Abu Simbel temples from Aswan: Full-day guided tour

See Ramses II's sun temple and Nefertari's shrine in a single morning on the banks of Lake Nasser.

A full-day guided tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel by air-conditioned coach, visiting the two rock-carved temples on the banks of Lake Nasser. The tour covers the great sun temple of Ramses II, built to commemorate his victory at the Kadesh battle, and the temple of Queen Nefertari, Ramses II's favored wife. Hotel pickup and return, an English-speaking guide, and all transfers are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

• Pick up from hotel in Aswan
• Travel by air-conditioned bus to Abu Simbel
• Visit Ramses II Sun Temple
• Visit Queen Nefertari Temple
• Return to hotel in Aswan

The experience

The tour departs early from your Aswan hotel by air-conditioned coach and heads toward Abu Simbel, arriving at the two temples that sit on the banks of Lake Nasser. Both were relocated in 1960 by the Egyptian government and UNESCO to protect them from the rising water of the Nile after the Aswan High Dam was built. The temples had been buried under sand for nearly 150 years before their rediscovery in 1813.

Ramses II's sun temple dominates the site, carved directly into the rock face with four colossal statues of the pharaoh guarding the entrance. Inside, a mural depicts his famous victory at the Kadesh battle, where his army defeated enemy forces. The temple was built primarily as a monument to Ramses II himself. To the north stands the smaller temple of Queen Nefertari, also built by Ramses II for his favorite wife among his many consorts. Your English-speaking guide leads you through both temples, explaining the history and significance of the carvings and inscriptions. After the visit, you're escorted back to your hotel in Aswan.

Bottled water is provided on board the coach throughout the day. The tour suits all fitness levels, though the temples involve walking and standing on uneven ground.

What’s included

• An English-speaking tour guide for the entire group.
• bottled water provided on board the coach.
• hotel pickup in Aswan and return transport.
• all transfers by modern air-conditioned bus.
• all service charges and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guided tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan lasting the full dayGuide in English or Arabic · 05:00pickup is included

The Magic of Abu Simbel Sun RaGuide in English or Arabic · Available from 22 Feb 2027pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 9h, runs every day at 05:00, from US$ 98 per person, with a live guide in English and Arabic, in groups of up to 15 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 152 private ›

Live guideEnglish and ArabicOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Sun Pyramids Tours

Is this one for you?The early morning departure gets you to the temples while the light is still fresh, and the 9-hour round trip fits inside a single day without rushing the visit or cutting short the time at each temple.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What are the two temples at Abu Simbel?

The sun temple of Ramses II and the temple of Queen Nefertari. Ramses II built the larger sun temple to honor himself and commemorate his military victory at Kadesh, while the Nefertari temple was built for his favored wife. Both are carved directly into the rock face and sit on the banks of Lake Nasser.

Why were the Abu Simbel temples moved?

The temples were relocated in 1960 by the Egyptian government and UNESCO to protect them from flooding caused by the rising water of the Nile after the Aswan High Dam was constructed. Before their rediscovery in 1813, they had been buried under sand for nearly 150 years.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour is a full-day trip lasting 9 hours, departing early in the morning from your hotel in Aswan and returning the same day.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and return in Aswan, all transfers by air-conditioned coach, an English-speaking guide for the group, bottled water on board, and all service charges and taxes are included.