Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour from Sahel Hasheesh

Description

This 3-day Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour from Sahel Hasheesh lets you see several of southern Egypt’s major ancient sites without organising every transfer yourself. You travel by private vehicle with a guide, following the Nile Valley south through Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, with time set aside for the Abu Simbel Temples. It is a full route, but the private format gives you more flexibility than a large group excursion.

In Luxor, the tour starts on the west bank. At the Valley of the Kings, your guide explains how royal tombs were cut into the desert cliffs and how their painted burial scenes were meant to protect the pharaoh in the afterlife. Entry usually covers a selection of open tombs, while access to individual tombs can vary. The Tomb of Tutankhamun requires a separate ticket when available and lets you see the burial place associated with one of Egypt’s most famous rulers.

The west bank visit continues at the Queen Hatshepsut Temple, built in terraces beneath the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari. Its broad courtyards and long approach are very different from the enclosed tombs nearby. Before leaving Luxor, stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two large seated statues that once guarded the entrance to a temple complex. It is a quick stop, but their scale is clear from close range.

On the east bank, Karnak Temple allows more time for an open-ended archaeological visit. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall, see rows of columns covered in reliefs and follow the remains of courtyards, pylons and sacred spaces. A licensed Egyptologist puts the monuments into context, making the site easier to understand than it would be from signs alone. The order of the Luxor visits may change with local conditions and your guide’s advice.

The road to Aswan follows the river, with important stops at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple. Edfu is dedicated to Horus and has large, well-preserved walls with detailed reliefs. Kom Ombo has an unusual double design, with separate areas dedicated to Sobek and Horus. These stops divide the longer road sections and show how temple architecture changed along the Nile.

In Aswan, visit the High Dam before crossing by boat to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. The temple complex was moved to higher ground during the Nile flood-control project, and the short boat crossing changes the pace of the day. Carved gateways, columns and reliefs are central to the visit, while the island setting makes Philae quieter than the large temple precincts in Luxor.

The Abu Simbel visit takes place during the Aswan section of the trip, usually with an early start because the temples are a considerable distance from Aswan. At the Abu Simbel Temples, four colossal figures of Ramesses II face the approach to the Great Temple, while the nearby Temple of Hathor honours Nefertari. Your guide can explain the temples’ relocation to higher ground and point out the main reliefs before you return to Aswan and continue the journey back according to your booked arrangements.

This tour suits travellers looking for a concentrated introduction to ancient Egypt who are comfortable with long road transfers, early starts and several hours of walking on uneven ground. The private vehicle leaves room for personal questions, rest stops and a pace suited to your group. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and keep your passport and any separately issued entrance tickets accessible during the visits.