, it was necessary a broad knowledge of science, mathematics, architecture, and astronomy to achieve this result.

Available options

Private Tour to Abo Simbel Temple from Aswan

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fees to the mentioned historical places

All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle

Bottled water on board your vehicle

Pick up service from your hotel in Aswan and return

All service charges and taxes

Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide

Detailed itinerary

The small temple of Queen Nefertari is located a hundred meters to the north of the large temple of Abo simbel, and this temple was carved into the rocks of the mountain that the ancient Egyptians called "The Pure Mountain" or "The Northern Mountain", and before the construction of the Nefertari temple, The small temple consists of a facade with six statues, followed by a pillar hall, and a transverse hall. The temple ends with a small sanctuary and on the sides of it two adjacent rooms. Temple scenes focus on daily religious ceremonies in the temple, such as presenting flowers, carrying the clay tool, serving wine, and burning incense over offerings. It is noticed in this temple that King Ramses II controlled his scenery, and he alone owned seventeen views compared to twelve scenes of the owner of the temple Nefertari, and cut four statues for himself at the facade for two for Nefertari.

Enjoy your Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan. We will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan by a PRIVATE air-conditioned vehicle. It is about three and a half hours, one way driving from Aswan to Abu Simbel. You will enjoy Abu Simbel area with its main attraction "The Great Temple of Abo Simbel , the temple was discovered in 1813, and were almost completely covered with sand. They were later moved in 1960 with the help of the Egyptian government and UNESCO to avoid the rising water of the Nile. Ramses II built the temple mostly to honor himself; there is a mural inside depicting his famous victory at Kadesh battle where his army defeated his enemies. On the north of Ramses temple, the Nefertari Temple which was built by Ramses II to his favorite wife Queen Nefertari among other 200 wives and concubines. After finishing the visit you will be escorted back to your hotel in Aswan

What's not included

Personal spending

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Abu Simbel

Abu Simbel is a breathtaking archaeological site in southern Egypt, featuring two magnificent rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II. The site is renowned for its colossal statues and intricate carvings, offering a profound glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Egypt's most iconic landmarks.

Top Attractions

Temple of Ramses II

The larger of the two temples at Abu Simbel, dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II. It is famous for its four colossal statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance and its intricate interior carvings.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (approx. 200 EGP or 12 USD)

Temple of Nefertari

A smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, Ramses II's favorite wife. It features intricate carvings and paintings, showcasing the beauty and devotion of ancient Egyptian queens.

Historical/Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Included in the ticket for the Temple of Ramses II

Lake Nasser

A vast artificial lake created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It offers stunning views and opportunities for boating and fishing.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (boating and fishing may have additional costs)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Koshari

A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional breakfast dish made from cooked fava beans, often served with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.

Breakfast Vegetarian, Vegan

Grilled Fish

Fresh fish caught from Lake Nasser, grilled and served with a variety of sides.

Main Dish Contains fish

Popular Activities

Boating on Lake Nasser Fishing Sunset views over Lake Nasser Enjoying traditional Egyptian cuisine Exploring ancient temples Visiting local markets Witnessing the Sun Festival at the Temple of Ramses II

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This is the best time to visit Abu Simbel, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is ideal for exploring the ancient temples and enjoying the outdoor activities.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Abu Simbel is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Aswan International Airport • 280 km (174 miles) north of Abu Simbel

By train

Aswan Railway Station

By bus

Aswan Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

There are local buses that run between Abu Simbel and nearby towns, but they are not very frequent. They are a budget-friendly option but may not be the most convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Abu Simbel Village

Day trips

Aswan

280 km (174 miles) • Full day recommended

Aswan is a vibrant city with a rich history, offering a variety of attractions including the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Nubian Village.

Lake Nasser Cruises

Varies • Overnight or multi-day

Lake Nasser offers stunning views and a unique perspective on the region. Cruises are a popular way to explore the lake and its surroundings.

Festivals

Sun Festival • February 22 and October 22

Pro tips

Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds
Hire a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the temples
Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun, especially during the hotter months
Consider a Lake Nasser cruise for a unique and relaxing experience
Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interaction with locals