Full Description
This private 2-day Aswan and Abu Simbel tour from Hurghada is designed for travellers who want to explore southern Egypt beyond the Red Sea resorts. You visit the main sights of Aswan and travel to the famous rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel on the second day.
Throughout the tour, you travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and are accompanied by a German- or English-speaking Egyptologist. One night in a 4-star hotel in Aswan, breakfast, two lunches and the entrance tickets for the sights included in the standard programme are all part of the tour.
The tour is private. You travel only with the people included in your own booking and do not have to follow the timetable of a large group. There are no planned shopping stops.
Participants | Vehicle | Guide price per person |
|---|---|---|
1–2 people | Private limousine / comfortable car | €450 |
3–5 people | Comfortable private minibus | €390 |
6–8 people | Comfortable private minibus | €250 |
One night in a 4-star hotel is included.
Single room supplement: €40 per night.
The prices shown are currently non-binding guide prices. After your enquiry, we check availability, the final tour price, the tour operator and the conditions that apply to your chosen date.
2-Day Aswan Abu Simbel Tour from Hurghada at a Glance
This journey combines the main sights of Aswan with a visit to the temples of Abu Simbel.
On the first day, you travel from the Red Sea to Aswan. There, you visit Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. You then stay overnight in Aswan.
The second day starts very early. You travel to Abu Simbel and visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the nearby Temple of Queen Nefertari. Afterwards, you return to Aswan and continue back to your Red Sea hotel after lunch.
The standard programme includes:
Private journey from Hurghada
German- or English-speaking Egyptologist
Philae Temple
Aswan High Dam
Unfinished Obelisk
Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel
Temple of Queen Nefertari
One night in a 4-star hotel
Breakfast
Two lunches
Entrance tickets according to the tour programme
Private return transfer to the Red Sea
If you are comparing private cultural tours from Hurghada, our booking guide may also help:
Itinerary for Your Private 2-Day Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour from Hurghada
The order of some programme points may change for organisational reasons. All services included in the booked standard programme remain part of the tour.
Day 1 – Drive to Aswan and City Sightseeing
Early Pickup from Your Hotel
The journey begins early in the morning.
The usual pickup time is around 05:30.
You are collected directly from your hotel or accommodation and then travel towards Aswan in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
The distance from Hurghada to Aswan is around 450 kilometres, so you should expect a long drive.
Actual travel time can vary depending on your hotel location, traffic and breaks.
According to the current offer, pickup can be arranged from several Red Sea resorts:
Hurghada
El Gouna
Sahl Hasheesh
Makadi Bay
Soma Bay
Safaga
El Quseir
Marsa Alam
Because this is a private tour, you travel only with your own group.
Arrival in Aswan
Arrival in Aswan is planned for around midday.
Aswan lies much further south than Luxor and has a different landscape and atmosphere from the Red Sea resorts.
Granite rocks, Nile islands and dry desert scenery shape the area.
After arrival, the sightseeing programme begins with your Egyptologist.
Philae Temple
One of the main visits on the first day is Philae Temple.
The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and now stands on Agilkia Island.
Even the journey to the temple is different from many other temple visits, because the site can only be reached by boat.
The complex was relocated during the 20th century after the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened its original island.
Your Egyptologist explains the history of the temple, its religious importance and the rescue project that helped preserve it.
During the visit, you see temple courtyards, columns, reliefs and several different buildings.
Its island setting makes Philae one of the most visually distinctive temples in Aswan.
Aswan High Dam
You then visit the Aswan High Dam.
The dam changed life along the Nile significantly and led to the creation of Lake Nasser.
During the stop, your guide explains why the dam was built and its importance for electricity generation, agriculture and flood control.
The stop is much shorter than a temple visit.
From certain viewpoints, you can see parts of the landscape around the dam and Lake Nasser.
Unfinished Obelisk
Another stop takes you to the ancient granite quarry in Aswan.
Here lies the so-called Unfinished Obelisk.
The obelisk was cut directly from the rock but was never completed.
That is exactly what makes the site interesting.
You can see how ancient stonemasons tried to separate a huge monument directly from the granite bedrock.
Its unfinished state gives a rare insight into the working methods used to create large obelisks.
With your Egyptologist, you can look more closely at the tool marks and better understand how these monuments were made.
Lunch in Aswan
Lunch is included on the first day.
Depending on your actual arrival time and the day’s schedule, the meal may take place later in the day.
Drinks at the restaurant are not included in the standard price.
