Journey south to witness the twin temples that defied time, the Nile, and the sands of the Sahara.
The Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan brings you face to face with two of the most extraordinary monuments ever carved from living rock, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. This private, fully guided excursion includes door-to-door transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, making it one of the most comfortable ways to explore Upper Egypt.
Discovered in 1813 by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the temples were almost entirely buried beneath desert sand at the time. Their rescue between 1964 and 1968, a monumental UNESCO-led engineering effort, saw both structures relocated block by block to higher ground before the rising waters of Lake Nasser could claim them forever.
The site sits approximately 280 kilometres south of Aswan, close to the border with Sudan, within the Nubian region that once formed the heart of ancient trade routes between sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean world. The landscape alone, defined by the shimmering blue expanse of Lake Nasser, makes the journey worthwhile.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Great Temple of Ramses II, decorated with colossal seated statues and vivid battle reliefs from the Battle of Kadesh.
Visit the smaller but equally remarkable Temple of Queen Nefertari, a rare honour bestowed on a royal consort by Ramses II.
Travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan included throughout the day.
Benefit from the expertise of a licensed Egyptology guide who contextualises the temples within their historical and cultural setting.
Witness architecture recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Egypt's most celebrated ancient achievements.
Discover how both temples were physically dismantled and reassembled in the 1960s in one of history's greatest preservation feats.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Aswan
Your Sun Pyramids Tours representative meets you at your Aswan hotel and escorts you to a private air-conditioned vehicle. The drive south to Abu Simbel takes approximately three to three and a half hours along a desert highway.
2
Arrival at Abu Simbel
On arrival, your guide introduces the site and provides historical background on its discovery, construction under Ramses II, and the UNESCO relocation project. You enter the temple complex with your guide.
3
Great Temple of Ramses II
Four colossal seated statues of Ramses II guard the facade of this temple. Inside, wall murals document the Battle of Kadesh in precise detail, including the king's military campaigns and offerings to the gods.
4
Temple of Queen Nefertari
Located just north of the main temple, this structure was dedicated by Ramses II to his favourite wife and to the goddess Hathor. Its carved reliefs depict Nefertari with near-equal stature to the pharaoh, an exceptional distinction in ancient Egyptian art.
5
Return Transfer to Aswan
After completing the guided visit, you return to the vehicle for the drive back to Aswan. Your driver drops you directly at your hotel, concluding the tour.
What Is Included
Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan
Licensed Egyptology guide throughout the tour
All transportation to and from Abu Simbel
Not Included
Abu Simbel temple entrance tickets
Meals, drinks, and personal expenses
Gratuities for guide and driver
Any optional extras not listed above
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Duration
The full tour lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time to and from Abu Simbel and time spent at the temples.
What to Bring
Wear light, breathable clothing and bring sun protection including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle are recommended.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Please review the policy carefully before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The tour involves walking on uneven terrain inside the temples. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to contact the operator prior to booking.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the visit.
Reserve Your Private Abu Simbel Experience
Secure your spot on this private day trip and explore two of ancient Egypt's most iconic monuments with a dedicated guide and comfortable transportation from Aswan.
Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometres south of Aswan. The drive by private vehicle takes around three to three and a half hours each way.
Are entrance tickets to the temples included in the tour price?▼
No, entrance tickets to the Abu Simbel temples are not included and must be purchased separately at the site. Your guide can assist you with the process on arrival.
Why were the Abu Simbel temples relocated?▼
The temples were threatened by the rising waters of Lake Nasser following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Between 1964 and 1968, UNESCO coordinated an international effort to dismantle and reassemble both temples on higher ground approximately 65 metres above their original location.
Is this tour private or shared with other travellers?▼
This is a fully private tour. You will have a dedicated vehicle and guide exclusively for your group throughout the day.
What is the difficulty level of this tour?▼
The tour is rated Easy. Most of the visit involves light walking inside and around the temples, though the terrain can be uneven in certain areas.
Who built the Temple of Queen Nefertari and why?▼
Ramses II built the smaller temple at Abu Simbel to honour his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari, and dedicated it to the goddess Hathor. The decision to portray Nefertari on the facade at the same scale as the pharaoh was highly unusual in ancient Egyptian tradition.
Abu SimbelAswan Day TripRamses II TempleNefertari TempleAncient EgyptUNESCO HeritagePrivate Tour EgyptNubia EgyptUpper EgyptEgyptian TemplesEgypt HistoryLake Nasser
Abu Simbel is located in the Nubian region of southern Egypt, approximately 280 kilometres south of Aswan and close to the Sudanese border. The site lies on the western bank of Lake Nasser, the reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam. The temples were originally carved into the sandstone cliffs of ancient Nubia during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE. Today, Abu Simbel falls within the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site, a designation that also covers the temples of Philae and other Nubian monuments saved during the UNESCO Nubia Campaign. Aswan, the nearest city and the main gateway to the site, is itself a significant tourist hub in Upper Egypt, well connected by domestic flights, trains, and the Nile cruise route from Luxor. Travellers visiting Aswan commonly combine Abu Simbel with visits to Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Region: Upper Egypt, Nubia | Country: Egypt | Nearest City: Aswan | Site Type: Ancient Temple Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site | Tour Type: Private Day Trip | Key Attractions: Great Temple of Ramses II, Temple of Queen Nefertari, Lake Nasser | Historical Period: New Kingdom Ancient Egypt, 13th Century BCE | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 8 Hours
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