Private Aswan Tour: San Simon Monastery & Tombs of the Nobles

Summary

Visit Ancient Tombs and Monasteries on Aswan’s West Bank

You’ll cross the Nile by private boat with an expert guide, explore ancient tombs carved into rose-colored rock, ride camels through desert paths to a centuries-old monastery, and discover stories behind Aswan’s hidden sites—all in one morning.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide right at the hotel lobby, just after sunrise—he greeted us in French with a big smile and a quick rundown of what to expect. The Nile was calm that morning, only a few feluccas drifting by as we boarded our private motorboat. Crossing to the West Bank felt like slipping into another world; you could smell fresh bread baking from somewhere along the shore, and kids waved at us from the riverbank.

The Tombs of the Nobles sit high up on a rocky hill—42 tombs carved straight into the stone, some dating back to the Pharaonic era, others from when Greeks ruled here. We climbed a long staircase (felt every step!) but it’s worth it for those first glimpses inside. Our guide pointed out scenes painted on the walls—daily life, rituals, even faded colors that still look pinkish after all these centuries. We visited three tombs: Mekho and Sabini, Siranbout 1, and Siranbout 2. Each had its own story, which our guide explained with real passion.

Afterwards, camels were waiting for us—already saddled up by local Nubian handlers who joked about which camel was fastest. The ride to San Simon Monastery took maybe twenty minutes; you get this quiet stretch where all you hear is wind and the soft thud of hooves on sand. The monastery itself is mostly ruins now (built in the 5th century, abandoned in the 12th), but you can still see old arches and bits of faded fresco if you look close. There’s something peaceful about standing there with just the sound of birds echoing off stone walls.

We finished back at the river, hopped onto our boat again, and watched late-morning sun glint off the water as we headed back to town. If you’re up for some walking (and don’t mind a bit of dust), this tour really gets you close to Aswan’s quieter side—plus you learn things you’d never spot on your own.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Tombs and San Simon Monastery

• Visit Tombs of the Nobles (3 tombs)
• Ride camels to San Simon Monastery
• Return to hotel by boat

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for someone who isn’t very fit?

This experience involves climbing stairs and riding camels over uneven ground. It’s best if you’re comfortable with moderate activity.

Are tickets for all sites included?

Yes, entry tickets for all three tombs and San Simon Monastery are included in your tour price.

Will my guide speak French?

Your guide is fluent in French and specializes in Egyptology—they’ll make sure everything’s clear along the way.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour usually lasts around half a day—from early morning until just before lunch.

What’s included

You’ll have all site tickets covered, your own dromedary for getting from the tombs to San Simon Monastery, a private French-speaking Egyptologist as your guide, plus private motorboat transfers across the Nile. Everything’s arranged so you can just enjoy exploring.