Couple at Abu Simbel Great Temple of Ramses II, iconic statues on day tour from Aswan, Egypt
Traveler inside Abu Simbel temple hall between colossal statues, guided day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan
Abu Simbel Small Temple of Nefertari facade carved in sandstone cliff, popular day tour from Aswan
Traveler inside Abu Simbel temple hypostyle hall on day tour from Aswan, carved statues and hieroglyphs
Abu Simbel Great Temple facade with colossal Ramses II statues, visitor on Aswan to Abu Simbel day trip
Smiling tourist holding ankh inside Abu Simbel temple corridor on guided day tour from Aswan, Egypt
Traveler at Abu Simbel Great Temple statues on day tour from Aswan, Egypt Nubian monuments
Front view of Abu Simbel Great Temple of Ramses II on day trip from Aswan with hotel pickup
Interior statues and hieroglyphs at Abu Simbel temples, a must-see stop on an Aswan day tour
Traveler posing by the Abu Simbel Great Temple statues during a day trip from Aswan in southern Egypt
Wide view of Abu Simbel Great Temple facade under blue sky, highlight of a day tour from Aswan
Great Temple of Abu Simbel interior hall with towering Osiris statues on day tour from Aswan, Egypt
Couple standing inside Abu Simbel temple doorway with ancient carvings, romantic Aswan day trip in Egypt
Traveler posing outside Abu Simbel temples in Nubian desert, Abu Simbel day tour from Aswan, Egypt
Happy couple posing at Abu Simbel temples on a day tour from Aswan, with Ramses II statues behind
Traveler in sunhat at Abu Simbel Great Temple entrance, perfect stop on an Aswan to Abu Simbel day tour
Woman by Lake Nasser with Abu Simbel temple in background, scenic highlight of a day trip from Aswan
Couple at Abu Simbel Temple entrance on day tour from Aswan, admiring Ramses II carvings and hieroglyphs
Traveler viewing the Great Temple of Abu Simbel from Aswan day trip, iconic Ramses II statues carved in rock
Listing ID : 41964

Activity

Duration12 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtCairo Hotel Pickup
LanguagesArabic, German, Greek, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian
Day Tour from Cairo

Abu Simbel Day Tour by Flight via Aswan

Fly from Cairo, witness the rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, and return the same day.


This Abu Simbel day tour from Cairo combines a morning flight to Aswan, a scenic drive to one of Egypt's most remarkable ancient sites, and a relaxed afternoon in Aswan before returning home — all within a single day.

Abu Simbel stands on the western bank of Lake Nasser, a UNESCO World Heritage Site relocated in the 1960s to save it from rising floodwaters. The two temples carved directly into the sandstone cliffs have greeted visitors for over three thousand years and remain among the best-preserved monuments in the ancient world.

A knowledgeable guide accompanies you throughout the visit, providing context for the battle reliefs, the colossal statues, and the architectural precision that defines both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Queen Nefertari.

After the temple visit, the itinerary allows time in Aswan, a city known for its Nubian character, its position on the Nile, and its more relaxed pace compared to Cairo. The return flight brings you back to the capital the same evening.

Tour Highlights

Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II, featuring four colossal seated statues and an interior covered with battle murals from the Kadesh campaign.

Explore the Temple of Queen Nefertari, one of only two ancient Egyptian temples dedicated to a royal consort.

Travel by flight from Cairo to Aswan, cutting out the long overland journey and maximizing time at the site.

View the temples against the backdrop of Lake Nasser, the vast reservoir created by the Aswan High Dam.

Learn about the UNESCO-led relocation project that moved both temples block by block to higher ground between 1964 and 1968.

Enjoy an afternoon in Aswan, a city with a distinct Nubian identity and a slower tempo along the Nile.

Itinerary

1
Hotel Pickup in Cairo

A tour representative collects you from your Cairo hotel in the morning and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Aswan. Travel time to the airport varies depending on your hotel location.

2
Flight to Aswan

Board a domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan. Upon landing, a driver meets you and begins the road transfer south toward Abu Simbel, approximately 280 kilometers from Aswan.

3
Abu Simbel Temples

Arrive at Abu Simbel and spend the morning exploring the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. Your guide covers the history of both temples, the relocation effort, and the significance of the interior carvings and painted reliefs.

4
Drive Back to Aswan

After the temple visit concludes, the group returns by road to Aswan. The afternoon is available to explore the city at a relaxed pace before heading to the airport.

5
Return Flight to Cairo and Hotel Drop-off

Fly back from Aswan to Cairo in the evening. A driver transfers you from the airport to your hotel, completing the day tour.

What Is Included

Included

  • Round-trip domestic flights (Cairo to Aswan and back)
  • Private road transfers throughout the day
  • Guided tour of Abu Simbel temples
  • Entrance fees to Abu Simbel temples
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo

Not Included

  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Optional purchases at the site
  • Entry to additional monuments in Aswan

Important Information

This is a full-day excursion. Guests should be prepared for an early morning departure and a late evening return. The desert climate around Abu Simbel is hot and dry; light, breathable clothing and sun protection are strongly recommended.
Duration
Approximately 12 hours from hotel pickup to hotel drop-off in Cairo.
Meeting Point
Your Cairo hotel lobby. Specific pickup time is confirmed after booking.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for the air-conditioned flight, and a refillable water bottle.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are provided at the time of booking. Please review the policy before confirming your reservation.
Accessibility
The site involves walking on uneven stone surfaces. Guests with limited mobility should contact the operator in advance to discuss suitability.
Age Range
Suitable for most ages. The tour is rated Easy in terms of physical difficulty. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult.

Reserve Your Place on This Tour

Spaces on this day tour are limited. Secure your booking in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak travel seasons in Egypt.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?
Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometers south of Aswan by road. The drive takes around three hours each way through the desert landscape along Lake Nasser.
Why were the Abu Simbel temples moved?
The construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s created Lake Nasser, threatening to submerge the temples. Between 1964 and 1968, UNESCO and the Egyptian government coordinated an international effort to cut both temples into large blocks and reassemble them on higher ground roughly 65 meters above the original site.
Who built the temples at Abu Simbel?
Pharaoh Ramses II ordered the construction of both temples during the 13th century BC. The Great Temple was built primarily in his own honor and to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The smaller temple was dedicated to his chief wife, Queen Nefertari.
Is the tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes. The itinerary is rated Easy and is designed to be straightforward, with airport transfers and guided access handled throughout. No prior knowledge of Egyptian history is required, as the guide provides context on-site.
What is the best time of year to visit Abu Simbel?
The cooler months between October and April offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting. Summer temperatures in the Abu Simbel area can be extreme, reaching well above 40 degrees Celsius during the midday hours.
Are meals included in the tour price?
Meals are not included. Guests are advised to bring snacks and water for the journey, though limited food options may be available near the site.
Abu SimbelRamses II TempleNefertari TempleDay Tour from CairoEgypt Ancient SitesUNESCO World HeritageAswan ExcursionLake NasserNubian HistoryEgypt by FlightCairo Day TripPharaonic Temples
Last updated: 2025-07-10 | Product ID: ABU-SIMBEL-CAI-FLY-01

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

12 hours

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

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

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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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