Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan by Airplane

Guides cannot enter the temples, so you explore the interiors alone after learning their history outside.

A 4-hour private guided tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel by airplane, with a qualified Egyptologist who meets you at the airport and walks you to the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari. Your guide explains the site's history, including how the entire cliff face was relocated by UNESCO and how the temples were discovered in 1813, then you enter and walk through the temple interiors on your own. The temples have survived largely intact, with astounding interior artworks still visible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private guided tour to Abu Simbel temples

• Fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel
• Meet Egyptologist guide at airport
• Walk to Ramses II and Nefertari temples
• Listen to guide's history explanation
• View photos and illustrations inside temples
• Explore temples at leisure

The experience

The flight from Aswan takes around 30 minutes, and your Egyptologist guide meets you at Abu Simbel airport to begin the tour. On the short walk to the temple entrances, the guide explains the history of the site, including details of the UNESCO-led relocation of the entire cliff face to higher ground and the accidental discovery in 1813. This context shapes how you read the temples when you step inside.

Guides are not permitted inside either the Great Temple of Ramses II or the smaller Temple of Hathor, so your guide uses photos and illustrations to explain the structures and their interior artworks before you enter. You then have free time to explore both temples at your own pace. As one of the few ancient Egyptian sites that largely escaped damage by past invaders, the interiors of Abu Simbel's temples are astounding: the carvings, reliefs and statuary remain in remarkable condition.

An air-conditioned vehicle is included for the trip, along with entrance fees and all taxes. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and two additional languages, and hotel pickup from Aswan is included in the booking.

What’s included

• An air-conditioned vehicle during the trip.
• entrance fees to Abu Simbel temples.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide.
• all fees and taxes.
• hotel pickup from Aswan.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00, 07:00, 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to4h before

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

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 44 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Roxana Travel

Is this one for you?This private tour suits travelers who want a Egyptologist's context before exploring the temples independently, and who prefer flying over the longer overland journey from Aswan. The 4-hour timeframe keeps the entire excursion inside a single morning or afternoon.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

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

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How do I get from Aswan to Abu Simbel on this tour?

You fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel, a journey of around 30 minutes. Your guide meets you at the airport and accompanies you to the temples.

What is the Great Temple of Ramses II like inside?

The Great Temple contains carvings, reliefs and statuary that have survived largely intact over the centuries. Your guide explains the interior artworks using photos and illustrations before you enter, then you explore the temple on your own to see them firsthand.

Why were the Abu Simbel temples relocated?

The entire cliff face was relocated to higher ground by UNESCO to protect the temples from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Your guide explains this history and how the temples were discovered by accident in 1813.

Can I enter both temples on this tour?

Yes, you have free time to enter and explore both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor at your own pace after your guide's explanation outside.