Overview
This exceptional Philae and Abu Simbel Temples Day Tour combines two of the most magnificent and historically significant ancient temples in all of Egypt into a single, expertly guided day from Aswan — offering a uniquely comprehensive experience of Egypt's extraordinary ancient heritage along the banks of the Nile.
Your adventure begins very early in the morning with a 4-hour drive south from Aswan to the legendary Abu Simbel — located 280 km from Aswan in the heart of the Nubian desert. Carved directly into the mountainside by King Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, Abu Simbel is one of the most awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites on Earth. Stand before the four colossal statues of Ramesses II that guard the entrance to the Great Temple, and explore the magnificent reliefs inside depicting his military victories — including the famous Battle of Kadesh. Visit the adjacent Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, dedicated to his beloved queen. Your guide will also explain the remarkable UNESCO-led relocation of the temples in the 1960s and the extraordinary astronomical alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary on 22 February and 22 October each year.
After your exploration of Abu Simbel, drive back to Aswan with a brief rest stop along the way. Upon arriving in Aswan, enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant — a well-deserved break before the afternoon's second extraordinary destination.
Your afternoon takes you by boat across the waters of Lake Nasser to the enchanting Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Originally located on Philae Island, this magnificent temple was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s as part of the same extraordinary UNESCO preservation effort that saved Abu Simbel. Dedicated to the goddess Isis — the great mother goddess of ancient Egyptian mythology — Philae was one of the last pagan temples in Egypt to remain active for religious worship into the 6th century AD. Built primarily during the Ptolemaic Dynasty, the temple features a magnificent blend of architectural styles and beautifully decorated columns, sanctuaries and courtyards. Your guide will reveal the fascinating story of Isis and Osiris and the deep religious significance of this extraordinary island sanctuary.
Our team is available in Portuguese to assist you before, during and after your trip. Contact us via WhatsApp for a fast and friendly response. All prices are in EUR for your convenience.
- Tour guide : Licensed Egyptologist Guide
- Duration : 14 hours
- Group size : Mini Group or Private
- Location : Aswan - Abu Simbel
- Tour Type: Mini Group or Private Tour
- Runs : Daily, subject to availability
Highlights
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Lunch
- Philae Temple
Itinerary
Day
🌅 Morning Departure — Early Drive to Abu Simbel
Your extraordinary day begins very early with a 4-hour drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel, enjoying the scenic views of the Nubian desert and Lake Nasser along the way. Your Egyptologist guide will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing fascinating historical commentary about Egypt and Abu Simbel to prepare you for the remarkable experience ahead.
🏛️ Visit to Abu Simbel
Explore the stunning Abu Simbel temples — carved into the mountainside by King Ramesses II in the 13th century BC and dedicated to him and his wife Nefertari. Your guide will lead you through both temples:
Great Temple of Ramesses II — stand before the four colossal statues of the pharaoh at the entrance and explore the magnificent interior reliefs depicting his military victories, divine power and the famous Battle of Kadesh against the Hittites.
Temple of Hathor and Nefertari — admire this exquisite smaller temple dedicated to Ramesses' beloved wife and the goddess Hathor, with its beautifully carved façade and elegant interior.
UNESCO Relocation & Astronomical Alignment — your guide will explain the remarkable 1960s UNESCO relocation of the temples and the extraordinary solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary statues on 22 February and 22 October each year.
🚐 Drive Back to Aswan
After your visit to Abu Simbel, reboard the air-conditioned vehicle and travel back to Aswan, with a brief rest stop along the way to stretch your legs and refresh yourself.
🍽️ Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Aswan
Upon arriving back in Aswan, enjoy a delicious traditional Egyptian lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant — a well-deserved and restorative break before the afternoon's magnificent second temple visit. Drinks are not included and can be purchased separately.
⛵ Boat Ride to Philae Temple — Agilkia Island
After lunch, take a boat ride across the calm waters of Lake Nasser to the enchanting Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. Originally located on Philae Island, this magnificent temple was relocated to Agilkia Island in the 1960s as part of the extraordinary UNESCO preservation effort. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae is one of the most beautifully situated temples in all of Egypt — surrounded by the serene waters of the lake and framed by the golden desert landscape. Your guide will share the fascinating mythology of Isis and Osiris and the deep historical significance of this remarkable island sanctuary, which remained active for religious worship into the 6th century AD — making it one of the last pagan temples in Egypt. Admire its elegant colonnaded courtyards, beautiful reliefs and the magnificent architecture of the Ptolemaic Dynasty.
🚐 Return Transfer to Your Hotel in Aswan
After your visit to Philae Temple, return to your hotel in Aswan, bringing your extraordinary Philae and Abu Simbel Temples Day Tour to a perfect close. We hope the majesty of these two extraordinary UNESCO temples stays with you forever.
Included / Exclude
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Aswan at your accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers throughout the day
- Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout the entire tour
- Boat ride to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
- Traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant in Aswan (without drinks)
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites: Abu Simbel & Philae Temple
- All taxes and service charges included
- Drinks with lunch (available for purchase at the restaurant)
- Gratuities / tips for the guide and driver (recommended, at your discretion)
- Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
