Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus from Aswan
Aswan, Egypt
- 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
See two of Egypt’s greatest ancient spectacles on this private Abu Simbel day trip by minibus from Aswan. With a private Egyptologist guide, drive to western Lake Nasser, and behold the colossal, rock statues of Ramses II of the two iconic lakeside temples. Learn their history, and go inside to see their towering statues, pillars and murals. If time allows before your return to Aswan, check out the visitor center that charts how both the temples were relocated here, piece by piece, in 1968 to save them from flooding.
- Private minibus tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel
- Visit Abu Simbel's Great Temple of Ramses II and smaller Temple of Hathor, Egypt's most-visited sites after the Great Pyramids
- Free time to tour inside both temples
- Enjoy privileged, personalized attention from your expert Egyptologist guide on this special private tour
- Pick-up and drop-off from Aswan hotels and port
What's Included
- Experience a Private and an expert Qualified Egyptologist guide.
- Private transportation by air-conditioned minivans ; pick up from hotel and drop off.
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Itinerary
Choose your preferred departure time on booking, and depart your Aswan hotel or Aswan port by air-conditioned minibus.
As you travel, listen as your private guide shares interesting facts about Abu Simbel’s two temples: the Grand Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor, both built in the 13th century BC, and now set on the banks of Lake Nasser. Hear about the UNESCO project that saw them both relocated here in 1968, a move prompted by the building of the Aswan High Dam.
After roughly three hours, arrive at the lakeside and take in the jaw-dropping temples, both fronted by vast rock relief figures of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. Take snaps and then enjoy free time to explore the interiors. Due to the high number of visitors, guides are not permitted to accompany you. However, your guide will talk you through the interiors before you enter, so you can fully understand the treasures inside.
Step inside the Great Temple, and ogle the painted battle scenes and gigantic sculptures of Ramses that line the halls. Then, go inside the Temple of Hathor to see the murals and pillars engraved with images of the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, Ramses II’s favored wife.
Afterward, and if time permits, call at the nearby visitor center that documents the temples’ relocation. Learn how these giant structures were dismantled and then reassembled piece by piece: an incredible feat of engineering that has protected them from flooding.
Finally, drive back to Aswan where your trip ends with a hotel or port drop-off.
As you travel, listen as your private guide shares interesting facts about Abu Simbel’s two temples: the Grand Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor, both built in the 13th century BC, and now set on the banks of Lake Nasser. Hear about the UNESCO project that saw them both relocated here in 1968, a move prompted by the building of the Aswan High Dam.
After roughly three hours, arrive at the lakeside and take in the jaw-dropping temples, both fronted by vast rock relief figures of Ramses II and his wife Nefertari. Take snaps and then enjoy free time to explore the interiors. Due to the high number of visitors, guides are not permitted to accompany you. However, your guide will talk you through the interiors before you enter, so you can fully understand the treasures inside.
Step inside the Great Temple, and ogle the painted battle scenes and gigantic sculptures of Ramses that line the halls. Then, go inside the Temple of Hathor to see the murals and pillars engraved with images of the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, Ramses II’s favored wife.
Afterward, and if time permits, call at the nearby visitor center that documents the temples’ relocation. Learn how these giant structures were dismantled and then reassembled piece by piece: an incredible feat of engineering that has protected them from flooding.
Finally, drive back to Aswan where your trip ends with a hotel or port drop-off.
1
Abu Simbel Temple
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.0
based on 42 reviews
Gillian_R, Feb 2020
So its three hours each way to drive - but seriously it is worth it! My original departure was 4am but after talking to the company it isn't necessary to leave that early unless you have something planned for the afternoon. I got to sleep in a little, we left at 8:45am which meant we missed the crowds - I literally had the temple to myself for 30 minutes before anyone else showed up! My guide was Magdelena - very knowledgeable and friendly.
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Thanks for choosing being with us and delighted we had delivered to you the experience you wanted. looking forward to serving you again in the near furture.
Guillaume_C, Jul 2019
Our guide was not very knowledgeable and was unable to answer our questions clearly, always giving blurry answers. Guide and driver were not very welcoming either. I’d recommend choosing another tour agency to go to Abu Simbel. And make sure to leave Aswan at 3:45am and not later (they’ll try to push the time many many times) because the earlier you get there the least tourists.
