2-Day Private Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour: Philae Temple & Lunch

Two days to see Aswan's greatest temples without the group-tour pace

A 2-day private tour of Aswan and Abu Simbel with a licensed guide, air-conditioned vehicle and included lunches. Day one covers Philae Temple (reached by scenic boat ride), the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Day two is an early morning drive south through the Nubian Desert to Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramses II and Nefertari stand carved into the rock face.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Explore Aswan landmarks and island

• Boat ride to Philae Temple
• Visit Aswan High Dam
• See the Unfinished Obelisk
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant

Day 2: Visit Abu Simbel temples

• Drive early to Abu Simbel
• Tour Abu Simbel Temples
• Have lunch near Abu Simbel
• Return transfer to Aswan

The experience

The tour runs over two full days, which means you move at your own pace instead of racing through stops on a crowded itinerary. Your private vehicle and guide stay with you the whole time, so you can linger at any site or ask questions without holding up a group. Day one starts in Aswan itself: you take a motorboat to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, dedicated to the goddess Isis, then visit the High Dam and stand before the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk, while your guide explains how ancient Egyptians carved and moved massive stone. Lunch at a local restaurant is included, so you eat without planning a separate stop.

Day two is the early morning scenic drive south through the Nubian Desert to Abu Simbel. The temples there are the centerpiece: two rock-cut monuments carved directly into the cliff face, with colossal statues of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari dominating the entrance. Your guide walks you through the story of their ancient construction and the modern UNESCO relocation that saved them from flooding when Lake Nasser was created. After lunch, you transfer back to your hotel or departure point in Aswan. The whole journey stays within a private vehicle with air conditioning and bottled water, and your guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Private tour with a licensed guide speaking English.
• pickup and drop-off at your hotel or departure point.
• air-conditioned vehicle for both days.
• motorboat to Philae Temple.
• bottled water throughout.
• lunch at local restaurants on day one and day two.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (7 to 90 years) · Child (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 42 pickup points.

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

Paid on siteUS$ 38

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mohamed

Is this one for you?Two days lets you see all of Aswan's major temples without rushing, and the private vehicle means you set the pace at each stop. If you're traveling with family or prefer not to join a group, this format keeps your party together the whole time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 6): free.

What is Philae Temple and how do I get there?

Philae Temple sits on Agilkia Island in the Nile and is dedicated to the goddess Isis. You reach it by scenic motorboat ride included in the tour, so you don't arrange separate transport to the water or the island.

Why are the Abu Simbel temples famous?

Abu Simbel's two temples are carved directly into the rock face and feature colossal statues of King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. They were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding when Lake Nasser was created, a remarkable engineering feat your guide explains on site.

What does the Unfinished Obelisk show about ancient Egyptian stone work?

The Unfinished Obelisk is the largest known ancient obelisk and still sits in the quarry where it was being carved. Standing before it lets you see the tool marks and techniques ancient Egyptians used to shape massive stone monuments, and your guide describes how they worked.

How much time do I spend driving on day two?

Day two is an early morning scenic drive south through the Nubian Desert to Abu Simbel. You travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, so the drive itself is part of the experience rather than a rushed transfer between stops.

Are meals included, and where do I eat?

Lunch is included on both days at local restaurants in Aswan, so you don't need to budget separately for meals or spend time finding places to eat during the tour.