Aswan and Abu Simbel 2-Day Tour from Marsa Alam
Description
The Aswan and Abu Simbel 2-Day Tour from Marsa Alam takes you into southern Egypt by comfortable, air-conditioned car, with time for Aswan’s main sights and the temples of Abu Simbel. Departures can also be arranged from Port Ghalib. The journey is long, but it brings ancient temples, Nile scenery and major engineering landmarks together in one organised trip.
Once you arrive in Aswan, our team arranges the sightseeing in a practical order, leaving you time to see each place properly. Phiala temple, better known as Philae Temple, sits on an island in the Nile and is reached by boat. Its courtyards, columns and reliefs honour Isis and other ancient Egyptian deities. Water and granite landscapes surround the monument, giving the visit a different feel from the desert temples farther south.
You also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, where a huge granite monument remains attached to the quarry floor. Your guide explains how ancient workers shaped the hard stone and why a flaw stopped the obelisk from being completed. Tool marks and the surrounding quarry make the scale of the work easier to understand than a finished monument alone.
The route includes the High Dam and the old Dam, two landmarks that changed Aswan’s relationship with the Nile. The High Dam created Lake Nasser and remains one of Egypt’s major modern construction projects. Built earlier across the river, the old Dam provides useful context for the later structure. These stops are brief but worthwhile for travellers interested in Egypt beyond its pharaonic temples.
A Felucca sailing trip brings a quieter stretch to the visit. The traditional wooden sailboat moves across the Nile at a slower pace, giving you time to look back at the riverbanks, granite islands and distant hills. Sailing conditions can vary, so the exact duration and route depend on the wind and local arrangements. Comfortable clothing, sun protection and secure footwear make this part of the day easier.
- Visit Phiala temple and the Unfinished Obelisk with guide assistance
- See the High Dam and the old Dam in Aswan
- Enjoy Felucca sailing on the Nile
- Continue to the Abu Simbel temples, dedicated to Ramses II and Nefertari
- Travel between Marsa Alam, Aswan and Abu Simbel in a modern A/C car
The Abu Simbel temples are the main reason many travellers choose this two-day journey. Their rock-cut façades were built for Ramses II and Nefertari, with large seated figures of the king guarding the entrance to the larger temple. Inside, carved halls lead towards the sanctuary. Your guide can explain the temples’ religious purpose and their relocation during the creation of Lake Nasser. The visit involves walking over open ground, so the pace is steady rather than rushed.
This excursion suits travellers who want to see Aswan and Abu Simbel without arranging separate transfers, local transport and sightseeing. It is a demanding road journey from the Red Sea coast, with early starts and several hours in the car, so it may not suit anyone looking for a relaxed beach break or travellers who find long drives difficult. We plan the transfers, coordinate the sightseeing and keep the route clear, while meals and overnight arrangements follow the option selected for your booking. Pickup and drop-off details are confirmed before departure, and comfortable shoes help on temple floors, in quarries and along uneven paths.
Included
Guide assistance during sightseeing
Pickup and drop-off from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib
Bottled water during the journey
Visits to Phiala temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and the old Dam
Felucca sailing on the Nile
Transport in a modern air-conditioned car
Visit to the Abu Simbel temples
Excluded
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Accommodation unless stated in the selected package
Entrance fees unless included in the selected option
Tips for the guide and driver
Meals and drinks unless specified in the booking
Any services not listed under inclusions
Don't forget
Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
Phone or camera with spare battery or power bank
Water bottle and personal medication
Light, breathable clothing and a jacket for the early morning
Valid passport or identity document
Cash in Egyptian pounds for meals, entrance fees or personal expenses where needed
Comfortable walking shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
This 2-day journey includes pickup from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, road transfers in a modern air-conditioned car, sightseeing in Aswan, a visit to the Abu Simbel temples, and Felucca sailing on the Nile.
Visits to Phiala temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, The High Dam and The old Dam are part of the planned sightseeing. Accommodation, meals, entrance fees and guide arrangements depend on the booking option, so check the inclusions shown before confirming.
