Abu Simbel Temples tour from Aswan: Private Egyptologist guide

Travel 280 kilometers to colossal rock temples carved by Ramses II, guided by an Egyptologist through both sanctuaries.

A private full-day tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel Temples, led by a qualified Egyptologist guide with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport. The tour covers the two main temples (the massive Abu Simbel built by Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Nefertari) both relocated to the west banks of Lake Nasser as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Nubian Monuments. Entrance fees are an optional add-on at checkout. Hotels west of Aswan incur a 10 USD per-person surcharge for pickup or drop-off.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Abu Simbel Temples8h
2. Aswan Marketpass by

Visit Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

• Depart Aswan to Abu Simbel
• Visit Abu Simbel Temple
• Visit Temple of Nefertari
• Transfer back to hotel or Nile Cruise

The experience

Abu Simbel Temples sit 280 kilometers south of Aswan on the banks of Lake Nasser, and reaching them means a full day of travel. Your guide (a qualified Egyptologist fluent in your chosen language) meets you at your hotel or Nile cruise ship in Aswan and travels with you in an air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey. The drive itself is part of the experience: you cross the Nubian landscape to arrive at the two temples that were relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam.

At Abu Simbel, you explore the main temple carved by Ramses II directly out of the sandstone cliff, its façade dominated by four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself. Inside, the guide walks you through the chambers and explains the carved scenes and hieroglyphics that tell the story of Ramses' reign and his relationship with the gods. Nearby stands the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and built by Ramses for his wife: a more intimate space with its own carved reliefs and religious significance. The guide provides context for both sanctuaries, connecting what you see to the lives and beliefs of ancient Egypt.

The return journey to Aswan is a comfortable transfer back to your hotel or cruise ship. Water is provided throughout the day, and all transport, guide services, taxes, fuel surcharge, parking and landing fees are included in the booking. Children from age 4 are welcome on the tour.

What’s included

• All transfers by modern air-conditioned vehicle.
• return transportation from and to your hotel or Nile cruise ship.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide in your choice of English or Arabic.
• a bottle of water for each participant.
• all service charges, taxes, fuel surcharge, parking and landing fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 10:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 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 yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Egypt Best Holidays

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English or Arabic, so choose the language that lets you follow the Egyptologist's commentary comfortably throughout the day. The private format means the pace and depth of explanation adjust to your interests, and children from age 4 travel with the group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they 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 much time do I spend traveling?

Abu Simbel Temples are 280 kilometers south of Aswan. The full tour runs 9 to 10 hours, with the drive taking up a significant portion of that time. The guide accompanies you for the entire journey in an air-conditioned vehicle.

What will I see inside the Abu Simbel temples?

The main temple of Ramses II features four colossal seated statues of the pharaoh on its façade and chambers inside carved with scenes and hieroglyphics depicting his reign and religious beliefs. The Temple of Nefertari, nearby, is smaller and dedicated to the goddess Hathor, with its own carved reliefs and chambers to explore.

What happens if my hotel is in a different part of Aswan?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most central Aswan locations. If your hotel is west of Aswan or in Gharb Sohile, an additional 10 USD per person applies for pickup or drop-off.

Do I need to buy entrance tickets separately?

Entrance fees to the temples are optional and can be added at checkout. They are not included in the base tour price.