Response from Host, Aug 2019
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback on your recent experience. We are sorry to hear that you did not receive the best services from the tour guide and we will ensure that this does not reoccur again. The departure time is based on the tourist police instructions and to ensure the road safety needed for this trip.
Again we apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
ilona_b, Oct 2016
The place itself is amazing and a must do however it was horribly expensive with this company. We had done other tours in egypt that were amazing and less than half the price with guides that were out going and extremely educated on diverse topics. On this tour I felt like we go there, we looked around and went back. On the other tours at least they gave us water, food, and pleasant conversation. I would book once getting there unless you want to throw away a lot of money! The worst thing is after paying all that money, Then they asked for a tip after. I would not go with this company, but I would definitely go to Abu Simbel.
Mats U, Oct 2015
We were met up at the train station at Aswan and immediately felt well taken care of. We then travelled in a mini bus in a convoy to Abu Simbel, which took three hours one way. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable and gave us the historical background on the Aswan Dam and Abu Simbel. The ride thorough the Sahara desert was an experience in it self. The Abu Simbel temple was magnificent! We had a tight schedule and needed to catch our train to go back to Cairo and the guide and the driver made every effort to make sure we made it on time. The tour was all in all very well organised and we highly recommend it!
Gunner_L, Aug 2015
Fascinating place! Even if a long trip to get there, well worth it!
john g, May 2015
Long journey but worth it, amazing to see
Guide was great
Alex C, Jan 2015
My son characterized this exhibit as the Mount Rushmore of Egypt. He is correct. This is a amazing tour and the statues are along the back of a breathtaking lake. The whole scene is quite picturesque.
** It is a long commute from Aswan to Abu Simbel. 3 hours + / - You drive through the desert with a caravan of other tour vehicles for safety. Bring water and borrow the pillow from your hotel room :-)
Cody S, May 2014
My guide (Michael) and driver (Peter) were both professional and on time. The drive is roughly 3 hours (I left with the early 4 a.m. convoy). Michael spoke fluent English, and upon arrival at the site we walked to the front of the massive mountain monuments. Michael explained both momuments and their interiors (Guides are not permitted inside) for perhaps 20 minutes before giving me a full 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore by myself. This is an amazing place and a must see. Just make sure you grab a drink as soon as you step out of the car because after about 10 minutes alone I walked backed to the parking lot to buy a drink.
Ronald M, Sep 2011
The local agency met us at our boat when we arrived in Aswan and made arrangements to met us the next day at 3:45 am. The boat provided a box breakfast and coffee/tea. My son and I were the only participants, so we basically had a private tour. We went in a car with driver and guide. Abu Simbel is well worth the long drive and early morning departure. Afterwards they took us to our hotel in Aswan and arranged for transportation to the airport the next morning. Very impressed with the service and highly recommend the tour.
GLORIA V, Dec 2010
On time and as advertised, would love to have more time at the temples but the tour guide wanted to go to the papyrus shops which i didn't want to go to. So we just waited for a while until the convoy was ready to go. Overall, a good experience
jorn r, Nov 2010
Overall a good tour - the guide was excellent, the vehicle was comfortable and the on-board ice-box was appreciated. The second half of the return trip in darkness was a bit hairy since the driver was reluctant to use his headlights!
Joanna O, Nov 2010
Guide was wonderful, and we enjoyed the trip. Our driver was a little crazy, but we made it there and back just fine.
Lesley M, Nov 2010
Tour went well, a bit rushed at the site however. Guide should stay with customer longer I feel. Generally good.