The Aswan and Abu Simbel journey lasts two days and combines long road transfers with sightseeing, so it suits travellers who are comfortable with an active schedule and early starts.
You will have time to Explore Aswan, visit its main sights and continue to Abu Simbel, but the days are structured rather than leisurely. Our team can explain the planned route and rest stops before you book.
Pickup is available from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, followed by a road transfer to Aswan in a modern air-conditioned car.
We confirm the pickup point and arrangements with you after booking, since the practical details depend on your accommodation area. The return transfer is arranged as part of the 2-day journey; no specific pickup time is guaranteed in advance.
The tour can suit older children who manage long road journeys, walking and a full sightseeing schedule, but it may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility because the sites include uneven ground, steps and boarding a boat for Felucca sailing.
Phiala temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Abu Simbel temples require walking, and access conditions vary by site. Tell our team about mobility needs, ages and any medical concerns before booking so we can discuss the route honestly.
Wear light, modest clothing with comfortable walking shoes, and bring sun protection, water, sunglasses and a hat for visiting Aswan and the Abu Simbel temples.
A small overnight bag is practical for this 2-day journey. Keep essentials such as medication, identification and personal items with you during the road transfers, and bring an extra layer for air-conditioned travel or cooler periods on the Nile.
You can request the journey by selecting your preferred departure from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib and providing the traveller and accommodation details needed for pickup; cancellation terms depend on the booking conditions shown for your selected option.
Review the inclusions, payment requirements and cancellation deadline before confirming. If your plans change, contact our team as soon as possible so we can explain the applicable terms and any arrangements already made for transport or sightseeing.
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Why travelers choose A1Toureg
- Transparent pricing with no unexpected fees.
- Reserve today and pay on the day of your tour on most excursions.
- Free cancellation on selected tours.
- Organized with trusted licensed Egyptian partners.
- Fast confirmation and personal assistance.
- Comfortable transportation for every journey.
- Support in English, German, French, Italian, Russian & more.
- We're with you every step of the way.
Your unforgettable Egypt journey starts with a booking you can trust.
* Available on selected tours. Flights, cruises and special bookings may have different cancellation policies.
Keep things flexible!
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts
Ways You Can Pay!
If you choose to pay online, a secure payment link can be provided after booking. For assistance or alternative payment options, please contact us via WhatsApp.
Your Itinerary
Your journey begins with a pickup from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib for the road transfer to Aswan in a modern air-conditioned car. The drive takes several hours, with a comfort stop arranged along the way as needed. After reaching Aswan, our team takes you to the riverside sights in a practical order, allowing time to walk, listen to your guide and pause for photographs.
Begin at Phiala temple, reached by a short boat ride across the lake. The temple complex stands on Agilkia Island and has courtyards, columns and reliefs linked with Isis. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you can see the cracks that left the monument in its quarry. The route then passes the High Dam and the old Dam, giving you a clear view of how Aswan’s water control shaped the landscape and protected the Nile Valley from seasonal flooding.
In the late afternoon, slow the pace with Felucca sailing on the Nile. The traditional open sailboat moves quietly with the wind, and the view changes as the light falls across the river islands. After the sail, you check in at your Aswan accommodation and have the evening free to rest before the early departure on day two.
After breakfast, leave Aswan by road for Abu Simbel. The journey crosses the desert and takes several hours, so an early start is necessary. Our team coordinates the transfer and keeps the visit focused, with time to walk through the temple grounds before the return drive. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and bring sun protection, as much of the site is outdoors.
The Abu Simbel temples were carved into the rock during the reign of Ramesses II. The larger temple has four seated royal figures on its façade, while the smaller temple honours Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Inside, your guide explains the statues, wall scenes and the relocation of the temples during the creation of Lake Nasser. You have time to view both façades and interiors at an unhurried walking pace before meeting the driver.
After the visit, travel back through the desert towards Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib. The return is a long road journey, and we arrange comfort stops where appropriate. You arrive at your original drop-off point later the same day, completing this two-day Aswan and Abu Simbel journey.