2 days 1 night Luxor,Aswan & Abu simbel by flight from Cairo

Exploring Egypt’s Upper Egypt in just two days might sound ambitious, but this tour manages to pack in some of the most iconic sights with impressive efficiency. As a seasoned travel writer, I’ve reviewed countless excursions, and this one really caught my eye for its blend of convenience, depth, and value.

What I love about this experience is: the smooth round-trip flights that save hours of travel, the knowledgeable guides who bring the sites to life, and the chance to visit some of Egypt’s most famous temples—all in a tight schedule. One thing to consider is that the itinerary is quite packed, which means early mornings and little downtime. Still, for those wanting a quick but comprehensive taste of Upper Egypt, this tour hits the mark.

Ideal for travelers who want to maximize their time in Egypt without sacrificing the major sites. Whether you’re a history buff, a first-timer on a budget, or someone eager to check Abu Simbel off the bucket list, this tour is designed to deliver a memorable, efficient experience.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Flights, hotel pickup, transfers, and entry tickets are covered, making it a fuss-free option.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Mohamed, Samir, and Mrs. Maria enhance the experience with insightful commentary.
• Iconic Sites Visited: Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, High Dam, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple—covering Egypt’s must-sees.
• Flexible and Private: A private tour with air-conditioned transport ensures comfort and flexibility.
• Value for Money: At $500 per person, the tour offers access to major sites with guided insights and inclusivity, often at a better rate than separate bookings.
• Early Starts and Long Days: Be prepared for early mornings (as early as 4 am) and full, intense days.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Day 1: From Cairo to Abu Simbel and Aswan

Early Morning Pickup and Flight to Aswan
Your adventure begins with a 4:00 am hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza. From there, a private transfer whisks you to Cairo Airport, where your flight to Aswan awaits. The early start might be a challenge for some, but it’s the best way to maximize sightseeing time. Reviewers mention that despite the early hours, guides like Mohamed and Samir are friendly and helpful, making the long day more manageable.

Visit to Abu Simbel
Once in Aswan, the highlight is undoubtedly the Abu Simbel Temples—a marvel of ancient engineering and artistry. Built by Ramesses II, these twin temples are famous for their dramatic scale and the rare solar phenomenon where sunlight illuminates the inner sanctum twice a year. Reviewers note the temples’ grandeur and the significance of their relocation efforts, co-ordinated with UNESCO, which adds a layer of modern heroism to these ancient monuments.

Queen Nefertari’s Temple
Adjacent to Abu Simbel, the Temple of Nefertari offers a more intimate look at Ramesses II’s queen, featuring beautifully preserved hieroglyphs and statues. Expect about three hours here, with admission tickets included, and plenty of time for photos and soaking in the atmosphere.

Aswan Highlights
After Abu Simbel, the tour heads back to Aswan, visiting the Unfinished Obelisk—a massive stone that reveals much about ancient quarrying—and the High Dam, a modern marvel that dramatically changed Egypt’s irrigation and energy landscape. The Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, is another must-see, especially enchanting with the Nile flowing nearby. Reviewers often mention the guides’ rich explanations that help bring these sites to life, especially the story of how the High Dam transformed the region.

Overnight in Aswan
Relax at the Basama Aswan Hotel, a 4-star option praised for its comfort and service. Having a restful night after such a long day is appreciated, though some reviews suggest that the hotel might vary, so packing expectations is wise.

Day 2: Luxor’s Temples and the Valley of the Kings

Early Transfer to Luxor
The morning begins with a hotel pickup, followed by a drive to Luxor, where your day is packed with extraordinary sites. Expect a drive of about 2 hours, giving you a chance to review the tour guide’s insights en route.

Valley of the Kings
Your first stop is the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of pharaohs like Tutankhamun rest in hidden chambers. Reviewers describe this as a highlight, with guides providing context about the different dynasties and the artistry inside. Entry is included, but the complex can be crowded, so be prepared for a lot of walking and some narrow passages.