Raymond G, Oct 2010
We had a great day with Mark and the drivers. Mark is a wonderful young man, well-educated in Egyptology and a lot of fun! We were amazed at the size and color of the Temples. We dare you to find the seams where modern work moved the Temples to above the dam! The convoy was a problem - they were very disorganized & wasted a lot time making the convoy turn around to start another way. We were so delayed that we only had about 1:15 to see the Temples. Mark made a yeoman's effort to give us all the info we needed in the Temples. Folks, the problem is w the gov't convoy system - NOT with Viator. DON'T MISS these wonderful Temples because of the convoy. We suspect that some days it'd work great & others it'd have problems. An additional idea - try to get to the Nubian Museum - these people were displaced as were the Temples by the dam & their story is amazing. Just above the museum is Nubian House. Whether you stop there for the hibiscus drinks, tea, cakes & fried doughnuts which were great or just get near there, the view is the most beautiful we saw in Egypt. We got there because of a taxi driver we hired to take us to the Museum. In Luxor Viator had told us not to miss the Aswan sunset - we merely mentioned it & the driver zoomed up to the House. At first we felt a little hijacked, not surprising in Egypt - the cabbies are trying to make extra money in a poor economy - be firm if you don't want something - but this time it was a gift!
Geoffrey M, Oct 2010
absolutely brlliant. the trip, although long, was very comfortable with just the two of us..the
actual time for looking at the temples was only one hour. i thought that was not enough time to see them.i was aware that we had to go in convoy but i felt we could have gone an hour later.
Kathleen P, Sep 2010
Visiting the temple rates a 6 star, but transit & content rate a 3-4. The guide was very helpful and well informed, but it would have been better facilitation to provide content during other opportunities, not when standing in full 107 degree sun for 20 minutes to go over details. If we had known about return options we would have elected gettting an earlier convoy for the return journey. However we had a great guide, willing to help with photos and anything we asked. The 4am, 4 hour trek through the desert would have been much better in an a/c spacious bus than our little fur-rugged, windows opened and 3 guys sleeping small van. But the driver was very nice.
Sean F, May 2010
While Abu Simbel was fantastic and is a must see, the six hour drive (3 hrs there, 3 hrs back) seemed excessive for the short time you are actually at the temple.
Heather H, May 2010
Abu Simbel was great. The guide was ok, but considering we spent hours with her, she gave us a 10 minute briefing we could have gotten from any tour book and that was it. They were gracious enough not to insist we stop at the Papyrus factory on the way back. It's a long drive, and while the private car was nice, we could have gotten one with a guide through our hotel for the same price that we paid for 1 person with Viator. We were concerned we wouldn't be able to get a tour for all 4 of us on the 1 day we were in Aswan, but once we arrived, it was clear we would have had no issues finding an alternative tour for much cheaper.
Juan Jose G, May 2010
The trip was great, the way is kind of long but you may get see a lot of camels on the road. We went to the tour at 1130pm it was nice because we had the temples to our selves. If you can stand a little heat then I would recommend going at this time, you get to see the sunset on the way back. The guy who arranged the tour with the guide was very nice, he also helped me confirm the tours I had in Luxor and Cairo.
Concepcion C. M, May 2010
Very good service. The local travel agency was VERY attentive in assuring that all of the arrnagements were in place and understood. A representative came to our boat the day bedfore to meet with me. Greatly appreciated. That being said, the guide who traveled to Aswan with us was essentially useless. Spent most of the time in the van on her cell phone had only the most elementary knowldege of the site, with a folio of photographs to show but inability to answer even the most basic questions. Would have been happier to just have the drivers on the trip.
Marcia K, Apr 2010
Abu Simbel is amazing. A must-see for anyone traveling to Egypt. I was not impressed with the guide at all. We were with him for 8 hours and he gave us a 10 minute overview of Abu Simbel. I learned more by reading my guide book. Also, the second driver in the van entitled himself to take an entire row of seats to sleep during the trip down while one of our group members was forced to sit up in a sit for a 3 12 hour pre-dawn trip. I would not recommend the local tour company for anything....
Tessa D, Mar 2010
This was a great experience and well woth the long bus trip. Our delightful guide made the whole journey interesting.
Arthur B, Feb 2010
Comfortable minibus, good driver and guide, sleeping policeman a doddle of a day for security duty! View of quarry with unfinished obelisk. Road across old dam with high dam in the distance, mirages in the desert. Would like to have had more time on the display of the project to move the temples.
Iain M, Jan 2010
Honestly an excellent tour, the highlight of my trip to Egypt. A clean, safe bus and wonderful insightful guide. A brilliant day and organised with no trouble at all, which isn't always easy in Egypt despite it being an incredible place.
