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Last updated: 31 July, 2023

The two temples of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel are among the most impressive of all the world’s surviving ancient monuments. It remains a testament to the power of the Egyptian empire at its height under Ramesses II, aka ‘Ramesses the Great’.

Cut into the rock above the Nile flood plain more than 3,000 years ago, fronted by four colossal statues of the pharaoh. His consort Nefertari and their children can be seen in smaller figures by his feet. Queen Nefertari was the first of Ramesses’ ‘Great Royal Wives’.

The temple remains an awe-inspiring sight, despite having been relocated in the 1960s above the newly created Lake Nasser. It’s angled so that each 21 February and 21 October, the sun illuminated the gods in the innermost sanctuary. This happens a day later since its relocation, following construction of the Aswan Dam.

While you’re there

Many people don’t realise there are two temples on the site. The neighbouring Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Nefertari, is smaller but equally beautiful.

Price from: £12
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Most visitors fly directly into Abu Simbel airport from Cairo (about a 2-hour flight) or Aswan (about a 45-minute flight); many Nile cruises will take you from Luxor to Aswan – and more luxurious and genteel way to arrive.

The temple is a 15-minute shuttle ride from Aswan airport. Alternatively book on the (obligatory) convoy leaving Aswan at 4.30am and 11am daily (about 3-4 hours’ drive). You could also arrive via a relaxing 3-day cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel, across the starkly beautiful Lake Nasser. Cruises take in many lesser ancient monuments on the way.

Guides are not allowed to talk inside the temples, so read up before you go.

After jostling with the masses, head to the civilisation of the legendary Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, for sundowners on the Nile-side terrace, or dinner at the excellent restaurant.

Stay the night

If you stay the night at Abu Simbel, you can sign up for the Sound and Light show. The commentary is crass, but the light show is memorable.

None of Abu Simbel’s hotels are especially luxurious, but the authentic Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge is atmospheric and run by a fascinating man – a Nubian guide who’s also a musician.

When to do it

The site is open all year round, seven days a week.

Most tours groups from Aswan, or arriving on flights, visit during the morning. Visit in the afternoon, and you might have the temples to yourself.

Abu Simbel is blisteringly hot in the summer (July-August) and can be surprisingly cold in the winter (January-February), especially when the winds blow off the desert.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Full Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

Aswan

Full Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
Take the golden opportunity to visit the Great Temple of Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Abu Simbel, which is one of the "monuments of Nubia" listed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Price: $31

Min age: 6

Rating 4.55 / 5 [79 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Customizable Day Tour To Abu Simbel From Aswan By Private Car

Aswan

Private Customizable Day Tour To Abu Simbel From Aswan By Private Car
Experience the wonders of Abu Simbel from Aswan on our Private Customizable Day Tour. With the convenience of a private car, this exclusive tour allows you to explore the magnificent temples at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architectural beauty of Abu Simbel, known as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Customize your itinerary to suit your interests and let our expert guides unveil the secrets of ancient Egypt. Discover the grandeur of the temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, and marvel at the intricate carvings and colossal statues that have stood the test of time. Don't miss this opportunity to journey through the ages on a private adventure to Abu Simbel.

Price: $50

Min age: 1

Rating 4.38 / 5 [55 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Day Tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by Bus

Aswan

Day Tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan by Bus
See two of Egypt’s greatest ancient spectacles on this Abu Simbel day trip by minibus from Aswan.With an Egyptology guide, Drive to western Lake Nasser, and behold the colossal, rock statues of Ramses II of the two iconic lakeside temples. Learn their history, and go inside to see their towering statues, pillars and murals. If time allows before your return to Aswan, check out the visitor center that charts how both the temples were relocated here, piece by piece, in 1968 to save them from flooding. Minibus tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel Visit Abu Simbel's Great Temple of Ramses II and smaller Temple of Hathor, Egypt's most-visited sites after the Great Pyramids Free time to tour inside both temples Enjoy privileged, Personalized attention from your expert Egyptology guide on this special tour. Pick-up and drop-off from Aswan hotels and port. Door to door transfers from and to your hotel in Aswan,expert tour guide,taxes and charges are included

Price: $52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.33 / 5 [18 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan

