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Abu Simbel Temples — Rates, Photos & Booking Help

A spectacular full-day trip to the majestic rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Marvel at the colossal statues of Ramses II and Nefertari overlooking Lake Nasser. 8 hours, from $145 per person.

8 Hours Private Tour Day Trip from Aswan ⭐ Architectural Marvel
This excursion requires an early morning departure from Aswan (usually between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM) to join the police convoy for the 3.5-hour drive through the desert to Abu Simbel. We highly recommend asking your hotel or cruise ship the night before to prepare a breakfast box for the journey. Bring your passport, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
⭐27+ years of Egypt expertise since 1998
💬24/7 support in 7 languages
💰Best price guarantee or your money back
🛡No booking fees — pay only on confirmation
🇪🇬Egypt-based tour operator with local crews

Abu Simbel Temples — Overview

Deep in the heart of Nubia, on the western bank of Lake Nasser, stands one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in all of ancient Egypt: the colossal rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Carved entirely out of a sandstone mountain during the reign of Ramses II in the 13th century BC, they stand as a lasting testament to the power of the pharaoh and his deep love for his chief wife, Queen Nefertari.

The Great Temple, guarded by four magnificent 20-meter seated statues of Ramses himself, was dedicated to the sun gods Amun-Re and Re-Horakhty. In an incredible feat of ancient engineering, the temple axis was aligned so that on just two days of the year—the pharaoh's birthday and coronation day—the rising sun pierces the sanctuary to illuminate the statues of the gods deep within.

Nearby stands the Small Temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari. Remarkably, the statues of the queen here are the same size as those of the pharaoh—a unique honor in Egyptian art. During the 1960s, a monumental UNESCO-led effort rescued both temples from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam, carefully moving them piece by piece to higher ground, preserving this ancient wonder for future generations.

Photos

The colossal seated statues of Ramses II at the Great Temple The facade of the Small Temple of Hathor and Nefertari The grand pillared hall inside the Great Temple of Abu Simbel Abu Simbel temples viewed from the shores of Lake Nasser

Rates

Solo Guest

1 guest

$195per person

2 to 6 Guests

per person

$145per person

7+ Guests

per person

$125per person

Children

👶
Free Infant

Infants up to 4 years old join free of charge.

🎓
50% Discount Per Child

Children from 4 to under 12 years old receive a 50% discount.

Best For

Lovers of monumental architecture, ancient history, and dramatic desert landscapes. Although it requires a long drive and an early start, Abu Simbel is widely considered one of the absolute must-see highlights of Egypt. It is perfect for travelers staying in Aswan or disembarking from a Nile cruise who want to witness the peak of Ramses II's building legacy.

What You’ll See

  • The awe-inspiring facade of the Great Temple, guarded by four 20-meter statues of Ramses II
  • The beautifully carved interior halls detailing the pharaohs military victories
  • The inner sanctuary where the famous solar alignment phenomenon occurs
  • The Small Temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor
  • Stunning views of the vast, tranquil waters of Lake Nasser

Tour Includes

  • Pick-up service from your hotel or cruise ship
  • Egyptology guide
  • Entrance fees to sightseeing as per the program
  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water during your trip
  • All taxes & service charge
  • Drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship

Tour Excludes

  • Tips
  • Meals and beverages
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Tour FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire trip takes about 8 to 9 hours. This includes roughly 3.5 hours of driving each way, and around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the temples.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, private pickup and drop-off from your Aswan hotel, guest house, or Nile cruise ship are fully included.
Why does it start so early?
The early departure (usually between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM) is necessary to travel safely with the daily organized convoy, to beat the midday desert heat, and to allow guests to return to Aswan in time for afternoon flights or cruise departures.
Are food and drinks included?
Bottled water is provided in the vehicle. We strongly advise asking your accommodation to prepare a breakfast box for the long drive.
Is the tour private?
Yes. You will have your own private air-conditioned vehicle, driver, and personal Egyptologist guide.
Can children join?
Yes, though parents should consider the very early start and long driving time for younger children. Infants up to 4 are free, and children from 4 to under 12 receive a 50% discount.
Please Note: Prices are calculated based on entrance fees, fuel price and local taxes as at June 30, 2020. Any increase in entrance fees, fuel price or local taxes will be reflected on any unpaid tour immediately. However, any pre-paid tour will not be affected by the change of rates. We highly recommend booking your tours in advance to be protected from price fluctuation.

Early Booking Benefits

💰 Payment & Deposit
  1. Deposit: only 20% deposit at the time of booking.
  2. Installments: 0% interest, equal monthly installments. The last installment is required 30 days before the tour date.
🛌️ Tour Privileges — all tours booked 6 months in advance get
  1. A private guide free of charge, without supplements.
  2. Your choice of guiding language: English, French, Italian, German or Spanish.
📅 Flexibility (Changes)
  1. Date change: free of charge, with respect to seasonality price, up to 7 days before the tour date.
  2. Tour swap: free of charge, with respect to the price difference between both tours, up to 7 days before the tour date.
  3. Name change: free of charge up to 7 days before the tour date.
📉 Price Fluctuation Protection
  1. Price increase guarantee: your price is protected against any future increase in tour rate, fuel price, government taxes or entrance fees.
  2. Price drop guarantee: you receive a refund of the difference if the price drops (same booking conditions).
🌍 National / Global Shutdown Protection

Examples: pandemic, airspace closure, or force-majeure events affecting all tours.

  1. Postpone travel date free of charge: move your travel to a later date, keeping the exact same booked plan, benefits and conditions.
  2. Full refund: receive a 100% refund.