Full-Day Bus Excursion to Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel temple
From
$110
Per Person
  • Duration 1 days
  • Tour Type Private tour
  • Country Egypt
  • Runs daily
  • Group Size private

Tour Details

Aswan to Abu Simbel Private Day Tour | Ramses II & Nefertari Temples

  • Abu Simbel is best experienced in a single, well-timed day from Aswan, and this private tour is built around getting you there before the heat sets in. You'll travel the roughly 3.5-hour route south to Lake Nasser in an air-conditioned vehicle, dedicated to your group only, with a licensed Egyptologist guide who explains the temples in context rather than reciting dates.
  • At the site, you'll spend time at two of ancient Egypt's most striking monuments: the Great Temple of Ramses II, its facade carved directly into the mountainside, and the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to his queen. Both were relocated block by block in the 1960s, part of a UNESCO-led rescue operation that saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was built  a story your guide will walk you through on-site, not just in passing.
  • This is a full-day round trip: early pickup from your Aswan hotel, the drive south, guided time at the temples, and the return journey, with entrance fees and transport included. Because the vehicle and guide are yours alone, timing at the site can flex around your pace rather than a group schedule.

Itinerary

Day1

Abu Simbel Day Tour: Pickup, Temple Visit, and Return to Aswan

  • Your Egyptologist guide meets you in your Aswan hotel lobby in the early morning, before the day's heat sets in. From there, you'll travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle south along Lake Nasser, a drive of roughly three and a half hours each way.
  • On arrival, you'll spend two to three hours exploring the Abu Simbel temples with your guide. The Great Temple of Ramses II dominates the site, its facade cut directly into the mountainside and fronted by four colossal statues of the king. Beside it stands the smaller Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and built in honor of Ramses II's queen. Your guide explains how both temples were moved block by block in the 1960s, part of a UNESCO-led operation that saved them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was completed.
  • After your visit, you'll have time to take photographs before beginning the return drive to Aswan, arriving back at your hotel in the late afternoon or early evening depending on your pickup time.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Inclusions
  • Private pickup and drop-off from your hotel or residence anywhere in Aswan — no meeting points, no waiting for other passengers
  • Private, air-conditioned modern vehicle for the full round trip — the car is yours alone, not shared with other travelers
  • A licensed, experienced Egyptologist guide with you throughout the day, dedicated to your group only
  • Entrance tickets to the Abu Simbel temples, arranged in advance so you're not queuing on arrival
  • Bottled mineral water on board for the journey
  • All taxes and service charges included in your quoted price — no surprises at checkout
Exclusions
  • Tipping/gratuities (customary in Egypt, left to your discretion)
  • Any service or item not listed in this tour's itinerary
  • Prices may vary during peak holiday periods (Christmas, New Year, Easter) — confirm current pricing before booking

Notes

Pickup Timing: Pickup is scheduled early in the morning to reach Abu Simbel before peak heat. Your exact pickup time will be confirmed the day before the tour based on your hotel location in Aswan.

Itinerary Flexibility: The route and schedule may adjust slightly due to weather, security checkpoint procedures on the Aswan–Abu Simbel road, or local conditions. Any changes are made with your comfort and safety as the priority.

Duration and Pacing: This is a full-day round trip with roughly 7 hours of total driving time and around 2–3 hours at the temples themselves. It suits travelers comfortable with a long day on the road; if you'd prefer a shorter alternative, ask us about flight options between Aswan and Abu Simbel.

Walking and Accessibility: Inside the temples, expect some uneven stone flooring and a few steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Let us know in advance if mobility is a concern so we can plan accordingly.

Sun and Heat: Temperatures at Abu Simbel can be significantly higher than in Aswan itself. Sun protection, a hat, and water are strongly recommended, especially outside the winter months.

Price per person

tour.price_subtitle

From $110
Group Size Price
Single $250
2-3 Person $160
4-6 Person $130
7-10 Person $110

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My fiancé and I booked a private 5-day tour of Egypt with Aten Tours, covering Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Luxor. From the moment we arrived, everything was perfectly organized. The team took care of every detail, making our trip completely stress-free. Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egypt's history, and every destination exceeded our expectations. Even after returning home, we still find ourselves talking about this unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Aten Tours to anyone looking for a well-planned and memorable trip to Egypt.

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Nicholas July 2026

Our family booked a tour with Aten Tour after reading several positive reviews, and they definitely lived up to our expectations. Communication before the trip was quick and helpful, and everything during the tour was exactly as described. The hotels were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the guides made every stop interesting with their stories and local knowledge. Egypt had always been a dream destination for us, and this trip made it even more memorable.

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Emma June 2026

All FAQ about Egypt

All FAQ about Egypt

The Abu Simbel temples were relocated in the 1960s in a UNESCO-led rescue operation, cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher elevation to save them from being submerged by Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The relocation preserved both the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari intact.

Yes, entrance tickets to the Abu Simbel temples are included in the tour price, along with hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan, private air-conditioned transport, a licensed Egyptologist guide, and bottled water. Tipping and personal expenses are not included.

Twice a year, on February 21 and October 22, sunlight aligns through the entrance of the Great Temple of Ramses II and illuminates the inner sanctuary statues for about 12 minutes. This alignment is believed to mark Ramses II's coronation and birth dates. Outside these two dates, the inner sanctuary remains in shadow, so visitors on other days won't see this effect.

Yes — Abu Simbel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of ancient Egypt's most significant monuments, featuring the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari. Despite the long drive, most visitors consider the temples' scale, preservation, and history worth the full-day commitment, especially with a private, air-conditioned vehicle and dedicated guide.

The drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel takes approximately 3.5 hours each way, covering around 280 km south along Lake Nasser. Most private day tours depart early in the morning, before sunrise, to reach the temples before the midday heat and to allow enough time at the site before the return drive to Aswan.

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