Abu Simbel Temples Private Tour from Aswan: Ramses II & Nefertari

Two temples carved into a mountain, one private coach, three hours through the Nubian desert.

A private guided tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel Temples explores two ancient sanctuaries carved into sandstone at the edge of Lake Nasser. A qualified Egyptologist guide leads you through the temples of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari while a climate-controlled vehicle handles the journey across the Nubian desert. Snacks, water and all entry fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

• Travel from Aswan by air-conditioned vehicle
• Enjoy views of the Nubian desert
• Explore Abu Simbel Temples with Egyptologist guide
• See temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari
• Return to Aswan

The experience

Abu Simbel sits three hours south of Aswan, and the only practical way to reach it is by private coach across open desert. This tour handles that journey in an air-conditioned vehicle, so the drive itself becomes part of the day rather than an ordeal. You leave Aswan in the morning, cross the Nubian landscape, and arrive at Lake Nasser's edge where the temples rise from the cliff face. The two structures (one built by Ramses II for himself as a god, the other for his wife Nefertari) were relocated by UNESCO during the construction of the Aswan High Dam, a feat of engineering that preserved them from flooding.

A qualified Egyptologist guide walks you through both temples, explaining the carvings, the hieroglyphics and the history that brought them here. The artwork on the walls brings the ancient world into focus: colossal statues guard the entrances, and the interiors hold reliefs and inscriptions that span centuries of Egyptian power. You spend time at each temple, moving at a pace that lets you absorb the scale and detail. Snacks and bottled water are provided during the tour, and the air-conditioned coach waits for the return journey.

The full day (roughly eight to nine hours from pickup to drop-off) is yours alone. No shared groups, no fixed schedule beyond the morning departure. A qualified guide fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language (your choice at booking) travels with you the entire time, answering questions and tailoring the pace to what interests you most.

What’s included

• All entry fees to Abu Simbel Temples.
• private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day.
• pickup and drop-off from your Aswan location.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide fluent in your choice of language.
• snacks and bottled water throughout the tour.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Entrance fees, tour guide and carGuide in 6 languages · 05:00 and 07:00Pickup is included

Private tourGuide in 6 languages · 04:30, 05:00 and 07:00Private guided tour: this includes a private car, a guide and entrance fees, and pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 04:30, 05:00 and 07:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 8 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

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

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 16 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Flyby Retreats

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see both temples without the logistics of arranging your own transport or guide across the desert. The private format means you set the pace and spend as long as you want at each site, and the Egyptologist guide tailors the history to what you actually want to know, not a scripted speech for a group.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

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

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 8 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

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, and how long does the drive take?

Abu Simbel lies about 280 kilometers south of Aswan, a three-hour journey by private coach across the Nubian desert to reach the temples on Lake Nasser's shore.

What are the two temples at Abu Simbel, and who were they built for?

The larger temple was built by Ramses II for himself as a god. The smaller one was dedicated to his wife Nefertari, whom ancient texts describe as the most beautiful woman of her time. Both were carved directly into the sandstone mountain.

Why were the Abu Simbel Temples moved, and when did that happen?

UNESCO relocated both temples in the 1960s to save them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the creation of Lake Nasser. The temples were cut into blocks, moved to higher ground, and reassembled in their current position.

What's included in this tour, and what do I need to bring?

Entry fees, transport, a qualified Egyptologist guide, snacks and bottled water are all included. Bring sunscreen, a hat and comfortable walking shoes. The desert sun is intense and the temples involve some walking on uneven ground.