Tour Facts
Discover the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel on a private day trip from Aswan. Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II and explore the temples built to honor Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.
- Tour Name
- Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour Type
- History
- Start Location
- Nile Cruise
- End Location
- Nile Cruise
- Main Attractions
- Abu Simbel Temples (opens in a new tab)
- Guide Type
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Accommodation Category
- See the accommodation details for each pricing option
- Price from
- 175 USD per person
Destinations
Package starting prices
- Essentials
- 175 USD per person
- Signature
- 220 USD per person
- Luxury
- 300 USD per person
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Nile Cruise
Nile Cruise
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
History
Private
Fully Guided
Best For
- Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
- History lovers & Archaeology enthusiasts
- Couples, Families & Photographers
- Visitors interested in Ramesses II
- Travelers interested in Queen Nefertari
- Travelers interested in Nubian and southern Egyptian history
Explore the Journey
Follow the Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan itinerary stop by stop
Itinerary stops
Tap a numbered pin to see each stop on the journey.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Align flights to your itinerary
Pick a start date and we'll place flight suggestions on the matching itinerary days.
Multi-city search from your itinerary
Set a tour start date above and we'll build the multi-city legs automatically.
Nefertari and Abu Simbel temples in One Day — Abu Simbel temple From Aswan
Tour OverviewEnjoy a private full-day road trip from Aswan to the Abu Simbel Temple Complex. Located close to Egypt's southern border, Abu Simbel is one of the most spectacular archaeological destinations in Egypt and a highlight for many travelers visiting Aswan. The excursion includes visits to both major temples: • The Great Temple of Ramesses II • The Temple of Queen Nefertari Your private Egyptologist will explain the history, mythology and architectural symbolism of the temples while you explore the monumental courtyards, halls and beautifully decorated chambers.Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Aswan • Destination: Abu Simbel • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Pickup: Aswan hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation • Meals: Optional • Return: Aswan • Suitable For: Couples, families, history lovers, photographers and archaeology enthusiastsDetailed ItineraryEarly Morning – Pickup in Aswan Your private driver and Egyptologist will meet you at your Aswan hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation. Depart Aswan in the early morning for the journey south toward Abu Simbel. The road takes you through the desert landscapes of southern Egypt, offering a fascinating contrast to the fertile Nile Valley around Aswan. During the journey, your guide can introduce you to the history of Nubia, the reign of Ramesses II and the remarkable story of Abu Simbel.Arrive at Abu Simbel After arriving at the Abu Simbel archaeological site, your Egyptologist will accompany you toward the monumental temples. The first sight is unforgettable: enormous statues carved directly into the mountainside. The Abu Simbel complex consists of two temples constructed during the reign of Ramesses II, one of ancient Egypt's most powerful and famous pharaohs.Great Temple of Ramesses II One of Ancient Egypt's Greatest Monuments Begin your visit at the magnificent Great Temple of Ramesses II. The temple was built to demonstrate the power of the pharaoh and to honor several important deities. Its enormous façade is dominated by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II. Each statue presents the pharaoh in a monumental form, emphasizing his power, authority and divine status.The Four Colossal Statues The four enormous statues of Ramesses II are among the most recognizable monuments in Egypt. The figures sit on thrones wearing the traditional royal crown. Smaller figures representing members of the royal family appear near the legs of the colossal statues. Your Egyptologist will explain the symbolism of the statues and how monumental architecture was used by Egyptian rulers to communicate political and religious authority.The Temple of Ramesses II Explore the Great Hypostyle Hall Enter the temple and discover the impressive interior. The Great Hypostyle Hall contains enormous statues of Ramesses II represented in an Osiride form. The walls are decorated with reliefs depicting military campaigns, religious ceremonies and royal offerings. One of the most famous subjects is the Battle of Kadesh, the major conflict between Ramesses II and the Hittites. Your guide will explain how Ramesses II presented the battle through monumental temple art and inscriptions.Battle of Kadesh Reliefs The Battle of Kadesh is one of the most famous military events associated with Ramesses II. The temple walls contain scenes showing the king in battle and celebrating his victory. Your Egyptologist will explain the historical background of the conflict and how Egyptian royal propaganda presented Ramesses II as a heroic warrior protected by the gods. The reliefs provide an extraordinary example of how ancient Egyptian rulers combined history, religion and royal ideology.The Inner Sanctuary Continue deeper into the temple toward the sanctuary. At the rear of the temple are statues representing major deities and the deified Ramesses II. The sanctuary is particularly famous for the temple's