Stephen R, Jan 2010
Despite the early morning off-boarding from the cruise ship, the trip was amazing and definitely worth doing.... once in a lifetime. You can't avoid the 6 hours total travel tofrom unless you fly but there again, the cost would have been three times as much. Take a pillow for the vanbus ride if you can. My only recommendation to the vendor was to provide more clearly defined instructions for cruise passengers on what do to with their luggage while on this excursion, when we get back, what to do after the trip if you have a later train or flight to Cairo or elsewhere. We got all of this information but it was pieced together and took some work to do so. All in all, this was a great adventure and worth the time and money to see this spectacular monument....truly breathtaking!
William Z, Apr 2009
This trip was a long haul on the van, but we were happy to have a private tour with only the two of us. Our guide was personable, but somewhat wooden. No photos in the temple, which is unfortunate, but some good photos sold. Incredible temples, both Ramses and Nefertari. The time at temples is limited, 2 hours, so it is somewhat rushed, especially after a 3 hour drive. Beautiful sunrise in the desert. Definitely worth the time and effort.
Wesley W, Apr 2009
Trip was fine and the actual site was fantastic, however, I believe for what is provided the tour is very overpriced. The transfer is long however and guides are not allowed in the temple itself, therefore guides travel the 6 hour return journey to speak to you for 10-15 minutes on the site. Fantastic site, definitely visit, however, I would recommend a cheaper option as there are many operators who offer the exact same programme.
Joerg G, Jan 2009
The guide was not so good, the drivers were sometimes pretty scary, the time at the site too short, and the requirement to tip everyone a pain in the bum esp. given how much we already paid.
Sachin J, Jan 2009
Very good guide. Extremely helpful. The temples are stunning.
Adriana A, Jan 2009
Our English speaking guide had a very strong accent and it was hard to understand him. guides leading other groups had better visual aids for the explanations. We we not aware that the tour included some stops at shops. At the end of the day I felt rushed through amazing Abu Simbel so they could drive us to the stores.
From $231.42
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Private Tour: Abu Simbel by Minibus from Aswan
42
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$231.42
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Water Tours
- Multi-day Cruises
- Audio Guides
- Multi-day Tours
- Sailing
- Nature and Wildlife Tours
- Air Tours
- Hot Air Balloon Rides
- Historical Tours
- Cruises & Sailing
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Outdoor Activities
- Private and Luxury
- Private Sightseeing Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Aswan
- Multi-day Cruises - Edfu
- Audio Guides - Edfu
- Multi-day Tours - Edfu
- Air Tours - Edfu
- Historical Tours - Edfu
- Water Tours - Luxor
- Multi-day Cruises - Luxor
- Audio Guides - Luxor
- Multi-day Tours - Luxor
- Sailing - Luxor
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Luxor
- Air Tours - Luxor
- Hot Air Balloon Rides - Luxor
- Historical Tours - Luxor
- Water Tours - Marsa Alam
- Multi-day Cruises - Marsa Alam
- Audio Guides - Marsa Alam
- Multi-day Tours - Marsa Alam
- Sailing - Marsa Alam
- Nature and Wildlife Tours - Marsa Alam
- Air Tours - Marsa Alam
- Hot Air Balloon Rides - Marsa Alam
- Historical Tours - Marsa Alam
Attractions in Aswan, Egypt
- St. Simeon Monastery Tours & Tickets
- Abu Simbel Temples Tours & Tickets
- Aga Khan Mausoleum (Tomb of Muhammad Shah Aga Khan) Tours & Tickets
- Aswan High Dam Tours & Tickets
- Kom Ombo Temple Tours & Tickets
- Nubian Museum Tours & Tickets
- Nile River Tours & Tickets
- Elephantine Island Tours & Tickets
- Aswan Botanical Garden Tours & Tickets
- Lake Nasser (Lake Nubia) Tours & Tickets
- Unfinished Obelisk Tours & Tickets
- Aswan Market (Sharia el Souk) Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Kalabsha Tours & Tickets
- Nubian Villages (Siou and Koti) Tours & Tickets
- Temple of Horus (at Edfu) Tours & Tickets
- Philae Temple (Temple of Isis) Tours & Tickets