Abu Simbel Great Temple of Ramses II on Lake Nasser, highlight stop on Luxor to Aswan day trip
Aswan Philae Temple on the Nile with palm trees and reflections, scenic stop on Luxor to Aswan tour
Traveler viewing ancient hieroglyphs inside an Aswan temple, cultural moment on Abu Simbel and Aswan tour
Traveler at Abu Simbel Great Temple of Ramses II, highlight of Luxor to Aswan day trip tour
Abu Simbel sound and light show crowd at the Great Temple, evening stop on Luxor to Aswan tour
Front view of Abu Simbel Great Temple statues and entrance, must-see on Luxor to Aswan tour
Traveler posing at Abu Simbel Great Temple facade on Luxor to Aswan day tour with Abu Simbel visit
Couple holding hands at Abu Simbel temples in Egypt on Luxor to Aswan tour, iconic Ramses II statues
Wide view of Abu Simbel Great Temple statues near Aswan, highlight stop on Luxor to Aswan guided trip
Listing ID : 41745

Activity

Duration2 Days
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtLuxor, Egypt
LanguagesArabic, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish
2-Day Cultural Journey

Trip to Abu Simbel & Aswan from Luxor

Ancient temples, Nubian hospitality, and the timeless Nile — all in two remarkable days.


This carefully curated Abu Simbel and Aswan tour from Luxor connects travelers with two of Egypt's most significant historic destinations in a single, well-paced itinerary. From the island sanctuary of Philae to the colossal rock-cut monuments at Abu Simbel, every stop reveals a different chapter of ancient civilization.

The journey begins along the Nile, where the scenery shifts from Luxor's temple-lined streets to the quieter, more intimate landscapes of Upper Egypt. Aswan serves as the base for exploring Nubian culture and the sacred island temples that survived the construction of the High Dam.

A traditional felucca or motorboat ride to a Nubian Village offers direct contact with one of Africa's oldest continuous cultures. Visitors share meals, hear local stories, and observe a way of life that has persisted for thousands of years along the river's banks.

The highlight of the second day is the journey south to Abu Simbel, where Ramesses II commissioned two massive temples carved directly into a sandstone cliff. The site, relocated to save it from rising Nile waters in the 1960s, remains one of the great feats of both ancient engineering and modern preservation.

Tour Highlights

Visit the Philae Temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set on an island in the Nile near Aswan.

Sail by traditional boat to a Nubian Village and experience authentic local hospitality along the riverbank.

Witness the colossal facades of Abu Simbel, the twin temples built by Ramesses II over 3,000 years ago.

Learn about the UNESCO-led relocation project that saved Abu Simbel from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Travel through the scenic landscapes of Upper Egypt between Luxor and Aswan with an experienced local guide.

Enjoy a fully organized, easy-rated itinerary with transport, guided tours, and cultural experiences included.

Itinerary

1
Departure from Luxor & Arrival in Aswan

Travel from Luxor to Aswan, Egypt's southernmost major city and a gateway to Nubian culture. Upon arrival, settle in and orient yourself with the city's riverside setting before the afternoon program begins.

2
Philae Temple Visit

Board a short boat ride to Philae Island, home to the beautifully preserved Temple of Isis. Your guide will walk you through the hypostyle halls and sanctuary, explaining the mythological significance of the site.

3
Nubian Village Experience

Sail by felucca or motorboat to a traditional Nubian Village on the banks of the Nile. Spend time with local families, taste regional food, and observe the distinctive Nubian architecture and customs.

4
Overnight in Aswan

Return to your accommodation in Aswan for an overnight stay. The evening is your own to explore the local market, the Corniche, or simply rest before the early start the following day.

5
Abu Simbel Temples

Depart early for the 3-hour drive south to Abu Simbel on the shores of Lake Nasser. Spend ample time exploring both the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller Temple of Nefertari before returning to Aswan.

6
Return Journey to Luxor

After returning from Abu Simbel, transfer back toward Luxor, concluding the two-day circuit. Departure logistics will be confirmed with your guide based on your onward travel plans.

What Is Included

Included

  • Transport between Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel
  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide
  • Boat transfer to Philae Temple
  • Entrance fees to Philae Temple and Abu Simbel
  • Felucca or motorboat ride to Nubian Village
  • Overnight accommodation in Aswan

Not Included

  • International or domestic flights
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Meals and beverages unless specified
  • Optional tips for guide and driver
  • Personal shopping or souvenirs

Important Information

This is an easy-rated tour suitable for most fitness levels. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are strongly recommended for outdoor temple visits.
Duration
2 days, including one overnight stay in Aswan. The Abu Simbel visit requires an early morning departure on Day 2.
Meeting Point
The tour departs from your hotel or a designated central point in Luxor. Exact pickup details will be confirmed after booking.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler mornings, water, and a valid passport for Abu Simbel entry checks.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at time of booking. Review the policy carefully before confirming, particularly for multi-day tours.
Accessibility
Some temple sites involve uneven terrain and stairs. Travelers with mobility limitations should consult with the operator before booking.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and the easy difficulty rating makes it accessible for families and older travelers alike.

Reserve Your Place

Secure your spot on this two-day journey through Upper Egypt and experience the temples, the Nile, and Nubian culture with a knowledgeable local guide by your side.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Abu Simbel and Aswan?
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for visiting outdoor sites in Upper Egypt. Summer months can be extremely hot, particularly at Abu Simbel near Lake Nasser.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes. The tour is rated easy and is structured to give first-time visitors a comprehensive introduction to two of Egypt's most iconic destinations. A local guide accompanies the group throughout.
How long is the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?
The drive takes approximately 3 hours each way along the western shore of Lake Nasser. Departures are typically early in the morning to make the most of time at the site.
What is the Nubian Village visit like?
The visit involves a short boat ride on the Nile to reach a village where Nubian families live. Travelers typically walk through the village, interact with residents, and can sample local food and crafts.
Is accommodation included in the tour price?
One night of accommodation in Aswan is included. Specific hotel details are provided at or before the time of booking.
Do I need a visa to travel between Luxor and Aswan?
Both Luxor and Aswan are within Egypt, so no additional visa is required beyond a standard Egyptian entry visa. Carry your passport as identity checks may occur near Abu Simbel.
Abu SimbelAswanLuxorPhilae TempleNubian VillageUpper EgyptNile RiverAncient EgyptUNESCO SiteCultural Tour2 Day TourEgypt Travel
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: TXP-ABU-ASW-LXR-002

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

2 days

Languages

Arabic - Speaking Guide

German - Speaking Guide

Greek - Speaking Guide

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Italian - Speaking Guide

Japanese - Speaking Guide

Portuguese - Speaking Guide

Russian - Speaking Guide

Swedish - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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