remarkable solar alignment. At certain times of the year, sunlight penetrates deep into the temple and illuminates several of the sanctuary's statues. Your guide will explain the astronomical and religious significance of this remarkable architectural design.The Solar Alignment of Abu Simbel Ancient Egyptian Architecture and Astronomy One of Abu Simbel's most fascinating features is the relationship between the temple's architecture and the movement of the sun. The temple was carefully oriented so that sunlight could penetrate deep into the sanctuary on specific days of the year. This demonstrates the sophisticated understanding of astronomy, architecture and religious symbolism possessed by ancient Egyptian builders. The phenomenon is closely associated with the pharaoh's royal and divine identity.Temple of Queen Nefertari The Small Temple of Hathor Continue to the second magnificent monument at Abu Simbel: the temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Although commonly called the "Small Temple," its architecture and decoration are anything but insignificant. The temple was dedicated to Nefertari, one of the most important queens of Ramesses II, and to Hathor, goddess of love, beauty, motherhood, music and joy.The Colossal Statues of Nefertari The façade of the temple contains six monumental figures. Four represent Ramesses II and two represent Queen Nefertari. One of the remarkable features of the façade is that the statues of Nefertari are represented at an impressive scale comparable to the statues of the king. Your Egyptologist will explain the significance of this unusual royal representation and the important status Nefertari held during the reign of Ramesses II.Inside Queen Nefertari's Temple Enter the temple and admire the beautifully decorated halls. The walls contain scenes showing Queen Nefertari before Hathor and other Egyptian deities. The temple's reliefs provide a fascinating insight into the religious role of royal women and the relationship between queens and goddesses in ancient Egyptian art.Queen Nefertari and Hathor Queen Nefertari was one of the most prominent queens of the New Kingdom. Her relationship with Hathor is central to the temple's religious symbolism. Hathor was associated with: • Love • Beauty • Music • Motherhood • Joy • Fertility • Protection • The afterlife The temple presents Nefertari in a sacred context that emphasizes her royal and religious status.The Incredible Relocation of Abu Simbel One of the Greatest Archaeological Rescue Projects Abu Simbel has another remarkable story beyond its ancient history. In the 20th century, the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the creation of Lake Nasser threatened to submerge the temples. An international campaign led under the auspices of UNESCO resulted in the temples being carefully dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground. The relocation preserved these extraordinary monuments for future generations. Your guide will explain how the temples were moved and why this project became one of the most famous archaeological preservation efforts in modern history.Why Abu Simbel Was MovedThe original temples were carved into a mountainside near the Nile. The construction of the High Dam created Lake Nasser, whose rising waters would have eventually covered the temples. To save the monuments, engineers and archaeologists carefully cut the temples into large blocks and reconstructed them at a higher location. Although the temples appear to be in their original setting, they are actually reconstructed within an artificial mountain.Abu Simbel and Modern EgyptThe rescue of Abu Simbel became an international symbol of the importance of protecting cultural heritage. It also demonstrated how international cooperation could preserve archaeological monuments threatened by modern development. The success of the project helped establish a lasting legacy for international cultural preservation.Optional Lunch After exploring the temples, enjoy an optional lunch before beginning the return journey to Aswan. Your guide can recommend a local restaurant according to your preferences. Vegetarian and other dietary options can be arranged upon request.Optional ServicesEnhance your Abu Simbel experience with: • Traditional Egyptian or Nubian lunch • Guide in another language • Private vehicle upgrade • Professional photography assistance • Additional Aswan sightseeing • Nubian Village visit • Philae Temple visit • Aswan High Dam visit • Unfinished Obelisk visitReturn to Aswan After completing your Abu Simbel sightseeing, meet your private driver and begin the journey back to Aswan. Relax in the air-conditioned vehicle while traveling through the desert landscape. Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be transferred back to your hotel, Nile cruise ship or selected accommodation.Abu Simbel Travel Experience The journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel is part of the experience. As you travel south, the scenery changes dramatically from the green Nile Valley around Aswan to the vast desert landscapes surrounding Lake Nasser. The journey also takes you into the historic Nubian region of southern Egypt. For many visitors, Abu Simbel becomes one of the defining experiences of their Egypt vacation.Suggested Tour ScheduleA typical schedule may look like: 4:30 AM to 8:00 AM, a three-hour drive to Abu Simbel, 04:00 – Pickup in Aswan 05:00 – Drive to Abu Simbel 08:30 – Guided visit at the temples 10:30 – Free time for photos 11:00 – Return to Aswan- Overnight:
- Your Nile Cruise
- Meals:
- Optional Lunch
- Visit:
- Nefertari, Ramses II temples
Arrival flight for Day 1
Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.
→ CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
Your Daily Details
Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.
Pricing
Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.
Essentials
$175 / per person
$115 per child
- Group departure
Signature
$220 / per person
$145 per child
- Small group (max 8)
Luxury
$300 / per person
$195 per child
- Private Guide & Driver
How much pay for Entrance Fees
Cost & Entrance Fees
- Abu SimbelEGP822US$16
Guest Brief
Important Entrance Fee Information
Prices and update date
Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.
Visitor categories
Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.
Student discounts
Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.
Optional tombs and attractions
Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.
What the fee covers
Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.
Payment and currency
Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.
USD conversions
Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.
Opening hours and access
Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.
Best Time to Visit
Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.
Aswan & Abu Simbel
Best: October to MarchTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Aswan & Abu Simbel | 30°C (86°F) | 0 |
Averages across the recommended months for each place.
Before You Travel to Egypt
A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.
Choose the season that suits you
October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.
Check entry rules before you fly
Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Carry Egyptian Pounds
Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.
Use sealed bottled water
Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.
Dress for heat and local customs
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.
Know when to bargain
Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.
Distances from Cairo
How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Aswan | 900 km / 559 mi |
Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.
Select a city
Aswan
900 km / 559 mi
About 11 h by road
~1 h 20 min flight
Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.
Visa Requirements for Egypt
Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.
No visa needed (7)
Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau
e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)
Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania
Special rules (1)
Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.
UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.
Israel
Embassy visa required (17)
Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.
Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.
Daily Budget
Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 EGP |
Tips for saving money
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
- Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
- Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
- Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
- Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.
Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.
Nights You Will Stay
Meals
Included
- Lunch: Optional as request
Why Choose This Tour?
Top Attractions
Find me in this tour
What's included & what's not
Tap an item to build your own package — remove what you don't need, add the extras you want, then send the summary with your inquiry.
Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
Abu Simbel by flight
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
How far is Abu Simbel from Aswan?+
How long does the Abu Simbel day trip take?+
Can I travel to Abu Simbel by private car?+
Are the Abu Simbel entrance tickets included?+
Can I visit Abu Simbel before or after my Nile cruise?+
Is Abu Simbel worth visiting?+
What does this Aswan to Abu Simbel private car tour include? +
What makes this different from other full-day tours from Aswan? +
Is this tour suitable for travelers who want a scenic road trip? +
How long is this tour and when does it start? +
What sites does this tour cover? +
Is transport and a guide included? +
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Book Now — Pay Now
Signature package
$220 / per person · $145 / Children Under 12
$220 per adult
Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.
Secure payment via PayPal
$220 / adults · $145 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
About this tour
Additional information
Confirmation
You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.
Documents
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.
Pick-up
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.
Group size
Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.
Accessibility
Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.
Children
Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.
Cancellation & refund policy
30 days or more before departure
100% refund
15 – 29 days before departure
50% refund
14 days or less before departure
No refund
- • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
- • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
- • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
- • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
- • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.
Travelled with us?
If you joined the Abu Simbel Private Tour from Aswan, tell future travellers what you loved: your guide, the sights, the hotels. It only takes 2 minutes and means a lot to our small team.
Reviewing: Abu Simbel Private Tour from AswanPlease mention this tour name in your Tripadvisor review.
Review us on Tripadvisor(opens in a new tab)
Not sure what to write? Try these:
- What was the highlight of your trip?
- How was your guide?
- Would you recommend this tour, and to whom (families, couples, first-timers)?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Egypt to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
7-Night Cairo & Nile Cruise Tour with Flights
Discover the highlights of Egypt on a private 7-night journey combining Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with domestic flights and a comfortable Nile cruise. Visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and magnificent ancient temples.
from
$1,225
USD per person sharing a double room
5-Day Cairo and Luxor Tour by Train and Flight
Discover the highlights of Cairo and Luxor on a private 5-day Egypt tour travelling by overnight sitting train from Cairo to Luxor and returning by domestic flight. See the Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings and Temple of Hatshepsut, with optional visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple.
from
$698
USD per person sharing a double room
8-Day Budget Egypt Tour: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Train
Experience Egypt on an affordable 8-day student-friendly adventure combining Cairo sightseeing, a Nile cruise and an overnight train journey. Visit the Pyramids, ancient temples and major attractions while keeping your Egypt trip budget-friendly.
from
$917
USD per person sharing a double room
