Private Tour to the Tombs of the Nobles: A Glimpse into Ancient Egyptian Life
A private tour to the Tombs of the Nobles in Aswan offers an intimate and fascinating journey into the lives of the elite who served the pharaohs during ancient Egypt’s Old and Middle Kingdoms (around 2686–1650 BCE). Nestled in the cliffs on the west bank of the Nile, these tombs provide a unique perspective on the daily life, beliefs, and artistry of ancient Egypt’s nobility.
The Tombs of the Nobles are the final resting places of governors, officials, and dignitaries from the ancient city of Elephantine, which was a strategic and administrative center in Upper Egypt. These tombs date primarily to the 6th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom and the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom.
Role of the Nobles: The nobles buried here were responsible for overseeing trade, managing resources, and maintaining order in the region. Their tombs reflect their high status and close ties to the pharaoh.
Artistic Legacy: Unlike royal tombs, which focus on the afterlife and the pharaoh’s divine journey, the Tombs of the Nobles depict scenes of daily life, offering a rare glimpse into the activities, customs, and traditions of ancient Egyptian society.
The tombs are carved into the rock and feature beautifully preserved wall paintings and inscriptions. Some of the most notable tombs include:
Tomb of Sarenput II (Tomb 31):
Sarenput II was a powerful governor during the reign of Senusret II (12th Dynasty).
The tomb’s vibrant paintings depict hunting, fishing, and offerings to the gods, showcasing the noble’s wealth and influence.
Tomb of Mekhu and Sabni (Tomb 25):
This double tomb tells the story of Mekhu, a governor who died on an expedition to Nubia, and his son Sabni, who retrieved his father’s body and ensured a proper burial.
The reliefs highlight themes of family loyalty and devotion.
Tomb of Harkhuf (Tomb 34):
Harkhuf was a governor and explorer who led expeditions to Nubia and brought back exotic goods, including a pygmy for the young pharaoh Pepi II.
The tomb’s inscriptions include a copy of a letter from Pepi II, expressing his excitement about the pygmy.
A private tour allows you to explore these ancient tombs at your own pace, with personalized insights from an expert guide. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the historical context, symbolism, and artistry of the tombs, making the experience both educational and immersive.
The Tombs of the Nobles offer a rare window into the lives of ancient Egypt’s elite, far removed from the grandeur of royal tombs. From the vivid wall paintings to the touching stories of loyalty and adventure, this private tour is a must for anyone seeking to connect with the humanity of ancient Egypt.
Aswan is a city in Southern Egypt, and is the capital of the Aswan Governorate.
Tombs of The Nobles
Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Aswan, and transfer to the Nile side where your motorboat is waiting. Board your boat and cross the Nile to the high cliffs opposite Aswan, just north of Kitchener’s Island.
A set of stairs cutting across the hill takes you up to the tombs from the Boat landing. The Nobles tombs in Aswan dates mainly from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms of ancient Egypt and most follow a simple plan, with an entrance hall, a pillared room and a corridor leading to the burial chamber. The tombs provide important vivid wall paintings showing scenes of everyday life details of officials.
The tombs are decorated with, hieroglyphic biographies and inscriptions telling of the noblemen’s journeys into Africa. On top of the hill above the tombs of the Nobles there is a small shrine or tomb of a local sheikh and holy man “Kubbet el-Hawa” Translated as “the dome of the wind”. The climb is rewarded with amazing views of Aswan, the Nile River and the surrounding landscape. After finishing, transfer back to your Nile Cruise or hotel in Aswan.
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 60 $ |
| 2 -3 | 40 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 35 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 30 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 25 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
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 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
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.
21 Days All Egypt Sightseeing includes a visit to the ruins of the former Christian holy city . Additionally, it contain a church, a baptistery, basilicas, public buildings, streets, monasteries, houses, and workshops. Surprisingly, Builders established them over the tomb of Menas of Alexandria.
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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:
2-hour open buffet dinner Nile cruise including a belly dancer, local band and skirt rotation performer if your tour starts in Cairo
Sound and Light show if available
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 480$ |
| 2 -3 | 550$ |
| 4 – 6 | 600$ |
| 7 – 10 | 600$ |
| 11 – 15 | 600$ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
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 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
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.
