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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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