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PRIVATE DAY TOUR · ASWAN TO ABU SIMBEL
Stand before the colossal statues of Ramses II on a private, guided day trip from Aswan
A tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel brings you face to face with two remarkable monuments: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the neighboring Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari. Our private Abu Simbel tour by road combines both temples in a return journey from Aswan, with an English-speaking Egyptologist, air-conditioned transportation and admission included.
With Egypt Luxury Trips, your day begins at your Aswan hotel, Nile cruise or another confirmed meeting point. You travel south through the desert toward Lake Nasser, explore the temple complex and return to Aswan after your visit.
Allow approximately nine hours for the complete experience. The drive takes around three hours each way, making this a substantial day trip with the temples as its clear focus. Planning more time in Aswan? Browse our Aswan day tours to add Philae Temple, the High Dam or a Nubian village visit to your stay.
Your Abu Simbel Day Trip at a Glance
≈ 9 hours
Total tour duration
≈ 3 hours
Drive each way
Private
Air-conditioned vehicle
Included
Abu Simbel admission
- Route: Aswan → Abu Simbel → Aswan
- Tour format: Private guided road excursion
- Total duration: Approximately nine hours
- Driving time: Approximately three hours each way
- Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide: Professional English-speaking Egyptologist
- Main visits: Great Temple of Ramses II; Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari
- Admission: Abu Simbel admission included
- Pickup and return: Aswan hotel, Nile cruise or confirmed meeting point
- Meals: Not included
- Price: Available on request
These details apply to our Abu Simbel private tour by road. To discuss the excursion for your travel dates, use the enquiry form at the end of this page or visit the tour page.
What You Will See at Abu Simbel
The Great Temple of Ramses II
The Great Temple provides the first major focus of your visit. Four colossal seated statues of Ramses II dominate its façade, creating an introduction to the royal imagery you will encounter throughout the monument.
Beyond the exterior, the itinerary includes the temple’s halls and sanctuary spaces, with attention to its battle scenes, ritual reliefs and representations of the king. Your Egyptologist explains how these features relate to Ramses II’s royal authority, religious role and presence in Nubia.
The visit gives you time to look beyond the scale of the façade and consider the details carved within the temple. Its solar alignment is also among the subjects covered during the experience.
The Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari
The neighboring temple offers a different perspective on the complex. Dedicated to Hathor and Queen Nefertari, it forms the second principal visit on your Abu Simbel temple tour.
One notable feature is the representation of Ramses II and Nefertari at equal height on the façade. Your guide introduces the temple’s dedication, the queen’s connection with the monument and the role of Hathor.
You have time to examine the exterior and interior details, allowing both temples to form part of your understanding of Abu Simbel.
The Temples’ Relocation Story
The excursion also covers the modern rescue of the monuments. During the 1960s, the temples were dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground to protect them from the rising waters associated with Lake Nasser.
Learning about this relocation adds another dimension to the visit. Alongside the ancient carvings and architecture, you discover the preservation effort behind the setting you see today.
Your Private Tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel: The Itinerary
1. Pickup in Aswan
Your day starts with private pickup from your Aswan hotel, Nile cruise or an agreed meeting point. You meet your Egyptologist and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
The journey south takes approximately three hours. Along the route, your guide introduces Abu Simbel, the temples you will visit and their relationship with the surrounding landscape.
We plan an early departure with the aim of reaching the site before the main group buses arriving from Aswan. Your exact pickup time is confirmed when you enquire; arrival ahead of other visitors is an aim rather than a guarantee.
2. Arrive Beside Lake Nasser
On arrival, take time to appreciate the temple complex and its lakeside setting. The approach provides an opportunity to photograph the monumental façade before continuing with the visit.
Your Egyptologist introduces the historical context, helping you connect the architecture and carved imagery with the story of the site.
3. Explore Both Temples
The visit includes the Great Temple of Ramses II followed by the Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari.
Across the two monuments, the itinerary covers royal statues, battle scenes, religious reliefs and sanctuary spaces. The experience also includes an explanation of the temples’ relocation, with time for questions and photographs before departure.
4. Return to Aswan
After completing the visit, you return to your private vehicle for the drive back to Aswan.
The excursion ends with drop-off at your hotel, Nile cruise or another confirmed point. Both the outward and return road journeys are part of the approximately nine-hour tour duration.
