Private Day Trip to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan: Discover Ancient Sandstone Sanctuary
4.4
10 Ratings
Aswan
Embark on a private day trip from Aswan to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. Discover the ancient sandstone sanctuary, with its monumental statues and elaborate carvings. Hassle-free and inclusive of entrance fees and transport.
Duration:
9 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Aswan - Begin with pickup at your hotel or Nile cruise boat in Aswan, and then make the trip to Abu Simbel in a private Car (almost 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival your guide will show you the world renowned twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside in the 13th century BC, during the 19th Dynasty reign of the Pharaoh Ramesses II.
- Abu Simbel Temple Complex - The Great Temple at Abu Simbel is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt. The great temple of Amon Re and Ra-Harakhte where the four famous colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically over 20 meters high, staring out across the desert. Enjoy a fantastic lecture from your personal guide outside the temples, and then free time to look inside the temple interior, which sinks 200 feet (60 mt) into the mountain, with statues and carvings that depict Ramses II’s military victories and captives. On the back wall of the temple you will see the statues dedicated to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah, as well as to the deified Ramesses himself.
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Abu Simbel Temple Complex - Later on, walk to the small temple of Hathor dedicated to the cow-headed goddess of love, happiness, joy and music built in honor of Ramses favorite wife Queen Nefertari, Six massive standing statues front the temple each 10 meters high.
Between 1964 and 1968, the entire site was carefully cut into large blocks (up to 30 tons, averaging 20 tons), dismantled, lifted and reassembled in a new location 65 metres higher and 200 metres back from the river, in one of the greatest challenges of archaeological engineering in history. Some structures were even saved from under the waters of Lake Nasser.
After visiting the temple complex, make the return trip to Aswan, where this tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship.
What's Included
- Bottled water during the tours
- Qualified Egyptologist tour guide
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- Entry fees to Abu Simbel two temples
- Pick up services from your hotel in Aswan and return
- All service charges and taxes
What's Not Included
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees
- Gratuities
Additional Information
See the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel on a private day trip from Aswan. Explore ancient sanctuaries carved out of the sandstone mountainside, the UNESCO-listed Abu Simbel temples are among Nubia’s most spectacular, with monumental statues and elaborate carvings, but the sites are located far from the beaten path, near the Sudanese border. Visit Abu Simbel as a hassle-free day trip from Aswan, on a 9-hour private tour that includes entrance fees and transport by air-conditioned vehicle. Choose from several departure options at time of booking.
- Photocopy of all Travelers Passports Max. 48 hours before travel date
- Pick-up and drop-off hotel in Aswan: name and address
Location
Aswan
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.4
(10 Ratings)
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Anna_m
Apr 16, 2023
amazing ancient architecture - Our guide Hassim was friendly, knowledgeable, and obviously proud of his heritage. He made sure we weren’t pestered by vendors and that we got a good price when we did decide to buy things. We were free to marvel at the innovation and artistry of the ancient Egyptians, knowing we were in capable hands. We also appreciated the multiple water bottles they supplied.
Review provided by Viator
Landilo
Sep 12, 2019
Worth the trip - Nile Holiday Tour Company was dependable; our tour guide Mary was on time (3:00AM) to pick us up in our hotel; she was super nice - sharing her knowledge about the temple and its history, what the writings on the walls were about...really good! She was also kind enough to take awesome pictures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cristina
Sep 19, 2017
We loved Abu Simbel! We did not go... - <p>We loved Abu Simbel! We did not go as early as everybody suggested, instead left Aswan at 7AM, and when we got to Abu Simbel all other tourists were gone and we had the whole temple for ourselves!! It was amazing!! The people very friendly, including our guide Hati.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Aras_d
Apr 1, 2024
We liked it but we wish we could learn more from our guide. - Ahmet was a good and reliable driver and Mostapha a good guide but we wish we had spent more time talking to him. For organisational reasons guides are not allowed in the temple so you only get the guide's explanations for about 10-15 mind before you enter.
Review provided by Viator
Joseph
Mar 17, 2018
My wife and I took Abu Simbel tour... - <p>My wife and I took Abu Simbel tour in March 2018. Guide agreed to meet us airport at convenient time. They also returned us to Aswan hotel after the tour. Everything went off without a problem. Guide was very knowledgeable about history and made us feel welcome. Abu Simbel temple is decent ride south of Aswan but well worth it. I would highly recommend.</p>
Review provided by Viator
Berit_g
Dec 28, 2020
Enough to book a driver - Tour was okay. Guide spoke German very well and explanations were interesting.
However, I think next time I would just book a driver. It feels weird to have a guide in the car for 6 hours and only have explanations for 15 minutes before the temple since they are not allowed inside.
Abu Simbel is worth it but not as guided tour.
Review provided by Viator
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