2-Day Aswan and Abu Simbel Tour: Temple of Philae to Luxor

Two days of ancient temples and the Nile, ending at Abu Simbel's colossal statues of Ramses II

A 2-day tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel and back to Luxor, traveling by private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and all transfers included. Day one covers Temple of Philae on the Nile, the High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Day two departs at 5 a.m. for Abu Simbel's UNESCO temples and their massive carved statues, then returns directly to Luxor.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Aswan's highlights

• Arrive at Aswan airport or station
• Visit Temple of Philae
• See the High Dam
• Optional lunch and boat ride to Nubian village
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Return to accommodation

Day 2: Visit Abu Simbel and return

• Early departure to Abu Simbel Temple
• Explore Abu Simbel temples
• Travel back to Luxor

The experience

Two days splits the journey into what you can see in Aswan itself and what requires the early start to Abu Simbel. Day one begins with pickup from your hotel and a visit to Temple of Philae, an island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis with hieroglyphs and architecture that survived relocation to higher ground when the Nile was dammed. From there you move to the High Dam, the modern engineering project that controls the river's flow, then to the Unfinished Obelisk in an ancient granite quarry where you can see how Egyptian craftsmen shaped massive stone blocks. The day ends back at your accommodation.

Day two starts before dawn at 5 a.m. for the drive to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Ramses II with colossal statues carved into the mountainside and intricate temple carvings inside. You have time to explore both temples thoroughly, then the return journey takes you directly to Luxor, where your driver will drop you at your hotel or chosen location. The private vehicle means no shared stops or waiting for other groups.

An optional add-on on day one (lunch and a boat ride at sunset to a Nubian village) lets you see how people live along the Nile and watch the light change over the water, though this costs extra and is arranged separately.

What’s included

• Private tour with experienced drivers.
• hotel pickup and return.
• all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle throughout both days.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by D.Done travel Egypt

Is this one for you?The 5 a.m. start on day two is what fits Abu Simbel into a two-day trip from Aswan without cutting short your time at the temples themselves. You reach them early, explore fully, and still make it back to Luxor the same day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).

What is the Temple of Philae and why is it on an island?

Temple of Philae is an ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated to higher ground on an island in the Nile when the Aswan High Dam was built to prevent it from flooding. The complex preserves hieroglyphs and architectural details from its original site.

Why does the Abu Simbel part start at 5 a.m.?

The early departure on day two allows you to reach Abu Simbel and explore the temples thoroughly before the heat peaks and before tour groups from other cities arrive, giving you time to see the colossal statues and interior carvings without rushing.

What can I see inside Abu Simbel Temple?

Abu Simbel contains intricate temple carvings and is famous for its four colossal statues of Ramses II carved directly into the mountainside. The interior holds detailed reliefs and chambers that reveal the scale of ancient Egyptian construction and artistry.

Is the Nubian village visit part of the main tour?

The Nubian village boat ride and lunch on day one are optional and cost extra beyond the tour price. If you choose it, you'll travel by boat at sunset to see the village and experience Nubian hospitality, then return to your accommodation afterward.

Do I need to arrange my own way to the starting point?

No. Hotel pickup is included, so your driver will collect you from your accommodation in Aswan on day one and return you to your hotel in Luxor at the end of day two. All transfers happen in a private air-conditioned vehicle.