Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan: Private tour with lunch

Lake Nasser rock-cut temples tour: explore 13th century BC monuments built by Ramesses II

A private day trip from Aswan to the Abu Simbel temples, 290 km south on Lake Nasser, with hotel or airport pickup, a local licensed guide in your chosen language, admission to both temples, lunch at a lakeside restaurant, and return drop-off. The full day takes 10 to 12 hours and includes all fees and taxes. The temples are UNESCO World Heritage sites relocated during the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Abu Simbel Temples and lunch

• Pick up from Aswan hotel or cruise
• Drive 290 km south to Abu Simbel
• Tour Abu Simbel Temples with local guide
• Drive 5 minutes to Kabara restaurant
• Lunch with lake view at Kabara
• Drive back to Aswan
• Drop off at chosen location in Aswan

The experience

Your hotel pickup in Aswan starts the drive south through the desert to Abu Simbel. The two temples (one built for Ramesses II and the other for his wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor) are carved directly out of the mountainside, their massive external rock relief figures still dominating the landscape after nearly 3,500 years. A local guide meets you at the site and walks you through both temples, explaining the history of their original construction in the 13th century BC and their relocation in the 1960s when the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge them.

After exploring the temples, you drive five minutes to Kabara restaurant on the lake for lunch with a view before heading back north to Aswan. Drop-off happens anywhere in the city you choose, ending a full day that covers the distance, the sites and the meal without you arranging transport or entry separately.

What’s included

• Hotel, airport, railway station or cruise ship pickup in Aswan.
• private air-conditioned vehicle for the round trip.
• local licensed guide in your chosen language.
• admission to both Abu Simbel temples.
• lunch at Kabara restaurant with lake views.
• all fees and taxes.
• drop-off anywhere in Aswan.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Egypt Knight

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Aswan for a full day and want a private vehicle and guide to handle the 230 km round trip to both temples, rather than navigating the distance and logistics on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

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.

How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?

Abu Simbel lies 290 km south of Aswan, about a three-hour drive each way by private air-conditioned vehicle.

What do the Abu Simbel temples commemorate?

The Great Temple was built to honor Pharaoh Ramesses II and his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. The Small Temple honors his wife Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, shown in smaller scale figures beside the king.

When were the temples moved and why?

The temples were relocated to higher ground in the 1960s during construction of the Aswan High Dam to prevent them from being submerged by Lake Nasser. The original temples were carved in the 13th century BC during Ramesses II's reign.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch is included at Kabara restaurant on the lake, with views of the water. All fees, taxes and admission to both temples are also included in the price.

Where does pickup happen and where do you end the day?

Pickup is from your hotel, airport, railway station or Nile cruise ship in Aswan. At the end of the tour, the driver drops you off anywhere in Aswan you choose.