If you are vegetarian or have special dietary requirements, it is best to mention this when making your enquiry.
Hotel Check-In and Overnight Stay in Aswan
After the sightseeing programme, you check in at your hotel.
One night in a 4-star hotel in Aswan is included in the tour price.
Breakfast the next morning is also part of the standard programme.
Because Day 2 begins very early, the evening is mainly intended for rest.
If time and the hotel location allow, you can of course use the evening as you wish.
There is no compulsory evening programme.
Day 2 – Abu Simbel
The second day begins early.
Departure from Aswan is planned for around 05:00.
Where possible, breakfast is arranged around the early departure or according to the hotel’s arrangements.
Drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel
The journey from Aswan to Abu Simbel takes around three hours.
The road leads far into southern Egypt towards the Sudanese border.
Because the departure is very early, you should expect a long day.
The early start is necessary to allow enough time for the visit and the return journey afterwards.
Great Temple of Ramesses II
After arrival, you visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II.
The monumental façade is immediately striking.
Four large seated statues of the pharaoh stand at the entrance.
Inside, there are columned halls, reliefs and several chambers extending deep into the rock.
Your Egyptologist explains the main scenes and the historical importance of Ramesses II.
Another important part of Abu Simbel’s history is the relocation of the temple complex in the 20th century.
During the 1960s, the temples were cut into large blocks and rebuilt on higher ground to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
The rescue project received international support and has become an important part of the site’s modern history.
Temple of Queen Nefertari
Next to the Great Temple stands the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
Its façade is also decorated with large figures.
What stands out most is the importance given to Nefertari.
At many Ancient Egyptian monuments, queens are shown much smaller than pharaohs. Here, Nefertari has an unusually prominent place in the design of the façade.
Your Egyptologist explains the main reliefs and the connection between Nefertari, Ramesses II and Hathor.
Together, the two temples form the main focus of your Abu Simbel visit.
Why Is Abu Simbel So Far from Aswan?
Abu Simbel lies far south of Aswan.
The outward and return journeys therefore take several hours.
This is one of the main reasons the trip is spread across two days.
Instead of travelling from Hurghada to Abu Simbel and back in one extremely long day, you stay overnight in Aswan.
This lets you visit the main sights of Aswan on Day 1 and depart directly for Abu Simbel early the next morning.
Even with the overnight stay, the trip still involves a lot of driving.
If you are looking for a short excursion with very little time in the vehicle, this is worth considering before booking.
Return to Aswan
After visiting both temples, you travel back to Aswan in your private vehicle.
The return journey takes around three hours.
The second lunch of the trip is then planned in Aswan.
Lunch is included in the tour price.
Drinks are not included.
Return Journey to Hurghada
After lunch, the drive back to the Red Sea begins.
You are returned to your accommodation.
This marks the end of the 2-day Aswan and Abu Simbel tour from Hurghada.
Arrival time can vary depending on your starting point, traffic, breaks and conditions on the day.
It is therefore best not to plan any fixed evening appointments immediately after the trip.
Why a Private Tour Can Make Sense on Such a Long Route
The distances between Hurghada, Aswan and Abu Simbel are long.
With a private tour, however, you do not have to wait for a large group.
You travel with your own family, partner or friends in the vehicle.
Breaks can be arranged more easily within the overall itinerary.
You also have your own Egyptologist during the sightseeing.
You can ask questions directly and do not have to share the explanations with a large group.
The distance remains long, even on a private journey.
The main advantage is the more personal organisation and the fact that there is no large coach group to coordinate.
Travelling with an Egyptologist
This tour takes you to sites from different periods of Egyptian history.
An Egyptologist helps you understand more than just what the monuments look like.
This is particularly useful at Philae and Abu Simbel.
Guiding is available in German or English.
Because the tour is private, you can ask questions and the explanations can be adapted to your interests.
You can read more about why a knowledgeable Egyptologist can make a difference on a cultural tour here:
No Planned Shopping Stops
The journey is focused on culture and sightseeing.
There are no planned visits to papyrus shops, perfume shops or other sales locations.
If you want to buy something during your own free time, you can of course do so.
A shopping programme is not part of the standard itinerary.
This is particularly useful on a trip with long driving distances, because the available time can be used for Aswan and Abu Simbel.
One Night in a 4-Star Hotel in Aswan
The tour includes one night in a 4-star hotel in Aswan.
Breakfast is included.
The hotel stay breaks up the long journey and makes it possible to depart directly from Aswan to Abu Simbel the next morning.
