The private Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan travels south through the Nubian desert to the temples near Lake Nasser. It is a dedicated long excursion, so reserve enough time rather than treating it as a quick extra between other Aswan activities.
Two temples to explore
The Great Temple of Ramses II is known for the four colossal figures on its façade and its decorated chambers and reliefs. The nearby temple associated with Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor offers a second perspective on royal and religious imagery. The tour description also introduces the relocation campaign that protected the monuments from rising water after construction of the Aswan High Dam.
An early start from Aswan
The route is listed as approximately nine to ten hours. Its sample schedule begins with hotel or Nile cruise pickup at 05:00, arrival at Abu Simbel around 08:00 and return to Aswan around 15:00, with lunch included in the day. Confirm exact timings and where lunch takes place for your departure. Keep onward flights, trains and cruise movements clear of uncertain return margins.
Read the inclusions carefully
The published list includes private round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel or cruise transfers, admission to the temple complex, lunch, bottled water, taxes and service charges. The description refers to an Egyptologist guide, but a guide is not separately named in the inclusion list. Ask the team to confirm guiding arrangements and language in the final quotation.
Special dates and additional spending
Samaria’s current page states that an additional entrance surcharge on 22 February and 22 October is excluded from the standard price. Request the applicable admission total if you are considering either date. Lunch drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, optional activities and unlisted services are also excluded. Confirm any identification details required before departure.
Build the rest of your Aswan visit
Use a separate day or suitable time slot for Philae and Nubian cultural experiences rather than overloading this road journey. Our Aswan travel guide helps compare those options. If you are joining a cruise, review the four-day Nile cruise guide and agree the Abu Simbel excursion around the actual sailing schedule.
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Planning information checked against Samaria Travel’s tour catalogue on 18 October 2026. Dates, inclusions, prices and operating arrangements can change. Check the linked tour page and confirm your selected booking details before payment.