2-Day Aswan Tour from Marsa Alam: Abu Simbel Temples

Colossal statues of Ramesses II carved into a mountainside ages ago

This 2-day tour from Marsa Alam reaches Aswan's major temples and monuments, then travels south to Abu Simbel. Day one covers the High Dam, Philae Temple built to honor the goddess Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk quarried from Aswan's granite. Day two departs at 4 a.m. for the three-hour drive to Abu Simbel, where an Egyptologist guide explains the Great Temple to Ramesses II and the smaller temple to Queen Nefertari before the midday heat. A felucca sail on the Nile and overnight hotel stay in Aswan are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Aswan attractions

• Pickup from Marsa Alam hotel
• Transfer to Aswan by car
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• Visit Philae Temple
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk
• Overnight stay in Aswan hotel

Day 2: Abu Simbel tour and return

• Early pickup from Aswan hotel
• Drive to Abu Simbel temples
• Guided tour of Abu Simbel temples
• Return drive to Aswan
• Lunch in Aswan
• Drive back to Marsa Alam

The experience

The High Dam, built between 1960 and 1970, controls the Nile's flood cycle and stands as Egypt's fourth-largest engineering project. From there, the tour moves to Philae Temple on the Island of Agilika, constructed around 690 BC as one of the last temples built in classical Egyptian style and dedicated to the goddess Isis. The Unfinished Obelisk reveals how ancient craftsmen quarried Aswan's prized granite for statues, temples and monuments across Egypt.

Day two starts before dawn with pickup at 4 a.m. from your Aswan hotel. The three-hour drive south crosses the desert to Abu Simbel, where the two temples emerge from the mountainside. The Great Temple displays four seated statues of Ramesses II on its façade, each showing the pharaoh at a different age. The smaller temple beside it honors Queen Nefertari, Ramesses' consort, with rock-cut figures of both ruler and queen carved into the cliff face. Your Egyptologist guide walks you through the reign of one of Egypt's most ambitious pharaohs and the engineering required to carve these monuments from solid rock during the 13th century BC. You board the coach at 9 a.m. for the return to Aswan, where lunch at a local restaurant precedes the drive back to Marsa Alam.

A felucca sail on the Nile and a night in an Aswan hotel break up the two days of travel and sightseeing. Bottled water travels with you in the air-conditioned vehicle. Breakfast is provided before departure on day two.

What’s included

• Egyptologist guide in English, Spanish, French, German and additional languages.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan.
• private air-conditioned vehicle throughout.
• breakfast on day two.
• lunch at a quality restaurant in Aswan.
• bottled water during the tour.
• felucca sail on the Nile.
• overnight hotel accommodation in Aswan.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Marsa Alam Tours

Is this one for you?Two days means you spend one full day on Aswan's monuments and one early morning at Abu Simbel, leaving the rest of your Marsa Alam stay free for the beach or other Red Sea activities. If you want Abu Simbel without the overnight in Aswan, look for a single-day option instead.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Arabic and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What is the High Dam in Aswan and why does it matter?

The High Dam, completed between 1960 and 1970, controls flooding from the Nile and protects Egypt from the river's seasonal surges. It is considered Egypt's fourth-largest engineering achievement.

Who built Abu Simbel and when?

Pharaoh Ramesses II carved the two temples from the mountainside during the 13th century BC. The Great Temple displays four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh on its façade, while the smaller temple honors his consort, Queen Nefertari.

What does the Unfinished Obelisk show about ancient Egypt?

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan reveals how craftsmen quarried the region's finest granite for statues, temples, pyramids and obelisks across ancient Egypt. The stone was never extracted, leaving the work-in-progress visible today.

When do we leave for Abu Simbel on day two and why so early?

Pickup from your Aswan hotel is at 4 a.m., and the three-hour drive gets you to Abu Simbel before the intense midday heat. You board the coach for the return journey at 9 a.m.