Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan
Embark on a journey to the edge of the ancient Egyptian frontier with our exclusive Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan. Witness the colossal grandeur of King Ramses II and his beloved Queen Nefertari, immortalized in stone for over 3,000 years. Many travelers consider this the highlight of their southern journey, often visiting it right after disembarking from a Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise. Saved from the rising waters of the Nile by a massive UNESCO rescue mission, the Abu Simbel temples stand today as a testament to both ancient engineering and modern international cooperation.
Tour Snapshot
| Duration | Approx. 8-9 Hours |
|---|---|
| Type | Private Day Trip |
| Key Attractions | Great Temple of Ramses II, Temple of Nefertari |
| Availability | Daily |
Itinerary:
Your adventure begins in the early morning, around 04:00 AM, to make the most of the day. A Nile Empire representative will pick you up from your accommodation. If you have just arrived in the city and need arrangements before the tour, we can also assist with smooth Aswan Airport Transfers. As we drive south through the Sahara Desert towards the Sudanese border, you can watch the sunrise over the golden sands.
Upon arrival, your Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan officially starts. You will stand before the awe-inspiring Great Temple of Ramses II, guarded by four massive seated statues.
Next lies the Temple of Queen Nefertari, built by Ramses II for his favorite wife. The Nubian influence here is strong, and if this culture fascinates you, we highly recommend adding a Nubian Villages Tour in Aswan to your itinerary for the following day.
After exploring these wonders, you will be driven back to Aswan in comfort. If you have time in the afternoon, you can continue exploring the city’s landmarks with an Aswan Day Tour to Philae Temple & High Dam.
Stand before the giants of history! Book your Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan today.
Experience Highlights: The King vs. The Queen
| Feature | Great Temple (Ramses II) | Small Temple (Nefertari) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Dedication | Ramses II & Solar Gods (Amun, Ra) | Queen Nefertari & Goddess Hathor |
| Key Feature | 4 Colossal Seated Statues | 6 Standing Statues (King & Queen) |
| Solar Event | Sun Alignment (Feb 22 & Oct 22) | No Solar Alignment |
Inclusions & Exclusions
| ✅ Included | ❌ Excluded |
|---|---|
| All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle. | Any Optional Tours not mentioned. |
| Pick up services from your hotel & return. | Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites. |
| Private Egyptologist guide. | Visa to Egypt. |
| Bottled water during your trip. | Tipping. |
| All taxes & service charges. |
The Miracle of Relocation
While the ancient architecture of Abu Simbel is breathtaking, the modern story of its survival is equally miraculous. In the 1960s, the construction of the High Dam threatened to submerge these temples forever under Lake Nasser. In a race against time, an international team led by UNESCO cut the temples into over 1,000 massive blocks, weighing up to 30 tons each. They were dismantled, lifted 60 meters up the cliff, and reassembled with such precision that the sun still penetrates the inner sanctuary on the specific days Ramses intended. Visiting Abu Simbel is witnessing two miracles: one ancient, one modern.
For those continuing their journey north towards Luxor, the perfect next step is our Day Trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu, visiting the unique double temple.
Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan
How long does the drive to Abu Simbel take?
The drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel typically takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way (approximately 280 km). We use modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicles to ensure the journey is relaxing.
Is it safe to travel to Abu Simbel?
Yes, it is very safe. The road to Abu Simbel is a well-paved highway used daily by hundreds of tourists. There are security checkpoints along the way to ensure traveler safety.
Why does the tour start so early (4:00 AM)?
We start early for two reasons: to avoid the peak heat of the midday sun in the desert, and to ensure you arrive at the temples before the largest crowds, allowing for better photography opportunities.
How much are the entrance fees to the sightseeing listed in the itinerary ?
Entrance fees in Egypt generally range from EGP 200 to EGP 1500 (4 USD to 30 USD), depending on the site, and all major attractions accept credit card payments or online booking.
You can learn more details by reading the following article: Egypt Attractions Entrance Fees Guide.
Can I fly to Abu Simbel instead of driving?
Yes, flights are available from Aswan to Abu Simbel. If you prefer to fly to save travel time, we can arrange a tour that meets you at Abu Simbel airport. Please contact us for a customized quote.
What is the Sun Festival at Abu Simbel?
Twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd, the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate the statues of Ramses II, Ra, and Amun in the inner sanctuary, leaving the god of darkness, Ptah, in shadow. It is a phenomenal event that attracts visitors from around the world.
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IncludedAll transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.Pick up services from your hotel in Aswan & returnPrivate Egyptologist guide.Breakfast will be served in a box.Bottled water during your trip.All taxes & service charge.
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Not IncludedAny Optional Tours not mentionedEntrance fees to all the mentioned sitesTippingVisa to Egypt
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Maps
