Overview

Abu Simbel Day Trip – Temples of Ramesses II & Nefertari Private from Aswan

This abu simbel day trip takes you from Aswan to the most dramatic ancient temples in Egypt — the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari, carved from the living sandstone cliffs above Lake Nasser in the 13th century BC. Saved from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam in one of history’s greatest engineering rescues, Abu Simbel is unlike any other place on earth. This private excursion is guided by a licensed Egyptologist who will bring the colossal facades and interior chambers to life.

Abu Simbel Day Trip — Getting There

Abu Simbel is 280 km south of Aswan. We offer two transport options for your abu simbel day trip:

• By Air (recommended): 45-minute EgyptAir flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel Airport, with immediate site access. Flights depart at approximately 7:30am. Total excursion time: 5-6 hours.
• By Road: 3.5-hour drive along the Lake Nasser desert highway, departing at 3:30am to arrive at sunrise. Dramatic desert and lake scenery throughout. Total excursion time: 11-12 hours.

Abu Simbel Day Trip — The Great Temple of Ramesses II

Four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II — each 20 metres tall — guard the entrance to this rock-cut temple, built to project pharaonic power south toward Nubia and north toward Egypt. Inside, eight more Ramesses statues line the hypostyle hall, and walls covered in battle reliefs record the famous Battle of Kadesh (1274 BC) in extraordinary detail. The innermost sanctuary holds statues of Ramesses II flanked by three gods — designed so that twice a year (21 February and 21 October) the rising sun illuminates all four figures simultaneously. Your guide explains the astronomical alignment, the UNESCO rescue operation, and the full history of this extraordinary abu simbel day trip destination.

Abu Simbel Day Trip — Temple of Queen Nefertari

Standing beside the Great Temple, the smaller Temple of Nefertari is dedicated to Ramesses’ chief wife and the goddess Hathor. It is the only Egyptian temple ever built by a pharaoh to honour his queen as a deity — a gesture of extraordinary devotion. The interior paintings are among the most vivid and well-preserved in all of Egypt, and the facade statues (alternating Ramesses and Nefertari figures) are uniquely graceful. No abu simbel day trip is complete without spending time inside both temples.

What’s Included

• Private licensed Egyptologist guide
• Round-trip flight Aswan–Abu Simbel–Aswan (flight option) or private vehicle (road option)
• All entrance fees: Great Temple and Temple of Nefertari
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan
• Bottled water throughout

What’s Not Included

• Lunch (no restaurants at the site — we provide a packed lunch on request)
• Personal spending and gratuities

Practical Information

The abu simbel day trip by flight departs Aswan at approximately 6:30am and returns by 1:00pm. The road option departs at 3:30am and returns by 3:00pm. Available daily. Best season: October through April — summer temperatures at Abu Simbel can exceed 45°C. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.

Why Book With Elias Tours Egypt

Elias Tours Egypt is a professional licensed tour operator. Our abu simbel day trip is completely private — your guide, your schedule. Explore our Egypt Tour Packages, browse Egypt Activities, read about Egyptian Culture, or contact us via our contact page. More at Egyptian Tourism Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions — Abu Simbel Day Trip

How long is the abu simbel day trip from Aswan?

By flight: 5-6 hours total (45 min flight each way + 2 hours at the temples). By road: 11-12 hours total (3.5 hr drive each way + 2 hours at the temples).

Which is better — flight or road for the abu simbel day trip?

The flight is faster and more comfortable. The road trip is an adventure — the pre-dawn desert convoy is atmospheric and the sunrise arrival is magical. Both options give you the same 2 hours at the temples.

Can I visit Abu Simbel from Cairo?

Yes, with a connecting flight via Aswan or Luxor. Contact us for a Cairo–Abu Simbel itinerary. Most visitors combine Abu Simbel with a Nile cruise or multi-day tour.

What are the sun alignment dates at Abu Simbel?

The solar alignment illuminates the inner sanctuary on 21 February (Ramesses II’s coronation) and 21 October (his birthday). These dates draw large crowds — book well in advance for the abu simbel day trip on those days.