Aswan, Abu Simbel & Luxor Guided Tour with Train

Summary

3-Day Egypt Journey: Temples, Tombs & Nile Stories

Experience Egypt’s ancient wonders from Aswan to Luxor with a local guide by your side. You’ll visit Abu Simbel at sunrise, cruise by motorboat to Philae Temple, explore hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and wander through Karnak’s endless columns — all with easy transfers and hotel pickup included. It’s a journey full of moments you’ll replay long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up right at our little hotel in Aswan — I was still half-asleep and clutching my coffee when our guide, Ahmed, greeted us with this huge grin. First stop: the High Dam. I’d seen photos but standing on top of it, feeling that hot wind off Lake Nasser and hearing Ahmed explain how it changed everything for Egypt… it’s different in person. There’s something about the scale of it — and the silence up there, except for the hum of distant machinery and a couple of birds wheeling overhead.

The Unfinished Obelisk was next. Honestly, I didn’t expect to care much about a chunk of granite but seeing those ancient tool marks up close made me weirdly emotional. Ahmed ran his hand along the cracks and told us how they realized it would break — centuries ago — so they just left it. He laughed when I tried to say “obelisk” in Arabic (I definitely butchered it). Then we took a motorboat out to Philae Temple. The ride itself was peaceful — just water slapping against the hull and flashes of green reeds along the banks. The temple sits on its own island, all pale stone and shadows; you can almost smell incense if you close your eyes.

The next morning was an early one — like “why am I awake?” early — but worth it for Abu Simbel. The drive is long (bring snacks), but watching the sun come up over the desert is something else. When we finally stood in front of those massive statues of Ramses II, I felt tiny in the best way. Our guide pointed out details on the walls inside; I kept thinking about how these carvings have survived thousands of years while outside, everything shifts with the sand. Afterward we headed back to Aswan for a quick bite before catching our first-class train to Luxor (the seats are comfy enough for a nap if you’re wiped out).

Luxor felt different right away — busier somehow, more voices in the air. We started at the Valley of the Kings; walking into those tombs is like stepping into another world (and honestly, cooler inside than outside). The colors on some walls are still bright after all this time. At Hatshepsut’s temple, our guide told us stories about her rule; I kept picturing her walking those same steps in sandals ages ago. Karnak Temple was sprawling and full of columns that seem to go on forever — my neck hurt from looking up so much. By sunset at Luxor Temple, everything glowed gold and pink and people were just sitting quietly or taking photos together.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aswan Guided Day Tour

• Pickup from hotel or station
• Visit High Dam of Aswan
• See Unfinished Obelisk
• Tour Philae Temple by motorboat
• Drop off at hotel

Day 2 — Abu Simbel & Train to Luxor

• Visit Abu Simbel Temples
• Transfer to Aswan train station and train to Luxor
• Arrival and transfer to Luxor hotel

Day 3 — Luxor East and West Banks Tour

• Visit Valley of the Kings
• Tour Temple of Hatshepsut
• Stop at Colossi of Memnon
• Explore Karnak Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Transfer to hotel or departure point

Top questions

How do I get from Aswan to Luxor on this tour?

You’ll travel by first-class train from Aswan to Luxor as part of your guided tour package.

Is hotel pickup included for tours in Aswan?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or arrival point in Aswan is included at the start of your trip.

Do I need to buy tickets for Abu Simbel separately?

No—your guide will help arrange entry tickets at each site; admission fees are paid directly in Egyptian pounds.

Are meals provided during this 3-day tour?

No meals are included but there are breaks for food; bring snacks especially for early starts like Abu Simbel.

Can this itinerary run from Luxor to Aswan instead?

Yes—the same sightseeing is available starting from Luxor if you prefer that direction.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most fitness levels.

What should I bring for visiting temples around Aswan and Luxor?

You’ll need your passport and sunglasses; comfortable shoes are also recommended due to uneven ground.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel or station pickup and drop-off in both Aswan and Luxor, guided tours led by an expert Egyptologist at every major site including Abu Simbel and Philae Temple, private air-conditioned transport throughout each day, plus your first-class train ticket between cities—all arranged so you can just focus on exploring without worrying about logistics.