Trip to Abu Simbel & Aswan from Luxor

Planning an Egyptian adventure often involves a balancing act between must-see landmarks and authentic local experiences. This luxury 2-day tour from Luxor to Abu Simbel and Aswan promises to hit all the highlights without feeling overwhelming. From the moment you are picked up early in the morning, the journey is filled with awe-inspiring sights, expert guides, and a taste of Nubian hospitality.

What we love about this tour: the seamless transportation, the stunning temples, and the knowledgeable guides make it feel well-rounded and worth every penny. The value proposition is clear, with entrance fees included and a well-paced itinerary. But keep in mind, the early start for Abu Simbel involves a very early wake-up call—at 3:30 AM—so it’s best suited for travelers who don’t mind an early rise.

This tour is perfect for those craving a comprehensive experience with convenience, especially if you want to see Abu Simbel without the hassle of planning internal flights or complicated logistics. It’s ideal for history buffs, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to tick Egypt’s greatest monuments off their bucket list.

Key Points

• All-inclusive pricing covers entrance fees, meals, and transportation, offering great value.
• Expert guides enhance the experience with insightful commentary and local knowledge.
• Comfortable transportation via air-conditioned vehicles makes long drives more pleasant.
• Authentic experiences include visiting Philae Temple, Nubian Village, Abu Simbel, and the Tomb of Queen Nefertari.
• Flexible hotel arrangements suit various preferences, with similar category hotels used if necessary.
• Timing is early for Abu Simbel, requiring an early wake-up but rewarding with fewer crowds and cooler weather.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Day 1: From Luxor to Aswan

Your day begins bright and early at 6:00 AM, with a pickup from your Luxor hotel—timely, so you avoid the heat and enjoy cooler morning air. The first stop is the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Perched on an island in the Nile, this temple is one of the most picturesque sites, with its battered columns and beautifully preserved hieroglyphs. The guide’s explanations help bring the temple’s history alive, transforming stone and hieroglyphs into stories of myth and devotion.

After exploring the temple, you’ll enjoy a local lunch in Aswan, providing a chance to sample Egyptian cuisine and relax before the afternoon activities. The next stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, a fascinating glimpse into ancient stone-carving techniques. It’s believed to be associated with Queen Hatshepsut or possibly Nefertiti, adding an extra layer of intrigue. The obelisk’s massive size and the visible chisel marks leave a lasting impression on visitors.

You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Aswan, where you can unwind before the next day’s early start.

Day 2: Abu Simbel and Queen Nefertari’s Tomb

At 3:30 AM, prepare for a very early breakfast before heading out to Abu Simbel—an almost surreal experience. The temples, carved out of solid rock, are an engineering marvel and a symbol of Egypt’s grandeur during the New Kingdom. Thanks to UNESCO’s efforts, these treasures were saved from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Visiting early in the morning means fewer crowds and more serene views, making for unforgettable photos and contemplative moments.

Back in Aswan, you’ll visit the Temple of Queen Nefertari, located next to the Great Temple of Ramses II. This temple is a stunning tribute to Nefertari, Ramesses II’s beloved wife, and features detailed hieroglyphic carvings. The symbolic union of these temples highlights the divine status Ramesses II sought for himself and his queen.

After a hearty lunch in Aswan, you’ll have free time to explore or relax before heading back to Luxor. The return journey offers a chance to reflect on the incredible sights seen over the past two days.

The Practical Details

Transportation & Comfort

A major highlight of this tour is the modern air-conditioning vehicle, which ensures comfort during the long drives—especially important considering the early start and the approximately 2-hour journey to Abu Simbel. The pickup and drop-off service from Luxor hotels streamline the experience, eliminating the stress of coordinating transport.

Guides & Local Knowledge

Travelers consistently praise the guides, mentioning their polite, helpful, and knowledgeable nature. One review notes how their guide, Hasan, made the experience safe, informative, and memorable. Such insights are invaluable when exploring sites with complex history and intricate hieroglyphs.

Cost & Value

Priced at $495 per person, this tour offers good value considering the inclusions: two meals, all entrance fees, hotel stay, and transfers. The reviews reflect satisfaction with the organization and the quality of service, and many mention how the guides went out of their way to make the experience special.

Accommodation & Flexibility

The hotel in Aswan is listed as “max corniche”, but if unavailable, similar category hotels are used, maintaining comfort and consistency. The tour’s flexible approach is reassuring, especially if you have specific preferences.

What the Reviews Reveal

Reviewers highlight the expertise of the guides, with one mentioning how their guide “made the tour safe and memorable.” The early start for Abu Simbel is noted as long but worth it, offering fewer crowds and a cooler experience. The overall sentiment is that the tour is well-organized and comprehensive.

Many travelers appreciated the value for money—all fees covered, smooth transportation, and the opportunity to see major sites without the hassle of planning. Some reviews mention the auto-translated comments as a sign of multilingual guides, and others praise the personalized service that made the trip feel special.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day Luxor to Abu Simbel & Aswan tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or travelers looking for a convenient, all-inclusive experience. It’s perfect if you want to see Egypt’s iconic temples without the stress of logistics or additional planning. The early wake-up for Abu Simbel might not suit everyone, but for those willing to embrace it, the experience is unforgettable.

The value is high, given the comprehensive itinerary, expert guides, and inclusions like meals and entrance fees. The comfort of modern transportation and hotel accommodations adds to the appeal, making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations.

If you’re after stunning monuments, insightful guides, and a well-organized trip that covers some of Egypt’s most famous sites — this tour delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup from your hotel in Luxor and return, making the whole experience smoother.

How early do I need to wake up for Abu Simbel? The departure is at 3:30 AM for an early breakfast and transfer, so be prepared for a very early start.

Are entrance fees included? Absolutely. Entrance fees to all sites mentioned, including Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Abu Simbel, and Queen Nefertari’s Temple, are covered.

What is the duration of the trip? The whole experience lasts approximately 2 days, with detailed sightseeing, travel time, and some free moments.

Can I expect a group or private experience? This is a private tour, so only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What should I pack? Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a water bottle are recommended given the outdoor sites and early starts.

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Most travelers can participate, but the early start and long drives may be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

What about tipping and extras? Tips are not included and are at your discretion. Any additional expenses not detailed in the itinerary would be your responsibility.

Is the tour flexible if I want to stay longer at any site? The itinerary is fixed, but your guide is typically helpful in accommodating your needs within the day’s schedule.

In summary, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated combination of Egypt’s most stunning temples and monuments, balanced with comfort, expert guidance, and authentic experiences. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers eager to explore the highlights with minimal hassle and maximum insight.