Hatshepsut’s Temple
Next, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari surprises many visitors with its striking terraced design and impressive location against the cliffs. The story of Hatshepsut as a powerful, rule-breaking woman draws admiration, and guides often highlight her unique reign.

Colossi of Memnon
A quick stop at the Colossi of Memnon offers a chance for a few photos of these giant statues, remnants of a once-massive mortuary temple. Reviewers mention that while these are lesser-known compared to others, they still hold a certain majesty.

Luxor and Karnak Temples
The afternoon is spent exploring the Luxor Temple, with its towering statues and grand courtyard, and the sprawling Karnak Temple complex. Guides emphasize the architectural marvels like the Hypostyle Hall and the Obelisks. Visitors often find Karnak as a highlight, especially the detailed hieroglyphs and the impressive size of the structures.

Return to Cairo
After a full day of exploration, you’ll head back to Luxor Airport for your flight to Cairo. The overall flow of this day, according to reviews, is seamless—thanks to well-coordinated transfers and attentive guides.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Expert Guides and Personal Touch
Many reviewers highlight the guides’ deep knowledge and friendly demeanor. For example, Mrs. Maria, who guided on the first day, is praised for her detailed explanations, making history accessible and engaging. Guides like Ghada and Dod are also remembered for their helpfulness and storytelling ability.

Comfort and Convenience
The private, air-conditioned vehicles, combined with hotel pickups and drop-offs, mean no stressful waits or crowded buses. The early start is offset by the comfort of a private ride and the convenience of all logistics being handled.

Sightseeing Efficiency
The itinerary manages to cover the major highlights while respecting the limited time available. For travelers on a tight schedule, this is a real strength—getting a rundown without rushing from site to site.

Value for Money
At $500 per person, including flights, hotels, entry tickets, and guided services, many reviewers agree this offers a lot of value. When you compare it to a Nile cruise or separate site tickets, the cost seems justified for the convenience and depth of information provided.

Challenges to Consider
Some reviews point out that the schedule can be intense, with early mornings and long days. The hotel choices for overnight stays may vary in quality, and communication before the trip can be inconsistent. Also, some travelers expressed disappointment when guides didn’t always enter every site with them, or when logistical hiccups occurred, like delayed flights or unanticipated changes.

Final Thoughts: Who is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day Upper Egypt tour from Cairo is ideal for travelers eager to see the highlights without spending multiple days or breaking the bank. If you want expert-guided insights at major temples and appreciate organized, seamless logistics, this package offers significant value.

It suits those who are comfortable with early mornings and full days of sightseeing, and who don’t mind a packed schedule to maximize their time. Budget-conscious travelers will also find it attractive, as it combines flights, accommodation, and entrance fees into one straightforward price.

However, if you’re seeking a leisurely pace, personalized experiences, or luxurious accommodations, you might prefer a different approach. Likewise, those who want to explore Egypt’s lesser-known sites or prefer a more flexible itinerary could find this tour a bit constrained.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, which helps streamline your early start.

Are flights included in the price?
Absolutely. The round-trip flights to Aswan and Luxor are part of the package, making logistics much easier.

What kind of guide will I have?
You’ll be accompanied by professional guides like Mohamed, Samir, and Mrs. Maria, known for their helpfulness and deep knowledge of Egyptian sites.

How intense is this tour?
It’s quite full-on, with early mornings (starting as early as 4 am) and long days filled with sightseeing. Be prepared for a busy schedule.

Are all entrance fees included?
Most major sites, including Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak, have their entry tickets included.

Is this suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Since the tour involves a good amount of walking and some narrow passages, it might not be ideal for those with mobility issues.

To sum it up, if you’re after an efficient, well-organized way to see some of Egypt’s most incredible monuments in a short timeframe, this tour delivers. It combines major highlights, expert guidance, and smooth logistics into a package that’s hard to beat for value. Just brace yourself for early mornings and full days, and you’ll come away with memories of ancient temples, grand statues, and the timeless Nile. Perfect for travelers eager to tick Egypt’s crown jewels off their list with minimal fuss.