Abu Simbel Day Trip from Luxor Itinerary

3:00–3:30 AM – Pickup from Your Hotel or Nile Cruise in Luxor

Your Abu Simbel day trip from Luxor begins before sunrise.

Your driver will meet you at your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor and assist you into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.

Leaving early gives you enough time to reach Abu Simbel, explore both temples and return to Luxor on the same day.

We recommend asking your hotel or Nile cruise for a breakfast box the evening before the tour.

3:30 AM – Depart Luxor for Abu Simbel

Begin the long journey south toward Abu Simbel.

Relax in your private vehicle as you travel through Upper Egypt toward Aswan and continue south through the Nubian desert.

Short stops can be made along the journey for restrooms, refreshments and stretching your legs.

Around 6:30–7:00 AM – Short Rest Stop

Take a brief break during the journey.

Use the restroom, grab a coffee or light snack and prepare for the final section of the drive toward Abu Simbel.

The exact timing may change depending on road conditions and security procedures.

Around 9:15–9:45 AM – Arrive at Abu Simbel

Reach the Abu Simbel archaeological site near Lake Nasser and meet your Egyptologist guide.

Before entering the temples, your guide will introduce the story of Abu Simbel, Ramesses II and one of the most remarkable archaeological rescue projects in modern history.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities currently lists Abu Simbel as open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

10:00 AM – Visit the Great Temple of Ramesses II

Begin with the magnificent Great Temple of Abu Simbel.

The entrance is dominated by four colossal seated statues of Ramesses II carved into the rock.

Inside, explore halls decorated with scenes celebrating the reign, religious role and military achievements of the pharaoh.

Your guide will explain some of the temple's most important details, including its famous solar alignment.

The sun penetrates the inner sanctuary on February 22 and October 22, illuminating statues deep inside the temple.

11:00 AM – Visit the Temple of Queen Nefertari

Walk to the nearby Small Temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

One of its most unusual features is that the statues of Nefertari on the façade are represented at approximately the same scale as those of Ramesses II—an uncommon honor in ancient Egyptian royal architecture.

Explore the temple interior and learn more about Nefertari's importance during the reign of Ramesses II.

11:40 AM – Free Time for Photos

Enjoy some free time around the temple complex.

Take photographs of the monumental façades, admire the surrounding desert scenery and enjoy views toward Lake Nasser.

Your guide can also explain how the temples were dismantled and relocated during the international UNESCO rescue campaign in the 1960s to protect them from rising waters following construction of the Aswan High Dam.

12:15 PM – Leave Abu Simbel

Meet your driver and begin the journey north toward Aswan.

Relax in the air-conditioned vehicle after your visit.

Around 3:00 PM – Lunch in Aswan

Stop in Aswan for lunch at a local restaurant.

Enjoy a freshly prepared meal and take a short break before continuing the return journey to Luxor.

4:00 PM – Drive Back to Luxor

Continue north from Aswan toward Luxor.

You can relax or sleep during the final section of the journey.

Around 7:00–7:30 PM – Arrival in Luxor

Arrive back at your hotel or Nile cruise in Luxor.

Your Abu Simbel day trip from Luxor ends after a full day exploring one of Egypt's most spectacular ancient sites.

Please note: arrival times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, rest stops and road procedures.