Cairo to Abu Simbel: 8-Day Ancient Egypt Tour by Road and Sleeper Train
Pyramids, temples, and the Nile — from Cairo to the far south of Egypt and back
This Cairo to Abu Simbel tour takes you through the full sweep of ancient Egyptian civilization, from the iconic Giza Plateau in the north to the monumental temples of Ramses II deep in the south. Traveling by private vehicle, sleeper train, and felucca, you cover ground that few independent travelers manage in a single trip. The itinerary is rated easy and suits first-time visitors to Egypt.
You begin and end in Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum, Coptic churches, and the medieval bazaar of Khan El Khalili fill in the picture beyond the Pyramids. A sleeper train carries you overnight to Luxor, where the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temples wait on both banks of the Nile. From Luxor, a road transfer continues south to Aswan, a quieter city whose granite quarries, High Dam, and the flower-covered island temple of Philae reward a full day of exploration.
The early-morning drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel is the geographic and emotional high point of the journey. The twin rock-cut temples of Ramses II, relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, stand as one of the most dramatic feats of both ancient construction and modern engineering. A second overnight sleeper train brings you back to Cairo in time for a final optional excursion or a day of leisure before departure.
Tour Highlights
Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two of the most recognized monuments in human history.
Walk through the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank of the Nile at Luxor.
Sail around Elephantine Island on a traditional felucca in Aswan and take in the calm pace of Egypt's southernmost city.
Visit the Abu Simbel temples of Ramses II at dawn, when the site is at its most atmospheric and crowds are thinnest.
Explore Karnak Temples and Luxor Temple, the two largest religious complexes of ancient Egypt, in a single day.
Discover Coptic Cairo at the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue, and browse the medieval lanes of Khan El Khalili bazaar.
Travel between cities on classic Egyptian sleeper trains, a practical and scenic way to cover long distances overnight.
Itinerary Overview
A tour manager meets you at Cairo International Airport and transfers you to your hotel by private air-conditioned vehicle. The evening is free, and your itinerary and pick-up times are confirmed at check-in. Overnight in Cairo at the Fairmont Nile City.
After breakfast, a private guide takes you to the Giza Plateau for the Pyramids and Sphinx, then to the Egyptian Museum and its Tutankhamun galleries, Coptic Cairo, and the Khan El Khalili bazaar. In the evening you board the sleeper train at Giza station. Dinner and breakfast are served on board.
On arrival in Luxor you visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank, followed by Luxor Temple and Karnak Temples on the East Bank. Breakfast and lunch are included. Overnight at the Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor.
A road transfer of approximately three and a half hours brings you to Aswan. The afternoon covers the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Philae on Isis Island, and a felucca sail around Elephantine Island. Overnight at the Movenpick Resort Aswan.
An early-morning drive reaches Abu Simbel for a guided visit to the temples of Ramses II, then you return to Aswan and board the overnight sleeper train to Cairo. The journey takes approximately 14 hours. Overnight on board.
You arrive at Giza station and check back into the Fairmont Nile City. Days 6 and 7 allow for leisure or optional excursions to Saqqara, Memphis, or Alexandria. On the final morning, a transfer to Cairo International Airport closes the tour.
What Is Included
Included
- Airport meet-and-assist and all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- 7 nights accommodation at listed hotels or equivalent category
- Two overnight sleeper train journeys with meals on board
- All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout
- Felucca ride around Elephantine Island in Aswan
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (breakfasts, some lunches)
Not Included
- International flights to and from Cairo
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Optional excursions to Alexandria, Saqqara, or Memphis
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
Important Information
Ready to Explore Ancient Egypt?
From the Pyramids of Giza to the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, this eight-day itinerary covers the defining monuments of one of the world's oldest civilizations. Secure your place today and travel with an expert guide from Cairo to the far south of Egypt.
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