Aswan

Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan
Discover a part of Egypt that most first-time visitors miss on a private day trip to the Abu Simbel temples from Aswan. You’ll stay cool and skip the hassle of car hire with private, air-conditioned transport, and enjoy the chance to ask as many questions as you like to your private guide. Plus, you’ll enjoy the freedom to make tweaks to your itinerary. Note : To confirm your booking will need copy photo from your passport please update it with booking process

Price: $65

Min age: 6

Rating 4.52 / 5 [348 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Aswan : Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Abu Simbel Temples

Aswan

Aswan : Full-Day Private Guided Tour to Abu Simbel Temples
Visit the rock temples of Abu Simbel with an Egyptologist guide and enjoy a personalized visit on a private tour from Aswan. Learn about the lives of the pharaohs, and benefit from some time to see original documents from the relocation project. Explore the best temples ever for King Ramses and his wife Nefertari Marvel the most amazing scenes inside the temples See the stunning rocks temples of Abu Simbel on the banks of Lake Nasser  Led by a qualified Egyptologist Comprehensive tour by bus/coach

Price: $108

Min age: 4

Rating 4.53 / 5 [13 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan - Private Tour

Aswan

Private Day Tour to Abu Simbel Temples from Aswan - Private Tour
See the ancient marvel of Abu Simbel on a private day tour from Aswan. Journey southward by private, air-conditioned vehicle as your personal guide shares tales of the 3,400-year-old complex, a masterwork of ancient Egyptian engineering beside Lake Nasser. The two Temples of Abu Simbel , with their unique style, are considered to be the masterpieces of ancient Egypt. The Temple of Ramsses II was dedicated to the four universal gods Ptah, Re-Her-Akhtey, Amun-Re, and to Ramsses II himself. The great Abu Simbel temple is also called The Sun Temple of Ramssess II.The Temple of Queen Nefertari is also Called Temple of Hathor who was the wife of the Sun God so in a symbolic way, the two Temples, that of Ramsses II and that of Nefertari, bring Ramesses II, Nefertari, Hathor and the Sun God together as one. then you will head back Aswan to go back to your hotel.

Price: $140

Min age: 0

Rating 4.82 / 5 [28 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

Aswan

4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
Cruise the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor on a 5-star cruise that explores the ancient highlights of the Upper Nile. From the Temple of Philae to Kom Ombo Temple and the Valley of the Kings, discover royal tombs to temples. An included sunrise hot-air balloon flight above Luxor’s magnificent West Bank helps take in the scale of the ancient settlement, and onboard entertainment ensures a lively cruise. Discover one of the most impressive temples in Egypt by visiting Abu Simbel 285 km south of Aswan.

Price: $331

Min age: 0

Rating 4.47 / 5 [270 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Air Balloon

Aswan

4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Air Balloon
3 nights Nile cruise,meals,expert tour guide,qualified licensed drivers,door to door transfers,hot air balloon,Abu Simbel trip,west and east banks in Luxor,Edfu and Kom Ombo temples,Aswan tours,taxes and charges all are included. Gather between the great Egyptian Nile river quietness on cruise board and the fabulous temples and tombs in upper Egypt. The best price and quality of service are our targets. Collect the most important sites in upper Egypt in 1 package. Touch the real Egyptian culture in Luxor and Aswan. Relax on cruise board this is egypt in the best way you can see. Enjoy the highlights of Aswan and Luxor. Visit the fabulous temples of Abu Simbel. With stops in Kom Ombo and Edfu. our the Valley of the Kings and so much more with an Egyptology guide. Experience the life trip hot air balloon. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers in Luxor and Aswan.

Price: $336

Min age: 0

Rating 4.51 / 5 [447 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

Aswan

4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the ancient wonders of Egypt passing by pharaonic sites en route between Aswan and Luxor. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, two stops in the way to visit the pharaonic sites of interest such as; Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. Discover one of the most impressive temples in Egypt by visiting Abu Simbel 285 km south of Aswan. Experience the exciting trip of the Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. Have fun and enjoy plenty of night entertainments of the belly dancing show, galabiya party, Nubian show or disco and more.

