Overview
Abu Simbel is one of the great sights of Egypt: two temples carved into a sandstone cliff for Ramses II, 280 km south of Aswan near the Sudanese border. On this private day trip your own driver and Egyptologist guide take you there and back from your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan.
You cross the Nubian desert in an air-conditioned car, spend two to three hours at the temples with your guide, and are back in Aswan the same day. In the 1960s the whole site was cut into more than a thousand blocks and rebuilt higher up the cliff to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a rescue your guide tells you about on the spot.
Highlights
- Private car, driver and Egyptologist guide for your group only
- The Great Temple of Ramses II and its four colossal statues
- The Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari
- The story of the temples' rescue from Lake Nasser
- Pickup and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
Itinerary
- 1
Early pickup in Aswan
Your driver and guide collect you from your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan early in the morning. We agree the exact time with you when you book. - 2
Across the Nubian desert
About three hours and 280 km south by private air-conditioned car, with a rest stop on the way. - 3
The Great Temple of Ramses II
Four seated statues of the pharaoh guard the entrance. Inside, halls carved with battle scenes lead to the sanctuary, where the rising sun reaches the statues of the gods twice a year. - 4
The Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari
The smaller temple beside it, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and to Ramses II's queen, whose statues stand as tall as the king's. - 5
Lake Nasser
Time for photos by the lake before the drive back. - 6
Return to Aswan
About three hours back to your hotel or cruise in Aswan, arriving in the afternoon.
Prices
Private trip
Price per person, by group size
| 1 traveller | $150 per person |
|---|---|
| 2 travellers | $95 per person |
| 3 to 4 travellers | $85 per person |
| 5 to 8 travellers | $70 per person |
- Prices are in U.S. dollars per person and include the private car, your Egyptologist guide and the temple tickets.
What's included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan
- Private air-conditioned car for the whole day
- Private Egyptologist guide at the temples
- Entrance tickets to both Abu Simbel temples
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses
Good to know
- The temples are open every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- It is a long drive: about three hours each way, with police checkpoints on the road that your driver handles.
- There is little shade at the site: bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
- On 22 February and 22 October the rising sun lights the inner sanctuary. The site is very busy on those days, so book early.
Questions about this tour
How long is the Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan?
A full day of about 10 hours: roughly three hours' drive each way and two to three hours at the temples.
Is the trip private?
Yes. The car, the driver and the Egyptologist guide are for your group only, so you go at your own pace.
What is included in the price?
Pickup and drop-off in Aswan, the private air-conditioned car, your Egyptologist guide and the entrance tickets to both temples. Meals, drinks and tips are not included.
Can you pick us up from our Nile cruise?
Yes. We collect you from your hotel or from your cruise ship in Aswan and bring you back to the same place.
When are the temples open?
Every day from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm.
What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
On 22 February and 22 October the rising sun shines through the entrance of the Great Temple and lights the statues in the inner sanctuary. The site is very busy on those days, so book well ahead.
How much does it cost?
The price per person depends on how many of you travel together. The price table on this page lists every group size.
