Aswan and Abu Simbel 3-Day Tour from Marsa Alam
Description
The Aswan and Abu Simbel 3-Day Tour from Marsa Alam brings together ancient temples, Nile scenery and major engineering works in Upper Egypt. We collect travellers from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotels and travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a guide, so you can see Aswan's main sights without arranging separate transfers, tickets or local transport.
Aswan moves at a slower pace than Egypt's larger cities. Granite islands, wide stretches of the Nile and warm desert light shape the setting for sightseeing. You will visit the High Dam, the Old Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. Your guide explains how these sites connect ancient stonework with the modern history of the Nile, including the relocation of temples during the dam projects.
- See the High Dam and the Old Dam in Aswan
- Visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries
- Reach Philae Temple on Agilkia Island by boat
- Take part in felucca sailing on the Nile
- Visit the Abu Simbel temples, including the Temple of Queen Nefertari
- See Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple on the return journey
The Unfinished Obelisk shows the practical work behind ancient monuments. It remains partly attached to the bedrock, so you can see where cracks stopped the carving before the stone could be moved. At the High Dam, the view reaches across Lake Nasser, while the Old Dam represents an earlier attempt to control the river. Together, the two sites provide useful context before you continue to Aswan's temples.
Philae Temple stands on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat ride across the water. The approach is part of the visit: the temple appears among the island's palms and the surrounding lake. Inside, your guide points out reliefs dedicated to Isis and explains how the temple was rescued and rebuilt when rising water threatened the original island. Later, felucca sailing gives you time on the Nile at an easier pace. The ride depends on local wind and river conditions, and the boat is a simple traditional sailing vessel rather than a luxury cruise.
The visit to the Abu Simbel temples is the tour's long-distance highlight. The temples were cut into the rock for Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, with large seated figures, decorated halls and detailed reliefs inside. The Temple of Queen Nefertari is dedicated to Hathor and is smaller than the neighbouring temple, but its interior decoration is especially important. The early start and long road journey call for stamina, while travelling with our team keeps the day organised and lets you focus on the monuments.
On the return to Marsa Alam, the route includes Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple. Kom Ombo has an unusual double design dedicated to Sobek and Horus, while Edfu is one of Egypt's most complete surviving temple complexes and is dedicated to Horus. Seeing both sites along the route makes the return journey part of the archaeological experience rather than simply a transfer back to the coast.
This tour suits travellers who want a concentrated Upper Egypt experience and are comfortable with long road sections, early departures and several hours of walking over uneven ground. It works well for couples, families with older children and private groups who prefer a planned route with a guide. We include breaks for meals and rest, but the schedule remains active. Comfortable shoes, sun protection and a refillable water bottle will make the three days easier.
Our team handles the pickup, intercity transport and sightseeing order, leaving you free to look at the monuments rather than arrange local logistics. Accommodation and meals follow the selected tour plan, and the final pickup and drop-off details are confirmed for your Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotel before departure. Bring your passport or identification, as it may be requested during the journey.
Included
Sightseeing visits included in the itinerary
Accommodation for two nights according to the selected tour plan
Pickup and drop-off from Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotels
Felucca sailing on the Nile, subject to local sailing conditions
Professional English-speaking guide
Air-conditioned private or shared transport according to the selected option
Excluded
Any services not listed under inclusions
Personal expenses
Entrance fees unless stated in the selected tour option
Gratuities for the guide and driver
Meals and drinks unless specified in the booking details
Don't forget
Valid passport or identification
Light clothing and a warm layer for early departures
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
Any personal medication
Camera or phone with spare battery
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
The three-day tour includes pickup and return transfer from your Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotel, road travel to Aswan and Abu Simbel, and visits to the main sights listed in the itinerary with our tour team. You will see the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, Phiala temple and the Abu Simbel temples.
The itinerary also includes time to Explore Aswan, a Felucca sailing experience on the Nile, and visits to the Kom Ombo temple and Edfu temple on the return journey. Check the booking details for the specific accommodation, meals, guide services and other inclusions attached to your selected package.
