Abu Simbel Temples Private Day Tour by Luxury Car from Aswan

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and want to see the iconic Abu Simbel temples without the hassle of crowded tours or complicated logistics, this private day tour from Aswan could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact journey, the reviews and itinerary give us a clear picture of what to expect — and spoiler alert, it looks pretty fantastic.

What we love about this tour? Firstly, the personalized experience with a dedicated Egyptologist guide and photographer makes it feel special. Secondly, the luxury transportation ensures comfort on the long drive, which is about 230 km from Aswan. Lastly, the flexible start times let you customize your day around your hotel schedule.

One consideration to keep in mind is that entry fees to the temples are not included in the price, and you’ll need to pay extra if you want to take photos inside — a detail that could affect your overall budget. But for travelers seeking an intimate, informative, and convenient way to visit Abu Simbel, this tour seems like a smart choice.

This experience suits those who value private, stress-free travel with expert guidance, especially if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more personalized exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Key Points

• Private experience with Egyptologist guide and photographer enhances understanding and captures great photos.
• Luxury vehicle ensures comfortable, air-conditioned travel for the long drive.
• Flexible start times allow you to plan your day around breakfast or other activities.
• Round-trip transportation makes the journey straightforward, removing logistical headaches.
• Extra fee for photos inside the temples means budgeting for additional costs.
• Timing and timing flexibility help avoid crowds and enjoy the site in peace.

Why Choose This Tour?

This Abu Simbel private tour stands out because of its personalized approach. When you book, you’re not just joining a large group; you’re getting your own Egyptologist guide and photographer, who will enrich your understanding of the site and ensure your photo memories are well taken. The luxury private car means you’ll be traveling in style and comfort, which is a significant advantage after a long day of sightseeing.

The flexible morning start times are a bonus, allowing you to sleep in or have breakfast at your hotel without rushing. This flexibility was praised by travelers who enjoyed having the freedom to choose when to begin their adventure, making the experience less hectic.

However, since entry fees are not included and there’s an extra cost for photos inside the temples, it’s worth factoring that into your budget. Most reviews mention that the value for money is good, given the personalized service, but it’s always wise to prepare for additional expenses.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Pick-up and Comfort

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup in Aswan. You’ll travel in a first-class, air-conditioned luxury car that promises a smooth, comfortable ride. The vehicle is described as luxurious, making the long drive (about 7 to 9 minutes, or roughly 230 km) more pleasant than a typical bus or shared transfer.

The Abu Simbel Temples

Once you arrive at Abu Simbel, you’ll have about 2 hours to explore. These two massive rock temples are carved into solid sandstone cliffs and are awe-inspiring in scale. They are famous for their colossal statues of Ramses II and the intricate hieroglyphs that adorn their facades.

Your Egyptologist guide will share insights into the significance of each temple, explaining the deities they honor and the story of their construction. The guide also doubles as a photographer, capturing your visit and the stunning scenery — crucial for creating lasting memories.

Additional Photo Opportunities

A key detail from reviews is that inside the temples, photos require an extra ticket costing around 300 Egyptian pounds. If you’re a photography enthusiast or just want that perfect shot, it’s worth budgeting for this. Keep in mind, guiding inside the temples is not included, so your guide’s role is mainly educational outside the site.

Return Journey

After your time at Abu Simbel, you’ll comfortably settle back into your luxury vehicle for the return trip to Aswan. The round-trip transfer takes about 7-9 minutes, but this includes the entire experience of visiting and returning, offering peace of mind and a stress-free day.

The Value and Practicalities

At $119 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded package—private transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a photographer—at a fair price considering the exclusivity. The reviews highlight the value for money and the benefit of having a dedicated guide who explains the site in detail, elevating the visit beyond just sightseeing.

Most travelers appreciated the timing flexibility, enabling them to start later in the morning and avoid the worst heat or crowds. As the site can get busy or hot later in the day, this is a major plus for comfort and experience quality.

The additional costs — entry fees and photo tickets — are typical for such tours, but it’s important to plan ahead. Most reviews indicate that the overall experience was worth the extra expense, especially with the benefit of a personalized guide.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One reviewer mentioned that they reached Abu Simbel midday and had the site “completely to ourselves,” making for a unique experience in less crowded conditions. Another praised the driver Magdi and guide Adel, noting they were “both excellent,” which indicates professional and friendly service.

A less favorable review pointed out that the tour wasn’t truly private in terms of the transportation or guided experience, which underscores the importance of verifying the specifics when booking. Still, most reviews suggest that the private, personalized approach is a major selling point.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This journey is ideal for history enthusiasts eager to learn about the temples, photographers wanting to capture the site with a professional’s help, and travelers seeking comfort and convenience. If you’re a couple or small group wanting an intimate, tailored experience, you’ll love the private aspect.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more spontaneous, less structured visit, other options might be more suitable. The tour’s flexibility and luxury elements make it a good choice for those who prioritize comfort and quality over price.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an easy, personalized way to see Abu Simbel, this private tour from Aswan ticks many boxes. It combines luxury transportation, expert guidance, and the flexibility to start when you want — all key ingredients for a memorable day.

The small extra costs for photos and entry fees are worth considering, but they don’t overshadow the overall value. The reviews reflect that travelers felt they received a well-organized, enriching experience. Plus, the chance to avoid the crowds and enjoy the site in peace is a rare and welcome benefit.

This tour is best suited for those who want a comfortable, informative, and private trip that makes the most of their limited time in Upper Egypt. It’s perfect for adventure-loving history buffs, photography fans, or anyone wanting to experience Abu Simbel without the stress of planning every detail.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Aswan, making logistics hassle-free.

What type of vehicle will I be traveling in? You’ll be transported in a luxury, air-conditioned first-class car that ensures comfort throughout the long drive.

Are entry fees to Abu Simbel included? No, the entrance fees are not included in the tour price; you’ll need to pay extra if you wish to go inside the temples.

Can I take photos inside the temples? Yes, but there’s an additional fee of 300 Egyptian pounds if you want to photograph inside the temples.

Is guiding inside the temples provided? No, the tour guide does not accompany visitors inside the temples, but they provide a thorough outside explanation.

How flexible are the start times? You can choose from a variety of morning start times when booking, giving you some control over your schedule.

How long does the entire tour last? Expect about 7 to 9 hours from pickup to drop-off, including transportation and time at Abu Simbel.

Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What do reviews say about the experience? Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and good value. Some mention that the site is less crowded if you start later in the day.

To sum it up, this Abu Simbel private tour from Aswan offers a blend of comfort, education, and exclusivity. It’s perfect if you want to explore one of Egypt’s most iconic sites in a relaxed, personalized way. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone wanting an easy day out, this tour adapts to your needs, ensuring a memorable experience with minimal fuss.