Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
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Overview
Aswan is a highly recommended excursion that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egypt, far in the south near the Sudanese border. This program is an early-morning start designed to manage the heat and the travel time efficiently.
The journey to Abu Simbel takes approximately three hours each way by road. The highlight of the tour is the visit to the two massive rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC.
• The Great Temple: Dedicated to Ramses II and four state gods, its façade is guarded by four colossal, 60-foot-tall seated statues of the pharaoh.
• The Small Temple: Dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Ramses' chief wife, Queen Nefertari, this temple features impressive statues of the queen and the goddess.
These temples were famously relocated as part of a major UNESCO campaign in the 1960s to save them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the High Dam.
- Hotel Pickup & Departure: Meet your guide and driver at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise ship. You will travel in a shared, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Journey to Abu Simbel: The drive to Abu Simbel takes around 3 hours across the Nubian Desert. Enjoy the unique desert sunrise views and use the time to rest or listen to your guide share the history and architectural significance of the temples.
- Explore Abu Simbel Temples: Upon arrival, you'll have about 2–3 hours to explore the two temples with your guide and on your own. Admire the intricate carvings, the sheer scale of the statues, and the engineering marvel of their relocation.
- Depart Abu Simbel: Regroup with your driver and fellow travelers at the designated meeting point for the return journey
- Return to Aswan: Relax on the 3-hour drive back to Aswan.
- Hotel Drop-off: Arrive back in Aswan and get dropped off at your hotel or Nile cruise, concluding the tour.
Important Information
- Early Start: The 4:00 AM departure is standard to avoid the intense midday heat and align with general tour schedules.
- What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Passport Information: Require a copy of your passport details in advance to obtain necessary permissions from the tourist police for the journey.
Sun Festival: Twice a year, around February 22 and October 22, the sun's rays align to illuminate the inner sanctuary of the main temple, a famous astronomical phenomenon that can be witnessed by booking a specific tour for those dates.