Abu Simbel Temples tour from Aswan: Private guide and vehicle

Two temples carved into sandstone cliffs over 3,000 years ago, reached by private coach from your hotel.

A private tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel Temples by air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off, admission fees, and a qualified Egyptologist guide in English. The tour spans eight hours and centers on the Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, both cut from sandstone cliffs more than 3,000 years ago and relocated during the construction of the High Dam on Lake Nasser. All transport and entry are arranged. You bring a copy of your passport.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

• Travel by deluxe coach from Aswan
• Tour Temple of Ramses II
• Visit temple of Hathor dedicated to Nefertari
• Explore rock-hewn sandstone temples

The experience

How do you get to Abu Simbel without renting a car or joining a group? The coach picks you up at your hotel in Aswan and drives you south along Lake Nasser to the temples, roughly 180 kilometers away. The air-conditioned vehicle means the journey itself stays comfortable, and your guide, a qualified Egyptologist, travels with you, so the drive becomes part of the tour rather than dead time.

The two temples are the centerpiece. The Great Temple of Ramses II dominates the site with four colossal rock-hewn pharaohs carved into the cliff face. The smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Ramses' wife Nefertari, sits nearby. Both were cut from solid sandstone more than 3,000 years ago. In the 1960s, when the High Dam threatened to flood the valley, both temples were dismantled and moved to higher ground. A feat of engineering that is itself part of the story your guide will walk you through. You have time to explore the interiors, see the hieroglyphics and statuary, and understand why these rank among Egypt's most impressive monuments.

The full day, eight hours from pickup to return, gives you the drive time, the site itself, and a buffer so you're not rushed. Admission is included, so there's no separate ticket line. Bring water and sun protection. The temples sit in open desert. A copy of your passport is required at booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan.
• transport by air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to both temples.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide who speaks English.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 03:30 and 04:00

Book up to7h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Deluxe Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in Aswan without a rental car: the pickup from your hotel and the private coach mean you don't arrange transport separately, and the guide's knowledge turns the long drive into part of the experience rather than a gap in your day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

What exactly is inside the Temple of Ramses II?

The Temple of Ramses II contains carved chambers and passages leading into the cliff, decorated with hieroglyphics and statues of the pharaoh and gods. The interior is lit naturally by sunlight that penetrates deep into the rock, and your guide will explain the religious and historical significance of each chamber as you move through.

How long is the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel?

The drive is roughly three hours each way along Lake Nasser. You'll travel by air-conditioned coach, so the journey is comfortable, and your Egyptologist guide travels with you to provide context about the landscape and the temples' history during the ride.

Is there time to explore both temples, or just the big one?

You visit both temples. The Great Temple of Ramses II is the larger and more famous site, but the Temple of Hathor is smaller and can be explored in less time. The eight-hour tour includes time at both, though your guide will spend more time at the Great Temple since it's more extensive.

What do I need to bring or prepare before booking?

You'll need a copy of your passport at the time of booking. Bring sun protection, water, and comfortable walking shoes. The temples are in open desert with little shade. The coach is air-conditioned, but the site itself is exposed.