Luxor Tours & Experiences
Abu Simbel Tour from Luxor
Journey deep into southern Egypt to stand before Ramesses II’s masterpiece — the colossal rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, carved from a mountainside over 3,000 years ago and rescued from the rising Nile in one of history’s greatest engineering feats. This private day trip departs Luxor early in a comfortable air-conditioned van with a professional driver, returning the same evening. A licensed guide can be added on request.
Tour highlights
- The Great Temple of Ramesses II
- The Temple of Nefertari
- Lake Nasser views
- Private modern air-conditioned van & professional driver
- Hotel pickup & same-day return to Luxor
- Optional Egyptologist guide (extra)
Ramesses II at the edge of Egypt
Abu Simbel stands on the shore of Lake Nasser, close to the Sudanese border. Four seated colossi of Ramesses II, each about 20 metres tall, guard the Great Temple, cut straight into the sandstone cliff in the thirteenth century BC. Beside it, the smaller temple honours Queen Nefertari and Hathor, and the queen’s statues stand as tall as the king’s.
In the 1960s the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam threatened both temples. A UNESCO campaign cut them into more than a thousand blocks and rebuilt them about 65 metres higher. Twice a year, around 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun still reaches the inner sanctuary and lights three of its four seated gods; Ptah, god of the underworld, stays in shadow.
How the day flows
- Very early pickup in Luxor for the long drive south.
- The road passes Aswan, then crosses the Nubian desert to Lake Nasser.
- Time inside both temples and on the lakeshore.
- The drive back to Luxor the same evening.
Good to know
- Desert mornings can be cool in winter; bring a light layer for the early start.
- Both temples share one site and are visited together.
- Prefer a shorter day south? The Aswan & Philae tour covers Edfu, the High Dam and the island Temple of Isis.
Abu Simbel Tour from Luxor
Full day (long drive each way) · private pickup from your villa or hotel.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive to Abu Simbel?
It’s a long day — roughly 8 hours of driving each way from Luxor, with the return to Luxor the same evening. The van is modern and air-conditioned for comfort.
Is a guide included?
The standard tour includes a private air-conditioned van and professional driver. A licensed Egyptologist guide can be arranged for an additional cost.
Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance tickets are extra and paid at the site. We’ll advise on current prices when you book.
Can I see the Abu Simbel sun festival on this tour?
The sun reaches the sanctuary at sunrise around 22 February and 22 October, and those mornings draw large crowds. Message us before booking either date so we can talk through timing.
Is the Temple of Nefertari included?
Yes. The Great Temple and the Temple of Nefertari stand side by side and are visited together. Entrance tickets are paid at the site.
