Abu Simbel Day Trip from Cairo by Flight – Private, Temples of Ramses II & Nefertari
14 hours, flights, private Egyptologist, ticket and lunch included, hotel pick-up at 03:30.
The short answer
A 14-hour private day trip by air from Cairo or Giza to Abu Simbel, usually via Aswan: the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, with return flights, an Egyptologist, the temple ticket and lunch.
- New
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Cairo · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Great Temple of Ramses II · Temple of Nefertari · Lake Nasser
- Includes
- Return flights Cairo–Abu Simbel in economy class · Private airport transfers in Cairo · Transfers between Abu Simbel Airport and the temples · Private Egyptologist guide (English) at Abu Simbel · Entrance ticket for the Abu Simbel temples
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
October to April has the best temperatures. In summer, Abu Simbel is very hot at midday.
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, an Egyptian tour operator working since 1988 with six offices
- Travel licence ETAA 718 (Category A); IATA accredited agent
02Overview
A first look
Abu Simbel is far to the south, near the Sudan border, and this is the quickest way to see it from Cairo. It is also a long day, and we want you to know that before you book. A driver collects you from your Cairo or Giza hotel at about 03:30. Please ask your hotel the night before for a breakfast box, which hotels usually provide at no charge. You normally change planes in Aswan on the way, and flight times follow the airline schedule on your date. You reach Abu Simbel at about 10:00 and spend around two hours at the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari with your guide. After lunch you fly back, usually through Aswan again, and reach your Cairo hotel at about 18:30. You book online without paying at that point. Our team checks flight seats for your date and confirms availability and the final price, and then you pay.
Background
The facts
Abu Simbel lies on the shore of Lake Nasser, about 1,100 km south of Cairo and near the Sudan border. A day trip from Cairo goes by air, usually changing planes in Aswan.
Named in this entry
Cairo·Aswan·Abu Simbel·Great Temple of Ramses II·Temple of Nefertari·Lake Nasser
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Travelers based in Cairo who want to see Abu Simbel and accept a long day for a short visit.
Maybe not, if
- Not for anyone who dislikes pre-dawn starts, plane changes or long days.
What lingers
- 01Return flights Cairo–Abu Simbel, usually changing planes in Aswan
- 02An English-speaking Egyptologist guide at the temples
- 03The Great Temple of Ramses II with its four seated colossi
- 04The Temple of Nefertari, built for the queen
- 05Lunch at a local restaurant and bottled water
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- The only way to see Abu Simbel from Cairo in one day
- Flights and Cairo transfers handled for you
- Egyptologist guide at the temples
Things to Consider
- Very early start, plane changes and a long day
- About two hours at the temples
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
- 1
A driver meets you at your Cairo or Giza hotel at about 03:30. Bring the passport you used for the booking, because you need it for every flight. Ask your hotel the night before for a breakfast box.
- 2
The first flight leaves at about 05:30. You usually change planes in Aswan before flying on to Abu Simbel. Flight times follow the airline schedule on your date, and the exact times are confirmed once the seats are booked.
- 3
At about 10:00 your Egyptologist meets you at Abu Simbel Airport for the short drive to the temples.
- 4
At about 10:30 you see the two temples cut into the rock by Ramses II, with four huge seated figures of the king at the front. Your guide explains the carvings inside and the story of how both temples were moved in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. A camera ticket for photography inside is extra.
- 5
Lunch is at about 12:45 at a local restaurant. Drinks are paid separately. Tell us about any food needs when you book.
- 6
At about 14:00 you fly back, usually through Aswan again, so the trip home is also a long connection. Flights follow the airline schedule.
- 7
At about 18:30 a driver meets you at Cairo Airport and takes you to your Cairo or Giza hotel.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Return flights Cairo–Abu Simbel in economy class
- Private airport transfers in Cairo
- Transfers between Abu Simbel Airport and the temples
- Private Egyptologist guide (English) at Abu Simbel
- Entrance ticket for the Abu Simbel temples
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks with lunch
- Personal expenses
- Camera ticket for photography inside the temples
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask your hotel the night before for a breakfast box
- 02
Keep your passport with you for every flight
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children's prices are set from the ages you give when you book, and there is no minimum age. Tell us the ages when you book so we can check flight seats. The day lasts about 14 hours, starts before dawn and includes four flights, so we suggest it mainly for older children and teenagers.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On the ground
Your route
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How does booking work?
You book online, and no payment is taken at that point. Our team then checks flight seats for your date and confirms availability and the final price. Once that is agreed, you pay. If seats are not available, we suggest another date.02How is this private trip priced?
The price is per person and covers the flights, the Cairo transfers, the Egyptologist, the temple ticket and lunch. It falls as the group grows, because the guide is shared, while each traveler needs their own flight seat. The final price is confirmed by our team.03Is the flight direct?
Usually not. You normally change planes in Aswan on the way there and the way back. Flight times follow the airline schedule on your date, so the day is long, and the time at the temples is short, about two hours. If you want longer there, consider staying overnight in Aswan.04Are the flights included?
Yes, return economy flights are included. Bring the passport you used for the booking, because you need it at each airport.05What is the cancellation policy?
More than 72 hours ahead, keep 100% as credit toward future travel or take a 100% refund, less bank charges. Between 72 and 24 hours, keep 100% as credit or take a 50% refund. Within 24 hours, or if you don't show up, there is no refund or credit. If we have to cancel, you lose nothing.06Is this trip private, or will others join us?
On the ground it is private. The Egyptologist guides only your party, and the maximum party is 12 people. You fly on scheduled airline flights with other passengers.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated Product ID: EXC-CAI-742461
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