This is a three-day road tour with a full sightseeing schedule, covering Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo and Edfu in a planned order. The first days focus on Aswan and the Abu Simbel temples, while the return journey includes the Kom Ombo temple and Edfu temple, so some travel and early starts are expected.
Our team keeps the visits organised so you can spend time at each main site without treating the trip as a rushed stopover. We can explain the expected daily rhythm before booking, especially if you prefer a slower pace.
Pickup is available from your hotel in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, followed by a road transfer to Aswan and the other destinations on the itinerary. The exact pickup arrangement depends on your hotel location and will be confirmed with you before the tour begins.
Because this is a multi-day journey, our team coordinates the transfers between the sightseeing stops and the return to Marsa Alam. Please provide your hotel details when booking so we can plan the pickup and drop-off correctly.
The tour can suit families and travellers who can manage long road transfers, walking across historic sites and time in outdoor conditions, but it may be tiring for very young children or anyone with limited mobility. The High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the temples have uneven surfaces and some walking between stops.
Felucca sailing also requires careful boarding and leaving the boat. Tell us about mobility needs, medical concerns or travelling with children before booking, and our team can advise whether this itinerary is a practical fit.
Wear light, comfortable clothing and practical walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, water and any regular medication. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering religious or historic sites, so a light scarf or loose layer is useful during visits to Phiala temple and the other temples.
Keep identification, booking details and personal essentials with you during the road journeys. A small overnight bag is easier to manage than carrying all your luggage between the transfer vehicle and accommodation.
You can request the three-day tour by providing your preferred date, hotel in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, traveller details and any mobility or dietary requirements. Cancellation terms depend on the booking conditions shown for your selected package, so review those terms before confirming your reservation.
Our team can clarify what happens if you need to change the date or cancel, as well as which services are included. Tour arrangements remain subject to confirmation and local operating conditions.
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- Transparent pricing with no unexpected fees.
- Reserve today and pay on the day of your tour on most excursions.
- Free cancellation on selected tours.
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- 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 three-day tour begins with a pickup from your hotel in Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib, followed by a road transfer towards Aswan. The journey takes several hours, so we recommend travelling with water, sun protection and comfortable clothing. After reaching Aswan, our guide takes you to The High Dam, the major engineering project that controls the Nile floodwaters and created Lake Nasser.
Continue to the old dam for a different view of Aswan’s modern history, then take a short boat ride to Phiala Temple on Agilkia Island. The temple complex is dedicated mainly to Isis, with carved columns and reliefs set beside the water. You will also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, where the marks left by ancient stoneworkers remain visible in the granite quarry.
Later, enjoy Felucca sailing on the Nile. The pace is quiet and depends on the wind, giving you time to see the riverbanks from the water before settling into your overnight arrangements in Aswan.
After an early start in Aswan, travel by road through the desert to the Abu Simbel temples. The journey is long but direct, and our team arranges the transfer so you can focus on the visit. On arrival, the four seated figures of Ramses II come into view before you enter the larger temple, built to honour the king and several major Egyptian deities.
Inside, your guide explains the halls, wall scenes and sanctuary, including the temple’s connection with the sun’s annual alignment. You then visit the smaller temple built for Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Its reliefs show the queen beside Ramses II and retain strong details in the painted decoration.
Allow time to walk around the complex at an unhurried pace and take photographs from the designated areas. After the visit, return by road to Aswan. The remainder of the day is kept flexible for rest after the early departure and the desert journey.
Leave Aswan after breakfast and begin the return journey towards Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib. The route follows the Nile north before turning east, with temple visits planned along the way. At Kom Ombo temple, walk through the unusual double sanctuary dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Your guide points out the paired courtyards, halls and reliefs, as well as the nearby museum displays when open.
Continue to Edfu for a visit to Edfu temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. Enter through the monumental pylon and follow the processional route into the courtyards and columned halls. The carved walls describe rituals connected with Horus and give a clear sense of how the temple was used.
After the sightseeing, continue by road to your original coastal destination. The transfer takes several hours, with comfort stops arranged as needed, and the tour ends with drop-off at your Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib hotel.