Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan: Two ancient temples

Two colossal temples carved into the desert, nine hours from your Aswan hotel

This day trip from Aswan takes you by air-conditioned coach to Abu Simbel, where two ancient temples stand as masterpieces of New Kingdom Egypt. Hotel pickup begins at 4 am, and an English-speaking guide leads the small group through the Temple of Ramesses II (dedicated to four universal gods and to the pharaoh himself), and the Temple of Nefertari, built for the queen and the goddess Hathor. Both temples were relocated by UNESCO and the Egyptian government to save them from flooding. The tour runs nine to eleven hours and includes the vehicle, fuel and parking. Entrance fees are paid separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Abu Simbel Excursion from Aswan

• Pick up from hotel in Aswan
• Travel by air-conditioned coach to Abu Simbel
• Visit the Temples of Ramsses II and Nefertari
• Return to hotel in Aswan

The experience

Pickup from your Aswan hotel starts between 4 and 4:30 am, and the modern air-conditioned coach carries a small group south toward Abu Simbel. The drive itself is the day's frame: a long stretch of desert that makes the temples' isolation part of what they are. Your English-speaking guide travels with you, so the journey and the site itself are narrated as one experience rather than a stop you navigate alone.

The Temple of Ramesses II dominates the site: four colossal seated figures of the pharaoh guard the entrance, and inside, the temple opens to chambers dedicated to Ptah, Re-Her-Akhtey, Amun-Re and Ramesses II himself. The smaller Temple of Nefertari sits nearby, built for the queen and the goddess Hathor, and the two temples work together symbolically: Ramesses II, Nefertari, Hathor and the sun god unified in stone. Both were carved into the mountainside and then, in the 1960s, cut apart and reassembled higher up the cliff to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. That rescue is part of their story now.

The return journey to Aswan follows the same route, with the coach dropping you back at your hotel. Entrance fees to the temples are not included in the tour price and are paid on arrival. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children, and the tour suits all fitness levels, though the early departure and the length of the day are worth planning around.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned coach with fuel and parking included.
• English-speaking guide throughout the day.
• hotel pickup and return to your Aswan accommodation.
• specialized infant seats available upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 04:00

AgesAdult (26 to 35 years) · Senior (60 to 85 years) · Youth (18 to 25 years) · Child (2 to 6 years) · Infant (1 year)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 14.77

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by GuideLouxor

Is this one for you?The early 4 am departure is what makes a full day at both temples possible without rushing: the long drive and the site itself fit into a single excursion, so you see Ramesses II's colossal temple and Nefertari's smaller shrine without splitting the visit across two days or hiring a private car.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (18 to 25 years); Child (2 to 6 years); Infant (1 year).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Abu Simbel day trip pick me up from my Aswan hotel?

Hotel pickup runs between 4 am and 4:30 am, so you'll need to be ready early. The coach is modern and air-conditioned for the long drive south.

Are entrance fees to the Abu Simbel temples included in the tour price?

Entrance fees are not included and are paid separately at the temples. The tour price covers the air-conditioned vehicle, fuel and parking.

What is the Temple of Ramesses II dedicated to?

The Temple of Ramesses II was built to honor four universal gods (Ptah, Re-Her-Akhtey and Amun-Re) as well as Ramesses II himself. The colossal figures at the entrance represent the pharaoh.

Why were the Abu Simbel temples moved?

The Egyptian government and UNESCO relocated both temples in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the rise of Lake Nasser. They were cut into blocks, moved higher up the cliff and reassembled.

Is there a guide on this tour, and what language does he speak?

Yes, an English-speaking guide travels with the small group throughout the day, narrating both the drive and the temples themselves.