Aswan & Abu Simbel: Nubia's Ancient Temples
Philae Temple, the High Dam, and the colossal statues of Abu Simbel.
Temple walking on uneven ground, a step down into a felucca, and an early start for the Abu Simbel road convoy.
About this tour
Aswan is Egypt at its most Nubian — a slower, greener city built around the Nile's First Cataract. Two days cover Philae Temple, the High Dam, and a felucca ride around Elephantine Island, followed by an early-morning drive south to Abu Simbel, where Ramesses II's colossal facade still faces the sunrise.
Highlights
- ✦Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis
- ✦Aswan High Dam & the Unfinished Obelisk
- ✦Felucca sail around Elephantine Island
- ✦Abu Simbel's Great and Small Temples
Itinerary
- 1
Aswan
Philae Temple, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and a late-afternoon felucca sail on the Nile.
- 2
Abu Simbel
An early departure (roughly 4:30–5:00am) for the three-hour drive south, arriving at Abu Simbel's temples before the midday heat and the tour-bus crowds.
Where You’ll Go
The main stops, in the order you'll visit them.
Included
- ✓Hotel pickup and return
- ✓Private air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Private English-speaking Egyptologist
- ✓Entrance fees
- ✓Lunch both days
- ✓Bottled water
Not Included
- ✕Egypt visa
- ✕Hotels
- ✕Flights
- ✕Tips
- ✕Personal spending
Before You Book
The things travelers ask us most about this tour.
Yes — entrance fees for the sites on this itinerary are in the price, so there is nothing to buy at the gate. What you would still pay for separately are your Egypt visa, hotels, flights, tips and personal spending.
Yes. Hotel pickup and return is included — we collect you from your hotel or Cairo address and bring you back at the end, so you are not arranging taxis around the day. Tell us where you are staying when you book; if you have not chosen a hotel yet, you can send it on later.
Private. It runs for your group alone — private air-conditioned vehicle and private English-speaking Egyptologist — so the pace is yours and nobody waits on a coach filling up. We do not merge bookings into larger groups.
Prefer to join a small group? See Weekly Trips →A fair amount, but nothing strenuous. Temple walking on uneven ground, a step down into a felucca, and an early start for the Abu Simbel road convoy. If someone in your group has limited mobility, tell us before you book — we can usually adjust the route or the pace rather than have you find out on the day.
It runs 2 days across a single base — Aswan and Abu Simbel. The day-by-day breakdown is on this page, and start times flex around your flights and how early you like to begin.
Yes — every tour here is a starting point rather than a fixed package. Swap a site, add an experience or a photoshoot, change the pace, or extend it by a day and we will rebuild the schedule around you.
Customize this tour →What travellers said
Reviews of Egypt Eye from travellers who did something similar.
“The Pyramid and Sphinx tour with our photographer absolutely incredible from start to finish. Our photographer provided deep and engaging insights about the Pyramids, temples, and Sphinx throughout the tour, bringing ancient history to life with passion and clarity. He went above and beyond—not just as a guide, but even helping us negotiate with local vendors, which made the experience even more enjoyable and stress-free. The itinerary was…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Rohan
1 Day Giza Tour
“The all inclusive Pyramids and Sphinx experience with our guide (and Ru) was exceptional! Communication about pick up and itinerary of activities were clear and timely. Also, entrance to the sites was very easy and efficient. No hassle or waiting in long lines! Ru was an exceptional guide! She’s very knowledgeable and speaks excellent English, which made the exchange of information very fluid and easy. I learned SO much! Additionally, they were…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Bernard
1 Day Giza Tour
“This tour exceeded all my expectations and provided a truly exceptional experience. On the day I originally booked, I wasn’t feeling well, but the team was incredibly understanding and accommodated me by rescheduling for the following day. Their flexibility and kindness set the tone for the rest of the experience. The private nature of the tour made it even more enjoyable, as everything was tailored to my pace and preferences. My guide, our…”Read the full review on Airbnb
Thien
1 Day Giza Tour
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