A single room is available for an additional €40 per night.
If you have specific room requirements, mention them when making your enquiry.
Optional: Extend the Trip to a Third Day
The current tour can be extended by an additional day and a second hotel night for an extra charge.
The current supplement is €150 per person.
The additional day focuses more on Nubian culture and the Nile.
The planned extra programme includes:
Second hotel night in Aswan
Felucca ride on the Nile
Boat trip towards a Nubian village
Visit to a Nubian village
Lunch
Return journey to the Red Sea afterwards
The extension should be requested when you make your enquiry so that accommodation and the programme can be checked.
Felucca Ride on the Nile with the 3-Day Option
With the extension, you travel on the Nile in a traditional felucca.
A felucca is a sailing boat that is still strongly associated with the Nile landscape in Aswan.
The ride gives you a different view of the river and the islands around Aswan.
This activity is not part of the standard 2-day tour.
It is included only with the optional extension.
Nubian Village with the 3-Day Option
The extension also includes a visit to a Nubian village.
You travel there by boat.
During the visit, you get an introduction to local culture, architecture and everyday life in the region.
This visit is also not included in the normal 2-day price.
If this part of the journey is especially important to you, it is best to request the extension from the beginning.
Pickup from Hurghada and Other Red Sea Resorts
According to the current offer, the journey can be arranged with pickup from several Red Sea locations:
Hurghada
El Gouna
Sahl Hasheesh
Makadi Bay
Soma Bay
Safaga
Marsa Alam
El Quseir
The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation.
For hotels outside Hurghada, the total driving time may change accordingly.
It is therefore best to provide your exact hotel name and resort when making your enquiry.
Included in the Price
Private pickup from your accommodation
Private return transfer
Modern, air-conditioned vehicle for the planned transfers
Licensed German- or English-speaking Egyptologist
Entrance tickets for the listed sights in the standard programme
Philae Temple
Aswan High Dam
Unfinished Obelisk
Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel
Temple of Queen Nefertari
One night in a 4-star hotel in Aswan
One breakfast
Two lunches
Taxes and service charges included in the standard programme
Not Included in the Price
Drinks in restaurants
Personal expenses
Souvenirs
Tips
Single room supplement
Optional extension to three days
Additional services outside the described standard programme
What to Bring for Aswan and Abu Simbel
For this trip, you should pack a little more than you would for a standard day tour.
Useful items include:
Comfortable shoes
Lightweight clothing
Clothes for one overnight stay
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sun cream
Personal medication
Passport or required travel documents
Phone and camera chargers
Small bag or daypack
Some cash for drinks and personal expenses
Light jacket during the cooler months
Because you travel very early in the morning, winter temperatures can feel much cooler at the start of the day.
Later, the sun in Aswan and Abu Simbel can be strong.
Good sun protection and enough fluids are therefore especially important.
Physical Demands and Long Driving Distances
The tour does not include sporting activities.
However, that does not automatically make it an easy journey.
The main factor is the long driving distance.
On Day 1, you travel for several hours from Hurghada to Aswan.
On Day 2, you have the drive to Abu Simbel, the return to Aswan and then the long journey back to the Red Sea.
There is also walking at the sightseeing sites.
If you have limited mobility or need additional support, please tell us before making your enquiry.
We can then check which areas are accessible and what assistance may be possible.
You can find more practical information about travelling in Egypt with limited mobility here:
Who Is the 2-Day Aswan and Abu Simbel Tour For?
This journey is particularly suitable if you want to see southern Egypt during your Red Sea holiday.
It can be a good choice if you:
definitely want to visit Abu Simbel
also want to see the main sights of Aswan
prefer private travel to a large group
want to travel with your own Egyptologist
prefer an overnight hotel stay to an extremely long one-day trip
are interested in Ancient Egyptian temples and Nubian history
If you want to spend as little time as possible in a vehicle, this journey is probably not the best choice.
The distances are a major part of the programme.
However, if Abu Simbel is one of the places you definitely want to see during your trip to Egypt, staying overnight in Aswan makes the journey much more manageable.
Enquire About the Private 2-Day Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour from Hurghada
If you want to visit Philae, Aswan and the temples of Abu Simbel on a private journey, you can send us a non-binding enquiry for your preferred date.
Tell us your travel date, number of participants and holiday resort.
If you need a single room or want to extend the journey with the optional third day, mention this in your enquiry as well.
We will then check availability, accommodation, the final price and the conditions for your trip.
