We offer a luxurious 2-day tour from Cairo to Aswan, featuring visits to the Philae Temple, High Dam, and the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Enjoy private transfers, expert guides, and a relaxing overnight stay in Aswan for an unforgettable journey through southern Egypt’s top highlights.
2 Days Trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Cairo
- 2 Days
- Pricing Varies by Individual, Couple, or Group
Adult
Child
From
500,00 $
Per Adult
From
250,00 $
Per Child
Description
2 Days Trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Cairo
Day 1: Discover Aswan – High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk
On Day 1, your luxurious adventure begins with a private transfer from your hotel in Cairo to Cairo International Airport, where you’ll board a short but scenic flight to Aswan, one of Egypt’s most captivating cities, known for its serene beauty and historical significance. Upon arrival at Aswan International Airport, you will be met by your professional guide, who will take you on a journey through some of the most iconic landmarks in Egypt.
Your first stop is the Aswan High Dam, an extraordinary feat of modern engineering, which plays a crucial role in controlling the Nile River’s annual flooding and generating power for much of Egypt. Completed in 1970, the dam holds back Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. From here, enjoy panoramic views of the dam and surrounding area, where you’ll gain insight into the significance of the Nile River in Egyptian history and the ambitious project that led to the dam’s construction.
Next, you’ll head to Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most revered sacred sites. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was originally located on Philae Island but was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s as part of a monumental UNESCO-led project to save the temples from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temple complex is a beautiful representation of ancient Egyptian architecture and religious practices, featuring stunning reliefs, columns, and hieroglyphs that tell stories of the goddess Isis and her legendary love for Osiris. The temple’s serene surroundings, perched on the island’s edge, offer a unique glimpse into the spiritual heart of ancient Egypt.
After exploring Philae, you’ll make your way to the Unfinished Obelisk, an impressive monument that offers a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian engineering. This massive obelisk, intended to be one of the largest ever built, remains incomplete due to cracks that were discovered during its carving. Standing in the stone quarry, you can see the intricate work that went into creating such a grand structure, with tools and techniques used by ancient artisans still visible today. The Unfinished Obelisk provides a glimpse into the monumental scale of Egyptian obelisks and the expertise required to craft them, and it’s an important example of the ancient Egyptians’ dedication to their royal and religious monuments.
After exploring these incredible sites, you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant, offering you a taste of classic dishes such as koshari, molokhia, and grilled meats, followed by sweet treats like baklava or basbousa.
Following your lunch, your guide will transfer you to your luxurious hotel in Aswan, where you can unwind and enjoy the evening at your leisure. The tranquil atmosphere of Aswan, combined with the breathtaking views of the Nile River, provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation after a day of exploration.
Day 2: Explore Abu Simbel Temples – Ramses II’s Legacy and Return to Cairo
On Day 2, your adventure continues with an early morning transfer to the Abu Simbel temples, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary and awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Located approximately 280 kilometers south of Aswan, these colossal rock-cut temples were constructed by Ramses II, also known as Ramses the Great, in the 13th century BC. The temples are an exceptional testament to the Pharaoh’s power and divine status, showcasing his military conquests, religious devotion, and extraordinary architectural vision.
As you approach the temples, you’ll be awestruck by the towering statues of Ramses II that guard the entrance, each standing nearly 20 meters tall. The sheer scale and grandeur of the statues are designed to reflect Ramses II’s absolute rule and divine status, with the Pharaoh depicted in a seated position, flanked by his queen, Nefertari, and other royal figures. The temples of Abu Simbel are dedicated to the gods Amun–Ra, Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and the deified Ramses II himself. Inside the temples, you’ll discover intricately carved walls and hieroglyphic inscriptions that depict Ramses II’s victories, including his famous Battle of Kadesh, and scenes that celebrate his divine connection to the gods. The interior of the temples is adorned with vibrant reliefs showing the Pharaoh’s military achievements and his role as an intermediary between the gods and the people.