Price: $349

Min age: 0

Rating 4.69 / 5 [1265 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Marvelous 3-Day Private tours to Luxor Aswan and Abu Simbel & Train ticket

Luxor

 Marvelous 3-Day Private tours to Luxor Aswan and Abu Simbel & Train ticket
Explore two of Egypt’s most popular Cities, Luxor and Aswan and travel back through thousands of years of history with your informative guide Experience the perfect mix of independent and all-inclusive travel with consecutive day tours of Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor. Enjoy pre-arranged transfer by comfortable, air-conditioned steamboat, first class door-to-door intercity rail service, but arrange your own accommodation and meals. Learn the stories of kings and queens as they explore with your guide, by visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings Queen Hatshepsut, Philae Temple and much more. Highlights Tour the East and West Banks of Luxor with an expert guide Marvel at the Temple of Karnak, the oldest religious structure in the world Explore the lavish tombs of the 3 pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings View the High Dam of Aswan — a miracle of engineering Travel down the River Nile on motorboat to visit Philae Temple Adventure Abu Simbel famous temple

Price: $375

Min age: 4

Rating 4.52 / 5 [17 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor&Abu Simbel+Balloon

Aswan

4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor&Abu Simbel+Balloon
Enjoy beautiful Nile Valley scenery as you cruise down the River Nile on a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the temples of Karnak, Edfu, Abu Simbel with Small group and more. Explore the Valley of the Kings, and soak up the luxury on board your 5-star cruise boat. Your luxury boat will serve lunch and dinner throughout the cruise, and you can dance the night away to an on board disco. Relax by the sundeck and swimming pool, or seek out the services of an Egyptologist guide to learn more about Ancient Egypt.

Price: $430

Min age: 1

Rating 4.77 / 5 [1398 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nile Cruise 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor include Abu Simbel& Balloon

Aswan

 Nile Cruise 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor include Abu Simbel& Balloon
Nile cruises offer the finest in exploration, recreation and relaxation. Explore Aswan and Luxor  where you’ll board the 5 Stars Nile Cruise and witness the incredible ancient sites that line the banks of the Nile. Experience the very best of Egypt in comfort and style  Nile Cruise with Hot air Balloon in Luxor

Price: $500

Min age: 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [12 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Days Nile Cruise Aswan&Luxor,Hot Air Balloon&Abu Simbel.Hot deal

Aswan

4-Days Nile Cruise Aswan&Luxor,Hot Air Balloon&Abu Simbel.Hot deal
Relax on cruise board this is Egypt in the best way you can see. Enjoy the highlights of Aswan and Luxor. With stops in Kom Ombo and Edfu. Tour the Valley of the Kings and so much more with an Egyptology guide. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers in Luxor and Aswan. Experience the life trip hot air balloon. Visit the fabulous temples of Abu Simbel. Touch the real Egyptian culture in Luxor and Aswan,. Collect the most important sites in upper Egypt in 1 package. The best price and quality of service are our targets. Gather between the great Egyptian Nile river quietness on cruise board and the fabulous temples and tombs in upper Egypt. 3 nights Nile cruise,All meals,Expert tour guide,Qualified licensed drivers,Door to door transfers,Hot air balloon,Abu Simbel trip,West and east banks in Luxor,Edfu and Kom Ombo temples,Aswan tours,taxes and charges all are included. Have a nice trip

Price: $648

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [286 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with sightseeing and Abu simbel

Aswan

Amazing 4-Days Nile Cruise from Aswan To Luxor with sightseeing and Abu simbel
Blend the rich heritage and history of Luxor and Aswan with the beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley. Enjoy the beautiful Nile Valley scenery and the real Egyptian life from the deck of a 5-star Nile Cruise Ship in 4-days, 3 -Nights from Aswan to Luxor. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, stop en the route to visit the pharaonic sites of interest such as; Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. Discover the most impressive temples of Abu Simbel 285 km from Aswan. Have fun and enjoy plenty of night entertainments of the belly dancing show, galabeya party, Nubian show or disco and more in this 4 days Nile Cruise every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from Aswan to Luxor. Full board, check in with lunch, check out with breakfast

Price: $712

Min age: 0

Rating 4.86 / 5 [37 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Amazing 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel&Hot Air Balloon

