Abu Simbel Day Trip from AswanThe Temples of Ramesses II by Private Car
A private day across the desert to Abu Simbel and the great temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari.
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Your party
- Private, 2-8 guests
- Starts
- Your hotel in Aswan
The Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan takes you across the Nubian desert to the most famous monument of Ramesses II.
Your private car leaves Aswan before dawn for the drive of about three and a half hours, often watching the sun rise over the desert. At Abu Simbel, four seated statues of Ramesses II, each about 20 metres tall, guard the entrance to the Great Temple. Inside, the halls lead to the sanctuary where, twice a year, the rising sun reaches the statues of the gods.
Beside it stands the Temple of Hathor, built for Queen Nefertari, one of the few temples where a queen is shown at the same size as the king. Your Egyptologist also explains how both temples were cut into blocks and moved up the cliff in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser.
Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan
Your Egyptologist collects you from your hotel in Aswan very early, with a breakfast box for the road. Drive about three and a half hours through the desert to Abu Simbel. Explore the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, and learn the story of their rescue by UNESCO. After free time by Lake Nasser, drive back to Aswan, arriving at your hotel in the early afternoon.
- 1
Abu Simbel Temples
The Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari.
Included
- Private hotel pickup and return in Aswan
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to the sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water on board
- All taxes and service charges
- Breakfast box for the journey
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks with meals
- Personal expenses
Before you go
How long is the drive on the Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan?
About three and a half hours each way, so departure is usually around 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning.
Can we fly instead?
Yes. We also offer Abu Simbel by flight from Aswan, about 45 minutes each way, where schedules allow.
When is the Sun Festival?
On 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun lights the statues in the sanctuary. These dates are very busy and need early planning.