Abu Simbel in Pictures
A few views of the temples you visit on this private day trip, from the colossal façade statues to the lakeside setting.
What Is Included in the Tour?
The arrangements bring together the main elements of your Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan.
Included
- Pickup and return in Aswan
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Abu Simbel admission
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist
- Bottled water
- Taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tipping
Admission is included, while meals are not. Keeping this distinction clear helps you understand the quoted package before confirming your plans. Any additional services should be discussed with our team in advance.
Is This the Right Excursion for Your Aswan Stay?
This itinerary suits travelers looking for a private road journey focused on Abu Simbel’s two principal temples. Your transportation is private, and the same English-speaking Egyptologist accompanies the experience.
The main planning consideration is the driving time. Around three hours in each direction makes the road journey a significant part of the day. If you would prefer to explore flight options, our Abu Simbel by plane from Aswan tour is the alternative to discuss with our team; flights are not included in this road package.
The excursion also accommodates pickup from a Nile cruise in Aswan. When enquiring, identify your pickup point so the arrangements can be confirmed for your journey.
Planning tip: compare formats before you decide. Read our guide to the Abu Simbel private day trip from Aswan or see how the return journey works on our Abu Simbel to Aswan private road tour.
Abu Simbel Tour Price and Enquiries
The price for this private Abu Simbel excursion is available on request, so that we can confirm the arrangements for your party and travel date.
When you contact Egypt Luxury Trips, include your intended travel date, number of travelers and preferred pickup location. Mention any additional requirements you would like us to discuss.
This allows you to request the price and confirm the arrangements for your party before proceeding. Meals, optional activities, personal expenses and tipping remain separate from the listed inclusions.
Combine Abu Simbel with More of Aswan and the Nile
Abu Simbel fills a full day, so many travelers pair it with a shorter Aswan experience or a longer Nile journey. Explore our wider selection of private tours in Egypt or day trips.
Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk
Explore some of Aswan’s best-known sights on a private guided day tour.
Nubian Village Motorboat Tour
Discover Nubian culture and the Nile scenery of Aswan by private motorboat.
3 Night Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
Continue your journey north on a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
What Travelers Say About Egypt Luxury Trips
Read recent traveler reviews from TripAdvisor before you plan your Abu Simbel day trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel take?
This private road tour lasts approximately nine hours. Driving takes around three hours each way, with the remaining time allocated to the temple visit and associated arrangements.
Can I visit Abu Simbel on a day trip from Aswan?
Yes. This itinerary starts and finishes in Aswan on the same day, with return transportation included. See the Abu Simbel private tour by road for the full tour details.
Is this a private or shared tour?
It is a private tour with private air-conditioned transportation. The itinerary is not structured around joining a shared excursion group.
Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes. Pickup and return are included for your Aswan hotel, Nile cruise or another confirmed meeting point.
Is an Egyptologist included?
Yes. A professional English-speaking Egyptologist accompanies the experience and explains the temples and their relocation story.
Are Abu Simbel entrance tickets included?
Yes. Abu Simbel admission is included, alongside transportation, guiding, bottled water, taxes and service charges.
Which temples will I visit?
You visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the neighboring Temple of Hathor and Queen Nefertari.
Are meals included?
No. Meals are excluded. Bottled water is included.
Can I take this tour from a Nile cruise?
Yes. A Nile cruise in Aswan is a listed pickup and return option. Confirm your pickup details with the team when enquiring, and see our Nile cruises from Luxor and Aswan if you are still planning your trip.
What time does the tour leave Aswan?
The itinerary uses an early departure strategy, but it does not publish a fixed pickup time. Your exact departure is confirmed for your travel date.
Can I travel to Abu Simbel by plane instead?
Flights are not included in this road package. If you would rather fly, see our Abu Simbel by plane from Aswan tour.
Does this itinerary include Philae Temple or the High Dam?
Neither appears in the listed itinerary. This excursion focuses on the two Abu Simbel temples and the return road journey from Aswan. To add them to your stay, explore our Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk tour.
Enquire About Your Abu Simbel Visit
Our private tour brings the road transfers, temple admission and Egyptologist guiding into one arranged day from Aswan.
Fill out the enquiry form below to request pricing, confirm the available details and discuss your journey with the Egypt Luxury Trips team. You can also reach us through our contact page.
