Exploring Elephantine Island, Sehel Island, and the Tombs of Nobles in Aswan
The site features intricately carved tombs designated for nobles, priests, statesmen, military perso...
enjoyable trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel to experience the Sound and Light Show, spend the night at a local hotel, and watch the sunrise at the temple.
The Abu Simbel temples were constructed during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC (circa 1264–1244 BC). They were built to commemorate Ramses II and his queen, Nefertari, as well as to demonstrate the pharaoh’s power and divine nature. Purpose: The temples were meant to impress Egypt's southern neighbors and reinforce the Egyptian religion in the region.
Great Temple: The larger of the two temples is dedicated to Ramses II himself, as well as to the gods Amun, Ra-Horakhty, and Ptah. The facade features four colossal statues of Ramses II, each about 20 meters high. Inside, the temple is adorned with intricate carvings and hieroglyphics depicting the pharaoh’s military victories and his deification. Small Temple: The smaller temple is dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor. Its facade is adorned with statues of Ramses II and Nefertari, each about 10 meters high. The interior is similarly decorated with beautiful reliefs and carvings.
Moving from Aswan to Abu Simbel in the afternoon by road takes about three to fourhours. Upon arrival at the hotel, there will be some time to rest, have some drinks, and then head to attend the Sound and Light Show. After the show, return to have dinner and overnight.
Experience: The Sound and Light Show at the Abu Simbel Temple offers a breathtaking experience that combines light, music, and historical texts to shed light on the temple's history and guide guests through a chronological journey to ancient times. Timing: The show usually takes place in the evening after sunset, when the dim lighting is ideal for showcasing the beauty of the temple's engravings and statues. Content: The show narrates the story of the temple, its construction, and the history of the pharaohs who built it, adding unforgettable historical and cultural dimensions to the visitor's experience.
In the morning, we will move to witness the sunrise inside the temple, then return to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, we will proceed to return to Aswan.
The Experience: Watching the sunrise at the Abu Simbel Temple is considered a magical and spiritual experience, where the first rays of the sun illuminate the colossal statues of Pharaoh Ramses II, creating a charming atmosphere.
Timing: Visitors must prepare to arrive at the temple early before sunrise to enjoy the magnificent view. Cultural Significance: The sunrise at the Abu Simbel Temple is considered a unique moment that combines natural beauty with the great cultural heritage of ancient Egypt. These cultural and historical experiences capture different aspects of the beauty and history of the Abu Simbel Temple, making the visit to this archaeological site unforgettable and truly special.
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Have questions in your mind about Egypt? We’ve got the answers you need!
Before you Discover on your Egypt trips, discover short holiday tours in Egypt essential travel information through our detailed FAQs and Egypt travel advice. Happy Egypt guides you on what to see in Egypt, how to enter, and how to stay safe during your Egypt trip—making sure your experience is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Indeed, sailing in a felucca on the Nile River in Aswan is worth it as it offers a peaceful and beautiful way to take in the sights of the river. Aswan excursions will let you appreciate warm weather, rich green vegetation, and interesting places like the Philae Temple as all these will be experienced while cruising – how sweet is that, making it an enjoyable enhancement to your trip.
In the Nubian Village, you will encounter interesting and beautiful houses, friendly people, and a culture that embodies the Nubian lifestyle. Tours in Aswan usually feature picturesque locations such as this one, where in addition to crafts, traditional food and beautiful Nile views are available making the experience an odyssey.
The Temple of Abu Simbel is famous not only because of its great architectural design but also its history as well, which is complemented by the enormous statues of Ramses the Second providing a perfect example of ancient Egyptian art. Most of the time, included in Aswan day tours, the significance of the temple’s relocation in the 1960s to save it from the Lake Nasser floodwaters, underscores its cultural value for tourists visiting Egypt.
Aswan embraces several fascinating islands, to name a few, Philae Temple located on Philae Island, and Kitchener’s Island famous for its botanical gardens. More to that, Elephantine Island also has some archaeological sites along with Nubian culture making them all valuable places for you on your tours in Aswan.
While planning your trip to Egypt, it is advisable to include light cotton clothing owing to the warm weather, good shoes for sightseeing, and appropriate sunscreen. Other important items such as a water bottle, a cap, and a universal charger should not be left behind. Furthermore, if you intend to go on Egypt sightseeing tours, it would be wise to carry a small backpack for easy organization and for holding your necessities throughout the day.
Yes, some people consider taking Aswan as a trip destination in one day, while others, opt for a Nile cruise. It is possible to start or finish a cruise in Aswan that offers the chance to see the main attractions of the city, and then continue the Nile cruise to Luxor with other Nile sights.
Yes, in addition to its tourist attractions, Aswan Day Tours offers a variety of activities there. You can take a cruise on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, explore the local Nubian culture and experience their way of life, shop at open-air markets, and enjoy traditional Egyptian food at restaurants along the Nile.
See why travelers trust us for their dream Egypt vacation. We create tailor-made experiences across From the Great Pyramids of Giza with Great Sphinx to Nile cruises and Red Sea adventures, we craft journeys filled with history, comfort, and unforgettable memories. every moment of your Egypt Tours Packages becomes exceptional.
Discover Egypt through the voices of those who lived it. Our travelers share their unforgettable moments — sailing the Nile, exploring ancient temples, and enjoying world-class service. Watch their review videos and get inspired for your own best Egypt tours.