Aswan

Amazing 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel&Hot Air Balloon
Relax on board this is Egypt in the best way you can see. Experience the great Egyptian river Nile by sailing cruise. Sail down one of the world's most famous waterways as you discover top attractions in southern Egypt. During this multi-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor, you'll disembark for guided visits to the region's most iconic sites, including Kom Ombo,The Valley of Kings,Philae Temple&Abu Simbel Tasty onboard meals are included, plus a personalized pickup from the airport, train station,or your Aswan hotel. A multi-day, five-star Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor Tick off the region's top attractions in just a few days Listen to in-depth histories from your Egyptologist guide during tours Sleep comfortably with onboard accommodation and enjoy all meals. Enjoy the life trip in Luxor the Hot air balloon. Door to door transfers from and to your destinations in Aswan and Luxor with qualified licensed drivers. Have a nice trip

Price: $715

Min age: 0

Rating 4.56 / 5 [39 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel Hot Air Balloon

Aswan

4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel Hot Air Balloon
The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the ancient wonders of Egypt passing by pharaonic sites en route between Luxor and Aswan. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, two stops in the way to visit the pharaonic sites of interest such as; Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. Discover one of the most impressive temples in Egypt by visiting Abu Simbel 285 km south of Aswan. Experience the exciting trip of the Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. Have fun and enjoy plenty of night entertainments of the belly dancing show, galabiya party, Nubian show or disco and more in 4 days/3 nights Nile Cruise every Sunday/Monday/Wednesday or Friday from Aswan to Luxor. Full board, check in with lunch, check out with breakfast. Note: ★Recommended Arrival time on the first day should be before 12:01 pm. ★the tour ends in Luxor on the last day around 3:30 to 4:30 pm, so evening departure is recommended.

Price: $730

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [213 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village&Air Balloon

Aswan

 3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village&Air Balloon
The Beauty of Egypt Upper Nile Valley, is best appreciated from the deck of a Nile Cruise ship. Enjoy the riverside scenery and discover the ancient wonders. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, two stops in the way to visit the Pharaonic sites of interest such as; Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. Discover one of the most impressive temples in Egypt by visiting Abu Simbel 285 km south of Aswan. Visit one of the Nubian families on Soheil Island in Aswan. Experience the exciting trip of the Hot Air Balloon in Luxor. Have fun and enjoy plenty of night entertainments of the belly dancing show, galabiya party, Nubian show or disco and more in 4 days/3 nights Nile Cruise every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Friday from Aswan to Luxor. Full board, check in with lunch, check out with breakfast. Note:★Recommended Arrival time on the first day should be before 12:01 pm. ★the tour ends in Luxor on the last day around 4:00 pm, so evening departure is recommended.

Price: $780

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [60 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Egypt 8 Days from Cairo airport: Nile cruise,Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel,Balloon ride

Aswan

Egypt 8 Days from Cairo airport: Nile cruise,Luxor,Aswan,Abu Simbel,Balloon ride
See all that Egypt has to offer on a week-long private excursion from Cairo. See the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Take a Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Stop at the Abu Simbel, Kom ombo, Karnak and Edfu temples and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Enjoy a worry-free excursion with all accommodation, transportation, and most meals taken care of. The great pyramids,Valley of the kings and so much more with an Egyptology tour guide. Enjoy sun set and sun rise while cruise sail above the river Nile which has many secrets you can be one of a lot who desire to find out some of these secrets. Enjoy the highlights of Aswan and Luxor. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers from and to Cairo airport. Visit the fabulous temples of Abu Simbel. Experience the life trip in Luxor hot air balloon. Our target to make sure that you have unforgettable memories during your stay in Egypt

Price: $1,020

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [66 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel Package

Aswan

Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel Package
Discover the most fascinated historical temples in Abu Simbel for the Pharaoh Ramses II and his beloved wife queen Nefertari. Then enjoy with accommodation on Nile Cruise board for Four Days - Three Nights from Aswan to Luxor.

Price: $1,030

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [124 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Aswan

Upper Egypt, Egypt

The Holiest of Holies of the Great Temple at the Ramses II Temples at Abu Simbel.

Egypt’s southern-most town – unspoilt and on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Nile. Most come to see the magnificent Temple of Ramses II, one of the wonders of the ancient world, but there’s plenty more besides.

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