Makadi Bay to Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour
Overview
Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt on our 2-day private tour from Makadi Bay. Explore Aswan's temples and the iconic Abu Simbel with an Egyptologist.
This 2-day private tour from Makadi Bay covers Aswan and Abu Simbel, with a first-class train connecting Luxor and Aswan and a private Egyptologist guide throughout. Day one travels by vehicle to Luxor and then by train to Aswan, where the itinerary covers the Aswan High Dam, an engineering project central to Egypt's water management, the Unfinished Obelisk still lying in its original quarry, and Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, moved stone by stone to save it from flooding.
After an overnight stay in an Aswan hotel, day two heads further south to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the colossal rock-cut temples built by Ramesses II for himself and Queen Nefertari, before the return journey to Makadi Bay.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a private Egyptologist guide, two lunches, bottled water, all listed entrance fees, first-class round-trip train tickets between Luxor and Aswan, and one night in an Aswan hotel are included, with optional activities, personal expenses, and gratuities left out. Combining Aswan's dam-era engineering with the far older grandeur of Abu Simbel in a single two-day loop gives a sense of the distance, in both miles and millennia, that this stretch of Upper Egypt covers.
- Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple
- Abu Simbel's rock-cut temples of Ramesses II
- First-class train between Luxor and Aswan
- One night in an Aswan hotel
Trip at a Glance
Duration
2 Days / 1 Night
Price
From $495
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Route
Aswan → Abu Simbel
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.
Want to read it later?
Download this tour's PDF brochure, start tour planning offline, and share it easily with family or friends.
Itinerary
Your extraordinary adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Makadi Bay hotel. A plush, air-conditioned vehicle will take you to Luxor, where you'll board a comfortable first-class train bound for Aswan. Upon arrival, your dedicated private Egyptologist guide will greet you, ready to unveil the treasures of this southern city. Our first stop is the impressive Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel completed in the 1970s, crucial for Egypt's agriculture and power generation. Next, we visit the formidable Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in the ancient granite quarries, offering a unique glimpse into the ambitious stonework of Queen Hatshepsut's era. Take a break for a delicious Egyptian lunch at a local Aswan restaurant. Afterward, we journey to the picturesque Philae Temple, a Ptolemaic masterpiece dedicated to the goddess Isis, resurrected from the rising waters of Lake Nasser to its current island home. As evening descends, check into your hotel in Aswan for a restful night.
- Aswan High Dam — An impressive modern engineering feat, critical for Egypt's water management and power supply.
- Unfinished Obelisk — A monumental, partially carved obelisk in its original quarry, showcasing ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques.
- Philae Temple — A beautiful island temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, relocated stone-by-stone to save it from flooding.
Abu Simbel TemplesAfter an early breakfast box from your hotel, we'll check out and begin our journey even further south to the truly iconic temples of Abu Simbel. Accompanied by your private guide, you'll be transported to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and his beloved Queen Nefertari. Marvel at the immense statues, intricate hieroglyphs, and the sheer scale of these monuments, famously rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Your guide will illuminate the history, mythology, and significance of these awe-inspiring structures. After absorbing the grandeur of Abu Simbel, we'll return to Aswan for a well-deserved traditional lunch. Following lunch, you'll board a first-class train back to Luxor, where a private transfer will be waiting to take you comfortably back to your hotel in Makadi Bay, concluding your unforgettable Nile adventure.
- Abu Simbel Temples — Two magnificent rock-cut temples, built by Pharaoh Ramesses II, famous for their colossal facades and dramatic rescue.
Attractions on This Tour
Tap any landmark below to open its full visitor guide — tickets, history and what to see.
Highlights
Aswan's Engineering Marvels & Sacred Sites
- Explore the colossal Aswan High Dam, a modern testament to human ingenuity
- Witness the monumental Unfinished Obelisk, a window into ancient quarrying techniques
- Wander through the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis
Abu Simbel's Timeless Grandeur
- Behold the magnificent rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel, a tribute to Ramesses II and his beloved Nefertari
- Discover the intricate carvings and colossal statues that recount tales of divine power and devotion
Seamless Travel & Expert Guidance
- Enjoy comfortable transfers from Makadi Bay to Aswan and back
- Travel in style on a first-class train, observing Egypt's changing landscapes
- Benefit from the insightful commentary of a private Egyptologist guide throughout your journey
Gallery
Included
- Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Makadi Bay.
- Services of a highly knowledgeable private Egyptologist tour guide.
- Two delightful lunch meals during your touring days.
- Complimentary bottled mineral water aboard your vehicle.
- All entrance fees to the historical sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- First-class train tickets for the round trip between Luxor and Aswan.
- One night accommodation in a hotel in Aswan.
- All service charges and applicable taxes.
Excluded
- Gratuities for your guide, driver, and other service staff.
- Any optional activities or excursions not specified.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, or laundry.
- Anything not explicitly listed in the 'Inclusions' section.
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in USD per person.
Comfort Accommodations
Pricing Information
Rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person. Holiday surcharges apply during peak seasons, including Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Children's Policy
- Under 6 YearsComplimentary
- Ages 6 to 11 Years50% of the Adult Rate
- 12+ YearsFull Adult Rate
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather (natural fabrics like cotton or linen are best).
- Comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring historical sites.
- A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect against the sun.
- A small daypack for essentials like water, snacks, and personal items.
- Modest clothing for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
- Insect repellent, especially for evenings or near water.
- A camera to capture incredible memories (and extra batteries/memory card!).
- Any personal medications you may need.
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Private Transport
Modern air-conditioned vehicles.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
We are always available via WhatsApp.
Related Tour Packages
Hand-picked itineraries that pair perfectly with this experience.
This three-day tour from Makadi Bay reaches Cairo, Abu Simbel, and Luxor using domestic flights and a first-class train, giving Red Sea-based travelers a way…
This full-day tour flies from Makadi Bay to Cairo for a focused visit to the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with a private Egyptologist guide and…
This 2-day tour flies travelers from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan for a fast-paced look at Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and Luxor's major East…
This 2-day, 1-night tour flies from Makadi Bay to Cairo and on to Luxor, covering both cities' major sites with a private Egyptologist guide throughout. Day…
This half-day tour from Aswan crosses the Nile by motorboat to a Nubian Village, focused on daily life and culture rather than temples, with a private…
Feel the sun-baked limestone of the Great Pyramid of Giza beneath your fingers, a testament to enduring human ingenuity, on this four-day private exploration…
This four-day tour pairs Cairo's pyramids with Abu Simbel's rock-cut temples, using a domestic flight to Aswan to reach the far south of the Nile Valley…
This full-day tour travels from Makadi Bay to Luxor, covering the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Karnak…
Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.