A 4-Day Sightseeing Adventure in Southern Egypt
Embarking on a 4-day trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel offers travelers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Egypt’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Located in the southern part of Egypt, Aswan is renowned for its majestic Nile River scenery, ancient temples, and lively markets. A visit to Abu Simbel, with its colossal rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, is a must-see highlight that adds grandeur to your Egyptian adventure. This travel guide provides an ideal itinerary, top attractions, and tips to help you make the most of your 4-day journey.
Day 1: Discovering Aswan’s Historic and Cultural Gems
Begin your trip in Aswan, a city famed for its scenic beauty and historical significance. Start your day with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile’s flow and provides hydroelectric power to Egypt. The dam’s impressive structure offers insight into modern Egyptian development and offers panoramic views of Lake Nasser.
Next, head to the Unfinished Obelisk, situated in an ancient granite quarry. This massive obelisk, if completed, would have been the tallest of its kind, providing a glimpse into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. Nearby, explore the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This stunning island temple complex, relocated to prevent flooding from Lake Nasser, showcases exquisite hieroglyphs and architecture.
In the afternoon, take a relaxing Nile River cruise around Aswan. This offers a serene experience and picturesque views of the city’s riverside landscape. End your day with a visit to the vibrant Aswan Souk, where you can shop for traditional crafts, spices, and souvenirs.
Day 2: Visit to Abu Simbel Temples
Dedicate your second day to exploring the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples, located approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Aswan. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are among Egypt’s most iconic monuments. Built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC, the temples are carved out of solid rock and feature colossal statues of Ramses himself.
To reach Abu Simbel, consider booking a guided tour or taking a pre-arranged flight from Aswan, which saves time and provides expert insights. The main temple, dedicated to Ramses II and his queen Nefertari, is renowned for its impressive façade and detailed carvings depicting battles and divine imagery.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Abu Simbel is its relocation in the 1960s, when UNESCO undertook an extraordinary effort to save the temples from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The temples were carefully dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground, an engineering feat worth witnessing.
Spend your day exploring the temples, learning about their history, and marveling at their grandeur. The site is especially stunning during sunrise or sunset, when the lighting enhances the intricate carvings.
Day 3: Nubian Culture and Local Experiences
On your third day, immerse yourself in Nubian culture, which is vibrant and distinct from mainstream Egyptian traditions. Visit a traditional Nubian Village near Aswan, where colorful houses, lively markets, and welcoming locals await. Participate in cultural activities, such as cooking Nubian cuisine, listening to traditional music, or shopping for handcrafted jewelry and textiles.
You can also enjoy a felucca sailboat ride on the Nile, offering unique perspectives of Aswan’s skyline and islands. This leisurely cruise is perfect for relaxing and taking in the scenic beauty of the Nile River.
Day 4: Relaxation and Final Sightseeing
Your last day can be reserved for relaxing or revisiting favorite spots. Consider a visit to the Botanical Garden on Kitchener’s Island, which features lush tropical plants and serene walking paths. Alternatively, explore the Aswan Museum to deepen your understanding of the region’s history.
Before departing, enjoy a final stroll along the Nile Corniche, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Savor local dishes at a riverside restaurant and reflect on your memorable Egyptian adventure.
Top Tips for Your Aswan and Abu Simbel Trip
Conclusion
A 4-day trip to Aswan and Abu Simbel captures the essence of Egypt’s ancient splendor and modern vibrancy. From the engineering marvel of the High Dam to the awe-inspiring temples of Ramses II, this journey offers an enriching experience filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a leisure traveler, this itinerary ensures a memorable Egyptian adventure that leaves you longing to return.
Plan your trip today and unlock the secrets of Egypt’s southern treasures!
Welcome to Egypt. Our airport transfer team is available 24/7. As soon as you get out of the exit gate of the Terminal, you will find Ancient Egypt Tours representative, holding a sign, waiting to meet and greet you. He will escort you to your private A/C vehicle. You will be transferred to the hotel and the reception manager will assist you in check-in procedures as smooth as possible. Ancient Egypt Tours agent will contact you to agree on a meeting time with you
In case you arrive early then check-in limit you can enjoy waiting in the hotel until check-in time or you can ask your operator to book you a pre-tour extra night and get checked in immediately
Optional Tour:
Philae Temple Sound and Light show if available
Enjoy your Aswan Day Tour. Our Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan to enjoy a day tour in the amazing city Aswan. Start your tour by a visit to the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in 1960 protecting Egypt from annual floods from the Nile.
Then proceed to visit the Unfinished Obelisk which shows the techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to cut obelisks. Most probably this obelisk belongs to Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rulers of the 18th Dynasty and the royal wife of king Tuthmosis II. This queen was the owner of her Temple in the eastern bank of Luxor. Also there is an opinion said that it belongs to Queen Nefertiti.
Move on to visit the majestic Philae Temple which was built on the honor of Goddess Isis the chief deity of the island. Later you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Enjoy your Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan. Our Ancient Egypt Tours Representative will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan by a PRIVATE air-conditioned vehicle. It is about 03 hours and half, one way driving from Aswan to Abu Simbel. You will enjoy Abu Simbel area with its main attraction “the great sun temple of Ramses II” and the temple of queen Nefertari. Both temples were discovered in 1813 it was almost completely covered with sand. Then both temples were moved in 1960 by the help of Egyptian government and UNESCO to avoid the rising water of the Nile. Ramses II built the temple mostly to honour himself as inside there is a mural depicting his famous victory at Kadesh battle where his army defeated his enemies. On the north of Ramses temple, the Nefertari Temple which was built by Ramses II to his favourite wife Queen Nefertari among other 200 wives and concubines. After finishing the visit you will be escorted back to your hotel Proceed to have your lunch at local restaurant.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you leave to the airport for your flight back home. Ancient Egypt Tours representative will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
If your flight is early before breakfast time you can make arrangements with the hotel to prepare a breakfast box for you to take it on your way to the airport
Ancient Egypt Tours had a great time with you and hope you have enjoyed your time and was satisfied with the services you were offered
Meal: Breakfast
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 950 $ |
| Twin Room | 700 $ |
| Triple Room | 650 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 680 $ |
| Twin Room | 500 $ |
| Triple Room | 450 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 750 $ |
| Twin Room | 550 $ |
| Triple Room | 480 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 500 $ |
| Twin Room | 400 $ |
| Triple Room | 350 $ |
Price quotes are in USD per person per tour except for celebration. Please inquire for the prices of New Year, Christmas and Easter.
Tipping for a job well done is customary and highly expected in Egypt though it is not obligatory. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your service provider
Notes:
Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 OR 2 Child under 5 years old sharing parent’s room)
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 20% to secure your space on the tour including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services and 30% during Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, your booking will be a risk-free investment.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
At any time after your booking is confirmed, Ancient Egypt Tours holds a 20% non-refundable deposit
7 days or less before departure, we will retain the 50% payment you have paid in relation to your booking.
We advise all clients to purchase travel insurance in the event that travel is unexpectedly interrupted due to illness. To confirm the booking, the client must pay a deposit of 20% of the total tour price.
Should the reservation be canceled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far beyond the departure date the cancellation is made. To cancel, the Customer must notify the Tour Organizer in writing.
Full payment forfeiture in case of no show
All Transportation tickets are nonrefundable and there’s also a 5% transaction fee on refunds.
Here, at Ancient Egypt Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid according to cancellation policy, unless you prefer to keep your payment available for future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations, we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically.
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
