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Full-Day Guided Excursion from Aswan
Abu Simbel Full Day Tour from Aswan
Journey deep into the Sahara to stand before the most celebrated rock-cut temples of ancient Egypt
This Abu Simbel full day tour from Aswan takes you on a remarkable journey through the Nubian Desert to one of Egypt's most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The round trip covers roughly 280 kilometres each way and delivers you to twin temples that have endured more than three thousand years of history.
The Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor were carved directly into a sandstone cliff around 1300 BC, making them among the most ambitious construction projects of the ancient world. Each facade is guarded by colossal seated statues that remain largely intact despite the millennia that have passed since their creation.
In 1964, a monumental international rescue operation orchestrated by UNESCO relocated both temples block by block to their current elevated position, saving them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser created by the Aswan High Dam. That engineering achievement is as remarkable in its own way as the original construction, and your guide will explain the full story on site.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Great Temple of Ramses II, adorned with four colossal statues standing over 20 metres high at the facade.
Visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated by Ramses II to his beloved wife Queen Nefertari, itself carved from living rock.
Travel through the sweeping landscapes of the Sahara Desert on a scenic three-hour drive in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Benefit from the expertise of a professional Egyptologist guide who brings the stories of Ramses II to life with historical depth.
Learn about the extraordinary 1964 UNESCO relocation project that saved both temples from the floodwaters of Lake Nasser.
Marvel at the intricate interior carvings depicting Ramses II's military campaigns, including the famous Battle of Kadesh.
Enjoy a rest stop at a desert camp during the journey, offering a genuine taste of the Nubian landscape.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Aswan
Your guide and driver collect you from your Aswan accommodation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Departures are scheduled in the early morning to allow maximum time at the temples.
2
Sahara Desert Drive
The group travels approximately three hours southwest through the open Nubian Desert toward the Sudanese border region. The vast, quiet landscape of the Sahara provides a memorable backdrop for the journey.
3
Desert Camp Break
Midway through the drive, the vehicle stops at a desert camp for a short rest. This pause offers a chance to stretch, refresh, and take in the silence of one of the world's great wildernesses.
4
Great Temple of Ramses II
Your Egyptologist guide leads you through the Great Temple, explaining the carved reliefs of Ramses II's military victories and the religious symbolism embedded in every chamber. The four colossal seated statues at the entrance are a defining moment of any visit to Egypt.
5
Temple of Hathor
The nearby Temple of Hathor, erected in honour of Queen Nefertari, is explored in detail. Your guide shares the historical context of this dedication and points out the unique artistic features that distinguish this temple from others in Egypt.
6
Return Journey to Aswan
After the guided visit, you board the vehicle for the return drive to Aswan. Drop-off is at your original hotel or a central location in the city.
What Is Included
Included
Return transport from your Aswan hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle
Professional licensed Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
Entrance fees to Abu Simbel Temples (Great Temple and Temple of Hathor)
Rest stop at a desert camp during transit
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan
Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Meals and beverages during the tour
Gratuities for the guide and driver
Any items of a personal nature
Optional photography permits inside the temples
Important Information
This tour involves early morning departures and a long round-trip drive through desert terrain. Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and adequate water are strongly recommended.
Duration
Approximately 8 hours in total, including around 6 hours of driving and 2 hours at the temple complex.
Meeting Point
Your guide will meet you at the lobby of your Aswan hotel. The exact pickup window will be confirmed upon booking.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water. Modest clothing is appropriate when entering the temples.
Cancellation
Please check cancellation terms at the time of booking. Standard policy details will be provided in your booking confirmation.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy, though the site involves walking on uneven stone surfaces. Travellers with significant mobility limitations should consult the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children are welcome and the historical narrative is adapted by the guide for mixed-age groups.
Reserve Your Place
Securing your spot on this full-day excursion to Abu Simbel is straightforward. Places are limited given the small-group format, so early booking is advisable especially during peak travel months.
Abu Simbel is approximately 280 kilometres south of Aswan, near the border with Sudan. The drive takes around three hours each way through the Sahara Desert.
Why were the Abu Simbel Temples relocated?▼
When the Aswan High Dam was constructed in the 1960s, it created Lake Nasser, which would have submerged the original temple site. Between 1964 and 1968, UNESCO coordinated an international campaign to cut the temples into large blocks and reassemble them on higher ground, about 65 metres above their original position.
When were the Abu Simbel Temples originally built?▼
Both temples were constructed during the reign of Ramses II, around 1300 BC. The Great Temple was dedicated to Ramses II himself, while the smaller Temple of Hathor was built in honour of his queen, Nefertari.
Is the tour suitable for people who do not know much about ancient Egypt?▼
Yes. The licensed Egyptologist guide explains the history, mythology, and architecture in clear, accessible terms. No prior knowledge of ancient Egyptian history is required to enjoy and benefit from the tour.
What should I wear for the visit to Abu Simbel?▼
Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended, along with sturdy walking shoes. The desert heat can be intense, so a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential, particularly for the outdoor portions of the visit.
Is Abu Simbel a UNESCO World Heritage Site?▼
Yes. The Nubian Monuments, which include Abu Simbel and the Philae Temple complex, were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 in recognition of their outstanding universal value.
Abu SimbelAswan Day TripRamses IIAncient EgyptUNESCO World HeritageEgyptologist GuideNubian DesertTemple of HathorQueen NefertariLake NasserFull Day TourEgypt History
Abu Simbel is located in the Aswan Governorate of southern Egypt, approximately 280 kilometres south of Aswan city and close to the border with Sudan. The site sits on the western bank of Lake Nasser, the vast reservoir created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. The twin rock-cut temples — the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor — were originally hewn from a sandstone cliff around 1300 BC during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II of the Nineteenth Dynasty. Following the threat posed by the rising waters of Lake Nasser, UNESCO led a landmark international rescue mission between 1964 and 1968 to dismantle and relocate both temples to an artificial hill 65 metres above and 200 metres back from their original position. In 1979, the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt's most visited historical destinations and a key highlight of any Upper Egypt itinerary, attracting travellers arriving overland from Aswan as well as visitors arriving by domestic flight.
Category: Cultural Day Tour | Region: Upper Egypt, Aswan Governorate | Site Type: Ancient Rock-Cut Temples, UNESCO World Heritage | Operator Base: Aswan, Egypt | Tour Style: Guided Excursion with Egyptologist | Difficulty Level: Easy | Transport: Air-Conditioned Private Vehicle | Suitable For: All Ages, History Enthusiasts, First-Time Egypt Visitors
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