The Greatness of the Pharaohs: Aswan and Abu Simbel in an individual format — 2 days

This 2-day private tour to Aswan and Abu Simbel from Hurghada will be one of your most eventful and memorable trips in Egypt, as Aswan and Abu Simbel together reveal the south of Egypt in its entirety: from the tranquil beauty of the Nile to the grandiose majesty of the pharaohs. This two-day trip is ideal for those who want to not just ‘see’ Egypt, but to experience it more deeply, to understand its scale, power and philosophy. It is not for nothing that Aswan is called the most picturesque city in Egypt. Here, the Nile is particularly wide and calm, its blue waters reflecting granite rocks, palm islands and felucca sailing boats. The city is known for its gentle atmosphere, clean air and special rhythm of life. Aswan is home to ancient temples located on the islands of the Nile, the heritage of Nubian culture, granite quarries from which obelisks were created, and beautiful panoramic views that have inspired travellers, writers and archaeologists for centuries. Here, history does not overwhelm with its scale, but reveals itself gradually — in details, legends and landscapes. And the famous Abu Simbel is a symbol of power and immortality. It is one of the most impressive and iconic places not only in Egypt, but in the whole world. The two temples carved into the rock were built over 3,000 years ago by Pharaoh Ramses II as a symbol of strength, divine power and eternal memory. The giant statues of Ramses towering over the desert are striking at first glance. The temples of Abu Simbel became world famous thanks to a unique operation to relocate them, when they were saved from being flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. This is not just a tourist attraction — it is a dialogue with eternity.

Our tour will start at around 4 a.m., and the journey to Aswan will take approximately 6.5 hours, with stops along the way. Upon arrival in Aswan, we will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, located in the ancient granite quarries, which clearly demonstrates the technology used to create obelisks in the era of the pharaohs. Next, we will head to the famous island of Philae and the Temple of Isis, a unique temple complex that was saved from flooding and moved to the island of Agilkia. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis and is considered one of the most romantic places in Egypt. A boat trip along the Nile to Philae Island will give you the opportunity to see the city from the water and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile. Next on the programme is lunch at the Aswan restaurant and a visit to the famous Aswan Dam, one of Egypt’s largest hydraulic structures, built on the Nile River. It provided the country with electricity and protected the Nile Valley from flooding.

Next, check-in at the hotel.

In the evening, if you wish (for an additional fee), you can organise a trip to a Nubian village. This is a colourful attraction in southern Egypt, located along the Nile, where you will learn about Nubian culture, the way of life and traditions of the local people, as well as see their brightly coloured houses and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere.

Day 2: Early departure from the hotel (around 3:30 a.m.), the transfer to Abu Simbel will take about 3 hours. The temples of Abu Simbel, carved into the rock more than 3,000 years ago, are impressive for their scale, architectural precision and strong emotional impact. The main part of the complex is the Great Temple of Ramses II, where you will see four colossal statues of the pharaoh over 20 metres high, guarding the entrance to the temple. Inside are halls with reliefs depicting the military victories of Ramses II and his divine status. The architecture of the temple is designed so that twice a year, sunlight illuminates the sanctuary — a unique phenomenon in Ancient Egypt. The second temple is the Small Temple of Abu Simbel, dedicated to Queen Nefertari. This is a rare example in Egyptian history where the statues of the queen are equal in size to those of the pharaoh. The temple is distinguished by its elegant reliefs and a more intimate, refined atmosphere. You will learn about the unique international operation to move the temples in the 20th century, when they were saved from being flooded by the waters of Lake Nasser. Today, Abu Simbel is considered a symbol of the preservation of humanity’s cultural heritage. Return to Aswan, lunch. Departure to Hurghada.

The cost of the trip includes: individual transfer by comfortable minibus for 2 days, entrance tickets for the stated route, accompaniment by a guide-historian, lunches (days 1 and 2), one night in a hotel in Aswan (3-4*), breakfast on the second day. Visits to the Nubian village and dinner are available at an additional cost (optional).