Private Egypt Tour · Abu Simbel, Nubia, Egypt

Abu Simbel - Colossi of the Sun

An Abu Simbel tour from Luxor is the most ambitious day trip in Upper Egypt — a private, escorted road journey south to the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari. We collect you directly from your Luxor hotel or villa in a comfortable air-conditioned van with a professional driver, time the drive for cooler and calmer travel, and bring you face to face with one of the ancient world's greatest monuments before returning you to Luxor the same day. It is a long journey, but an unforgettable one.

Duration: 10 to 12 Hours Expedition  ·  Booking: Book now and pay on arrival — confirm availability by WhatsApp.

Enquire on WhatsApp (+201204421652)

What you will see

  • Arrive at Abu Simbel — The journey opens with the sublime reveal: colossal stone guardians rising from the Nubian desert as you step onto the great esplanade.
  • Temple of Ramesses II — Four massive seated pharaohs sit in eternal vigil, carved directly out of the mountain to guard Egyptian majesty and welcome the desert sun.
  • Inside the Sanctuary — Enter the hypostyle hall where high columns depiction of Osiris hold up the heavens, directing light to the deep throne room of the gods.
  • Temple of Nefertari — Standing beside her king, Queen Nefertari is celebrated in sandstone. A rare monument where a queen rises to equal stature under the gaze of the goddess Hathor.
  • Lake Nasser Views — The experience closes beside Lake Nasser, where deep blue water and endless desert reveal the modern rescue story that saved Abu Simbel.

What is included

One-Day Abu Simbel · Same-Day Private Journey

Direct private day journey from Luxor to Abu Simbel and back the same late evening, using a comfy modern private air-conditioned van and professional driver.

  • Private AC van from Luxor
  • Professional driver
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Abu Simbel temple visit
  • Same-day return to Luxor
  • Private guide available at extra cost
  • Temple entry tickets extra, paid by tourist credit card only

Aswan Overnight Route · 2-Day Private Route

Two-day private routing: day one Luxor to Aswan with Edfu and Kom Ombo stops, overnight in Aswan at guest's own hotel cost, then Abu Simbel on day two before returning to Luxor.

  • Private AC van and professional driver
  • Edfu Temple stop en route to Aswan
  • Kom Ombo Temple stop en route to Aswan
  • Abu Simbel visit on day two
  • Aswan hotel paid separately by guest
  • Private guide available at extra cost
  • Temple entry tickets extra, paid by tourist credit card only

Background & heritage

  • Diamond Saw Cutting — Engineers painstakingly cut the sandstone facade into numbered blocks, ensuring no carvings were damaged.
  • Dynamic Rebuilding — Blocks were hoisted to a safe plateau above the reservoir level, maintaining the temple's sacred compass alignments.
  • The Concrete Dome — An immense hollow dome was built behind the stones to carry weight and recreate the original mountain silhouette.

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Abu Simbel from Luxor in one day?

Yes. It is a long private road journey with a very early start, timed so the drive and the temples stay cool and calm. It suits guests who would rather not change hotels and are happy with a full but rewarding travel day.

What does the private Abu Simbel tour include?

A modern air-conditioned van, a professional English-speaking driver, hotel or villa pickup and drop-off in Luxor, and bottled water for the journey. Temple entry tickets and an optional Egyptologist guide are arranged separately.

What will I see at Abu Simbel?

The Great Temple of Ramesses II with its four colossal 20-metre guardians, the inner sanctuary famous for its solar alignment, and the neighbouring Temple of Hathor dedicated to Queen Nefertari. The visit also takes in Lake Nasser and the remarkable story of how the temples were moved to save them.

Are entry tickets included, and how are they paid?

Temple tickets are paid separately at the site, usually by tourist card, and are not included in the tour price. Your driver or guide helps you understand the ticket process before you enter.

Is a private Egyptologist guide available?

Yes, a licensed Egyptologist can be added on request. Many guests choose this because Abu Simbel has both a powerful ancient history and a famous modern rescue story worth hearing on site.

Why book a private tour instead of a group coach?

A private tour runs entirely around your group: your pickup time, your stops and your pace, rather than a fixed coach schedule. It means a more comfortable vehicle, calmer timing at the temples, and direct communication with us throughout.

Can Abu Simbel be combined with Aswan?

Yes. As an alternative to the one-day trip, we can arrange a two-day private routing that takes in Aswan with Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way, with an overnight in Aswan before Abu Simbel.

How early does it start and what should I bring?

Pickup is early by design, for cooler travel and better light on the temple facade. Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, a light layer for the early start, and a working card for tickets plus small notes for refreshments.

Do we pay in advance?

No advance payment is required to request availability. You can book now by WhatsApp and pay on arrival after the details are confirmed.

Egyptian Tours by Royal Nile Villas · Private tours and excursions across Luxor, Aswan, Cairo, the Red Sea and Upper Egypt · WhatsApp +201204421652