Tombs of the Nobles and St Simeon Monastery TourAswan's West Bank
Cross to Aswan's west bank for the hilltop tombs of the ancient governors and a desert monastery reached by camel.
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Your party
- Private, 2-8 guests
- Starts
- Your hotel in Aswan
The Tombs of the Nobles and St Simeon Monastery tour explores Aswan's west bank, a side of the city most visitors only see from the water.
A private boat crosses the Nile to the hill of Qubbet el-Hawa. Here the governors of ancient Aswan, who led expeditions deep into Africa, cut their tombs into the rock high above the river. Your Egyptologist shows you the tombs of Sarenput II and Harkhuf, with paintings and inscriptions that record their journeys, and the view from the top over the islands is one of the finest in Egypt.
From the riverbank, you ride a camel or walk across the sand to the Monastery of St Simeon, one of the largest Coptic monasteries in Egypt, founded around the 7th century. Its fortified walls, church and monks' cells stand silent in the desert.
Tombs of the Nobles & the Monastery of St Simeon
Your Egyptologist meets you at your hotel and walks you to a private boat on the Corniche. Cross to the west bank and climb the steps to the Tombs of the Nobles at Qubbet el-Hawa to visit the rock tombs of Aswan's ancient governors. Continue by camel or on foot across the sand to the Monastery of St Simeon and explore its church, cells and walls. Sail back to the east bank and return to your hotel.
- 1
Tombs of the Nobles
Rock tombs of Aswan's ancient governors, high above the Nile.
- 2
Monastery of St Simeon
A fortified Coptic monastery in the desert, reached by camel or on foot.
Included
- Private hotel pickup and return in Aswan
- Private boat to the west bank and back
- Camel ride to the Monastery of St Simeon
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to the sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water
- All taxes and service charges
Not included
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
Before you go
How fit do we need to be for the Tombs of the Nobles and St Simeon Monastery tour?
The tombs are reached by a steep stairway up the hill, and the monastery by camel or a walk on sand. It suits travellers with good mobility.
Is the camel ride required?
No. You can walk to the monastery, or the visit can be arranged by boat and a short walk.
When is the best time to go?
Early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the midday heat on the hillside.
