Day Trip

Abu Simbel Tour from Luxor

Private transfer to Aswan and Abu Simbel — sunrise at the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, return to Luxor.

16 hoursAswan (from Luxor)4.8 (120 reviews)

Overview

Private transfer to Aswan and Abu Simbel — sunrise at the temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, return to Luxor.

Aswan is Egypt's most beautiful Nile city — a softer, slower river town where granite islands rise from the bluest stretch of the river and Nubian villages spill down the west bank in painted blocks of indigo and ochre.

From here you reach the rescued island temple of Philae, the colossal seated figures of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and the southern temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu. The city itself is a joy: feluccas at sunset, the old spice souk, the unfinished obelisk lying in its quarry.

Your private Egyptologist will guide you through it all with historical depth and warm local hospitality — Aswan, like nowhere else in Egypt, is best experienced gently.

Highlights

Private licensed Egyptologist guide
Hotel pick-up & drop-off included
Modern air-conditioned vehicle
All entrance fees & taxes included
Bottled water on board

Why you'll love this tour

Aswan's softer pace and Nubian hospitality make this many travellers' favourite Egyptian day.
100% private — your guide, your car, your pace, your interests.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you never have to worry about logistics.
Hand-picked licensed Egyptologists with years of experience and excellent English.
Free cancellation and 24/7 WhatsApp support before, during and after your visit.

Itinerary

1
Start
Hotel pick-up
Our representative meets you in your hotel lobby for a comfortable transfer.
2
Tour
Guided sightseeing
Full programme with your private Egyptologist guide and dedicated driver.
3
Lunch
Local restaurant
Set-menu lunch at a hand-picked restaurant (vegetarian options on request).
4
Return
Drop-off
Comfortable air-conditioned transfer back to your hotel.

Attractions you'll visit

A closer look at the highlights of this experience — what to see, why it matters and how long to expect at each stop.

Karnak Temple complex

The largest religious site ever built — 2,000 years of pharaohs added halls, obelisks and pylons. The Hypostyle Hall, with 134 sandstone columns up to 21 m tall, is one of humanity's great architectural achievements. Visit time: 1.5–2 hours.

Valley of the Kings

The royal burial ground of the New Kingdom (1539–1075 BC) — 63 known tombs cut into the limestone hills opposite Luxor, including Tutankhamun, Ramses VI and Seti I. Three tombs are included; Tutankhamun and Seti I are paid extras. Visit time: 2 hours.

Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari

The terraced mortuary temple of Egypt's most successful female pharaoh, rising in three colonnaded levels against the cliff face. Visit time: 45–60 minutes.

Luxor Temple

Built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, this riverside temple was the focus of the ancient Opet festival. Magical at sunset when the columns glow gold under floodlight. Visit time: 1 hour.

Temples of Abu Simbel

Ramses II's masterpiece — four 20-metre seated colossi carved into the cliff in 1,264 BC, twice each year illuminated through 60 metres of rock onto the sanctuary statues. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari. Visit time: 2 hours.

What's included

Private Egyptologist guide
Modern air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
All entrance fees
Bottled water

What's not included

Personal expenses
Tips (optional)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Tour information

Duration	16 hours
Departure city	Aswan (from Luxor)
Destination	Aswan (from Luxor)
Availability	Daily, year-round
Group size	Private tour (1–8 guests)
Languages	English, Bulgarian, Russian, German, Polish, Romanian
Cancellation policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts.

What to bring

Passport / ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun hat & sunscreen
Camera

Travel tips

Pack a light layer — desert mornings on the way to Abu Simbel can be cool, even in summer.
Bring small US dollars or euros for the Abu Simbel convoy and Nubian village tea stops.
Felucca rides are best in the late afternoon — softer light, cooler air and the best sunset.
If you suffer from motion sickness, take a tablet before long road transfers to Abu Simbel.

Good to know

Abu Simbel trips depart 04:00–05:00 in convoy; flight option avoids the early start.
Felucca rides depend on wind — your captain may switch routes for a better sail.

What to expect

Atmosphere

Soft, slow and breathtakingly photogenic — granite islands in the bluest stretch of the Nile, painted Nubian houses and unforgettable sunsets.

Activity level

Gentle pace. Short boat rides to Philae and the Nubian village; very limited walking otherwise.

Physical effort

Easy. The long road or flight transfer to Abu Simbel is the main consideration — flights make it accessible to all.

Best time to visit

November to March is most comfortable. Abu Simbel's bi-annual sun alignment (22 February & 22 October) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for serious history lovers.

Photo opportunities

Philae Temple reflected in the Nile from the approach boat.
Painted blue and yellow Nubian houses on the west bank.
Felucca sails against a golden Nile sunset.
Abu Simbel's four colossi at sunrise — the best light of the day.
Granite boulders of Elephantine Island from the Old Cataract terrace.

Suitability

Families	Excellent — gentle pace, boat rides and warm Nubian hospitality.
Children	Welcome from any age; the felucca and Nubian village are firm favourites.
Seniors	Very suitable — Aswan is Egypt's most relaxed major destination.
Limited mobility	Good. Philae has a few steps from the boat; otherwise easy access.