Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan

Abu Simbel Tour by Flight from Aswan

Duration
Approx. 5-6 hours (incl. flights)
Route
Great Temple of Ramses II, Temple of Nefertari
Style
Private Tour (with domestic flights)
Schedule
Daily, subject to flight schedules

Overview

The Abu Simbel Tour by Flight from Aswan is the quickest and most comfortable way to reach Egypt’s most awe-inspiring monument. A short domestic flight replaces the long desert drive, so you arrive fresh and spend the cool morning hours among the temples.

Carved into a mountainside by Ramses II and rescued from the rising Nile in a famous 1960s engineering feat, the two temples of Abu Simbel are unmatched. The Great Temple is guarded by four seated colossi over 20 metres tall; beside it stands the smaller, elegant temple Ramses dedicated to his queen, Nefertari.

If you would prefer to travel overland and keep the cost lower, see our Abu Simbel Group Tour from Aswan by coach or the Abu Simbel Private Tour by road.

Highlights

The four 20-metre colossi of Ramses II
The graceful Temple of Nefertari and Hathor
The fastest, most comfortable way to reach Abu Simbel
Aerial views of Lake Nasser on the flight

Tour Itinerary

Your Day, Step by Step
Your Nile Empire representative collects you from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise dock very early and transfers you to Aswan Airport for the short domestic flight to Abu Simbel, barely 45 minutes over the desert and the vast expanse of Lake Nasser. On arrival you are met by your Egyptologist guide for the short ride to the temples. You stand before the Great Temple of Ramses II, its four colossal seated statues carved straight from the cliff, then step inside to the pillared hall lined with Osiris statues and the inner sanctuary, famously aligned so that twice a year the sunrise reaches the gods at the back. Next door, your guide shows you the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the queen and the goddess Hathor, its façade carved with statues of the royal couple at equal height, a rare honour for a queen. You also hear the extraordinary story of how UNESCO cut both temples into blocks and lifted them 65 metres to save them from Lake Nasser. After time to take in the monuments, you are transferred back to Abu Simbel airport for the return flight to Aswan and dropped at your hotel or dock by early afternoon.

Abu Simbel by Flight vs. by Road

FeatureBy Flight (this tour)By Road (coach / private car)
Total time~5-6 hrs, easy~10-12 hrs, early convoy start
Travel comfort45-min flight each way3-3.5 hr drive each way
PriceHigher (airfare included)Lower
Best forLimited time, comfort, cruise guestsBudget, those who enjoy the desert drive

What’s Included

Included

  • Round trip domestic flights Aswan-Abu Simbel-Aswan (economy)
  • Airport and temple transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Certified, English-speaking Egyptologist guide
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Aswan (hotel or cruise dock)
  • Bottled water on board the vehicle
  • All taxes and service charges

Not Included

  • Abu Simbel temples entrance ticket
  • Personal expenses and optional extras
  • Gratuities for the guide and driver
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the flight included in the price?
Yes, the quoted price includes the return economy domestic flight Aswan-Abu Simbel. Because seats and fares are set by the airline, the final price and availability are confirmed at the time of booking and can change with the flight schedule.
What happens if the flight is rescheduled?
Domestic flight times occasionally change. If that affects your tour we will rebook you on the nearest available flight or, where that is not possible, offer the road option or a full refund. We confirm the exact timing the day before.
How is this different from the road tour?
The flight tour reaches Abu Simbel in about 45 minutes each way instead of a 3-3.5 hour desert drive, so it is far quicker and more comfortable, but costs more because of the airfare. The temples you see are the same.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. The tour runs privately for your party only, with your own guide, driver and vehicle, so the pace and timing flex around you. Group or shared options can be arranged on request if you prefer a lower price point.
How do I book and pay?
Press Book Now and send your date and group size. We confirm availability and your final price within 24 hours. A deposit then secures your booking, and payment is made by secure payment link or bank transfer as advised by our team. The remaining balance and its schedule are set out in your booking confirmation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the tour and you receive a full refund. Inside 24 hours the deposit is retained to cover guide and transport arrangements already committed. If we cancel for weather or safety reasons, you are always refunded in full or rescheduled at no cost. Full terms are in our Cancellation Policy.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

You May Also Like

Ready to plan your Egypt journey?

Tell us your dates and interests. We’ll craft a private, tailor-made itinerary and reply within hours.

Egypt travel tips and our best deals, in your inbox.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

From
$350 /pp