A particularly fascinating aspect of the Abu Simbel temples is the incredible engineering feat that enabled their relocation in the 1960s. When the Aswan High Dam was constructed, it resulted in the creation of Lake Nasser, which threatened to submerge the temples. In a groundbreaking UNESCO-led project, the temples were carefully cut into large blocks, dismantled, and moved to higher ground, preserving one of Egypt’s most iconic monuments. This monumental relocation is a marvel in itself, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication to preserving Egypt’s ancient heritage.
After spending time marveling at the temples’ magnificence, you’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch in Aswan, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the grandeur of the temples you’ve just explored. Savor dishes such as fatta, shish tawook, and Egyptian stuffed vine leaves as part of your lunch.
Following lunch, you’ll return to Aswan International Airport, where you’ll board your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you back to your hotel, concluding your luxurious 2-day journey through Aswan, Abu Simbel, and some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient wonders.
Duration
2 Days
Group Size
8
Language
All
Highlights
Day 1: Cairo to Aswan
- Philae Temple: Explore the beautiful Temple of Isis, located on Philae Island. Known for its stunning scenery and the fascinating story of its relocation due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, this temple is a must-see.
- Aswan High Dam: Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that controls the Nile River and provides irrigation and power to much of Egypt. The dam also created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.
- Unfinished Obelisk: See the massive unfinished obelisk in the stone quarries of Aswan, which offers insight into the ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques. It’s fascinating to imagine what it would have looked like had it been completed.
- Nile Felucca Ride: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the Nile River in a traditional wooden felucca. This is a serene way to experience the beauty of Aswan and its lush surroundings.
Day 2: Abu Simbel Excursion
- Abu Simbel Temples: Visit the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, built by Pharaoh Ramses II. These monumental temples, carved into the cliffs, are famous for their colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance and the beautifully preserved interiors. The temples were relocated in the 1960s to avoid submersion by the rising waters of Lake Nasser due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
- Ramses II and Nefertari Temples: The two main temples in Abu Simbel are dedicated to Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari. The larger temple is dedicated to Ramses II and features four giant statues at the entrance, while the smaller temple is dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari, with intricate reliefs and statues adorning the facade.
Included
- Air-Conditioned Transportation
- Professional Egyptologist Guide
- Entrance Fees
- Lunch at a Local Restaurant.
- Bottled Water During the Tour.
- WiFi in the Car
- Accommodation On Board 5 Star hotel
- Airline tickets
Excluded
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities for the Guide and Driver
- The Drinks in the Restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get from Cairo to Aswan and Abu Simbel?
You will typically travel by flight from Cairo to Aswan (approximately 1.5 hours) to begin the tour. For the Abu Simbel excursion, you'll either take a flight or a road trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel (about 3-4 hours by car). The trip is well-organized, and transportation will be provided as part of the package.
2. What is included in the 2-day trip?
The trip includes round-trip flights from Cairo to Aswan, transportation within Aswan and Abu Simbel, a private tour guide, entrance fees to all the major sites (such as Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Abu Simbel Temples), and a Nile felucca ride. Meals and accommodations are typically also included, depending on the tour package you choose.
3. Can I visit the inside of the Abu Simbel temples?
Yes, you can visit the inside of the Abu Simbel Temples. Both temples have beautifully preserved interiors with intricate carvings and statues, including the famous alignment of the sun that illuminates the inner sanctum on specific dates (February 22 and October 22).
4. How long do we spend at Abu Simbel and other sites?
Typically, you’ll spend around 2-3 hours at Abu Simbel to explore both temples and their surroundings. In Aswan, you’ll visit sites like the Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk, which can take about 3-4 hours in total. The schedule is well-paced, allowing enough time to appreciate each site, with plenty of opportunities for photos and exploration.
From 250,00 $
Book This Tour
Contact Information
Have a question in mind
Looking for more info? Send a question to the tour agent to find out more.
You might also like
With Egypt Tour Magic, your trip is always safe and truly memorable . If you love travel, you are in the right place!
