Aswan and Abu Simbel Two-Day Trip from Makadi
Description
Aswan and Abu Simbel two-day trip from Makadi takes you into Upper Egypt, where ancient temples, Nile scenery and major engineering works line the same historic river. Our team arranges the long transfers, sightseeing and overnight stay, leaving you to focus on the monuments instead of planning the route. The tour is also available to travellers staying in Port Ghalib hotels.
Your first look at Aswan covers several contrasting sights. At the High Dam, your guide explains how it changed water management, farming and settlement along the Nile. You will then see the old Dam, built earlier across the river, before continuing to the island temple complex. Together, these stops show why Aswan remains so closely tied to the Nile and its changing water levels.
A boat takes you to Philae Temple, sometimes entered in searches as “Phiala temple”. Dedicated mainly to the goddess Isis, the temple was moved to higher ground on Agilkia Island when construction of the High Dam threatened its original site. The short crossing is part of the visit, and your guide can point out the reliefs, columns and sanctuary areas as you see them.
Aswan also includes the Unfinished Obelisk, cut into the granite quarries and abandoned after a flaw appeared in the stone. Its size makes the ancient process easier to grasp than a finished monument alone. Later, you can sail the Nile by felucca, a traditional wooden boat. The pace is quiet, with open views of the riverbank, desert slopes and nearby islands. Sailing time depends on wind and river conditions.
- Guided visits to the High Dam, the old Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Boat transfer to Philae Temple and a felucca ride on the Nile
- Visit to the Abu Simbel temples, including the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari
- Overland sightseeing around Edfu and Kom Ombo when included in the confirmed route
The route also links Aswan with two important temple sites in Upper Egypt. Edfu Temple is dedicated to Horus, with large entrance pylons, covered courts and an unusually complete plan. Kom Ombo Temple has a distinctive double design, with areas dedicated to Sobek and Horus. These visits vary the sightseeing and help break up the road journey between the Red Sea coast and Aswan.
Abu Simbel is the main reason many travellers choose this excursion. The temples were carved into the rock during the reign of Ramses II. Four large seated figures guard the entrance to his temple, while the nearby temple of Queen Nefertari has its own impressive facade and finely carved interior scenes. Your guide explains the layout and the relocation project that saved the monuments after the creation of Lake Nasser. The visit includes outdoor walking, so a steady pace and sun protection are useful.
This tour suits travellers who want to see major southern Egyptian sights without arranging several separate transfers. It includes long road sections, early starts and a full sightseeing schedule, so it is less suitable for anyone seeking a slow beach break or who finds extended vehicle travel difficult. We organise the transport and visits, allow time for meals and rest, and coordinate the overnight stay in Aswan. Bring comfortable walking shoes; temple floors can be uneven and much of the route is exposed to the sun.
Included
Boat transfer to Philae Temple
Pickup and drop-off from Makadi or Port Ghalib hotels
English-speaking guide during sightseeing
One-night accommodation in Aswan
Meals as specified in the confirmed tour arrangements
Felucca ride on the Nile
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to the listed sightseeing locations
Excluded
Drinks and extra meals not listed in the confirmed arrangements
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Any additional entrance fees not stated under inclusions
Tips for the guide and driver
Personal expenses
Don't forget
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
Comfortable walking shoes
Light clothing with a cover-up for temple visits
Water bottle and any personal medicines
Camera or phone with spare battery or power bank
Valid passport or passport copy if requested for the tour arrangements
Small overnight bag for the stay in Aswan
Frequently Asked Questions
The two-day trip includes pickup and drop-off from your Makadi or Port Ghalib hotel, transport to the sightseeing locations, visits to Aswan’s main attractions, the Abu Simbel temples, and a sail with Felucca on the Nile.
The planned visits include Phiala Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, The High Dam, The old Dam, and the temples at Abu Simbel. Check the booking details for the exact accommodation, meals, guide arrangements, and any optional services included in your selected package.
The Aswan and Abu Simbel tour lasts two days and combines road travel with guided sightseeing, so it is an active itinerary rather than a slow-paced city break. You will discover Aswan, visit its main monuments, sail by Felucca, and continue to Abu Simbel during the trip.
The route may also include Komompo Temple and Edfu Temple, depending on the agreed itinerary and road plan. Expect time in a vehicle, walking around temple grounds, and some early starts; the final schedule is confirmed after booking.
Pickup is available from hotels in Makadi and Port Ghalib for this Aswan and Abu Simbel excursion, followed by a road transfer to the sightseeing area. Your confirmed pickup point and collection time are arranged according to your hotel location and the day’s route.
Because this is a long-distance Egypt tour, pickup may be early and the journey includes extended time by road. We share the practical transfer details after receiving your booking information.
This tour can suit families with children, but travellers should be comfortable with long road transfers, walking through open archaeological sites, and boarding a boat for the Felucca ride. Temple areas such as Edfu Temple, Komompo Temple, and Abu Simbel may include uneven ground and steps.
Travellers with limited mobility should tell our team before booking so we can discuss the route, vehicle access, boat boarding, and the support available. We can then advise whether the itinerary needs adjustments.
Wear light, modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water for the outdoor temple visits. A light layer can help during early road transfers, while secure footwear is useful when you sail with Felucca and visit the riverbank.
Keep your travel documents, personal medication, phone, and a small day bag with you. The tour includes time outside at Phiala Temple, The High Dam, The old Dam, and Abu Simbel, so sun protection is especially practical.
You can request this two-day tour by sharing your preferred travel date, hotel in Makadi or Port Ghalib, and the number of travellers; our team then confirms the itinerary and booking arrangements. Cancellation terms depend on the date of cancellation and the services reserved for your trip.
Review the cancellation conditions shown with your booking before confirming, and contact us as soon as plans change. This helps us check transport, accommodation, guide arrangements, and visits to the Abu Simbel temples.
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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
Our team collects you from your hotel in Makadi or Port Ghalib and begins the road transfer to Aswan. The journey takes several hours, so we recommend comfortable clothing, water, and a light breakfast before departure. On arrival, you begin the Aswan sightseeing route with The High Dam, where your guide explains how the structure changed irrigation, electricity production, and settlement around the Nile. You then continue to The old Dam, built earlier in the twentieth century and set among views of the river and nearby islands.
A short boat ride takes you to Phiala temple on an island. The temple complex is dedicated mainly to Isis, and your guide points out its carved gateways, columns, and the work carried out to protect it from rising water. You also visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, where the marks in the stone show how a monument was shaped before a crack stopped the project. Later, Sail with Felucca on the Nile at a relaxed pace, with time to watch the riverbank and hear about traditional sailing in Aswan. A meal stop is arranged during the day, followed by rest at the accommodation before the next morning's visit.
After breakfast, you travel south to Abu Simbel temples, the major visit of the second day. The complex contains the great temple of Ramses II and the smaller temple of Queen Nefertari. Inside, you can see carved figures, reliefs, and chambers cut into the rock, while your guide explains the temples' relocation during the creation of Lake Nasser. Allow time to walk between the two temples and stay with the group instructions for the return journey; the site is open and exposed, so a hat, sun protection, and sturdy shoes are useful.
After leaving Abu Simbel, the road heads north towards the Red Sea. Where the route and access arrangements allow, we stop at Komompo temple, a riverside complex dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and continue through the agricultural landscape towards Edfu temple, one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Egypt. These stops break up the long transfer and give you a closer view of Upper Egypt beyond Aswan. A meal stop is included along the route, and our driver handles the return transfer to your Makadi or Port Ghalib hotel after the sightseeing is complete.