The Abu Simbel Excursion offers a captivating one-day journey from Aswan to explore the ancient wonders of Abu Simbel. Led by an expert Egyptologist guide, this personalized tour takes visitors through the iconic Great Temple of Rameses II and the awe-inspiring Temple of Hathor. With early morning pickup, air-conditioned transportation, and included entrance fees, the excursion ensures a comprehensive and comfortable experience for up to 14 travelers. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to uncover the mysteries of this remarkable archaeological site, this excursion promises an unforgettable glimpse into Egypt’s illustrious past.
Key Points
- One-day excursion from Aswan to explore the majestic Abu Simbel temples, including the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor.
- Round-trip air-conditioned minivan transportation with an Egyptologist guide, providing a personalized and informative experience.
- Included services: hotel pick-up, entrance fees, and knowledgeable guide to enhance the exploration of the ancient monuments.
- Precise alignment of the Great Temple of Rameses II for the Abu Simbel sun festival, a unique and captivating highlight.
- Maximum group size of 14 travelers, ensuring easy navigation and personalized attention from the Egyptologist guide.
Overview of Abu Simbel Excursion
The Abu Simbel Excursion is a one-day trip from Aswan that allows visitors to explore the renowned ancient monuments of Abu Simbel, including the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor.
Led by an Egyptologist guide, the tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan. Participants will have the opportunity to marvel at the impressive and well-preserved temples, while learning about their rich history and cultural significance.
The excursion caters to a maximum of 14 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience. Entrance fees aren’t included but can be purchased separately.
This day trip is an excellent way to take in the remarkable archaeological wonders of ancient Egypt.
Included in the Excursion
The Abu Simbel Excursion includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking Egyptologist guide, and free pick-up from hotels on the east bank of Aswan, with an additional fee for hotels on the west bank.
The guide provides expert commentary and insights throughout the tour, helping visitors better understand the historical significance of the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor.
Entry fees to the sites are also included in the package.
This comprehensive excursion ensures a seamless and informative experience for travelers, whether they’re first-time visitors or returning to explore the wonders of ancient Egypt.
With a maximum of 14 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Pickup Details for the Tour
Pickup time for the Abu Simbel Excursion is 4:00 AM, with free pick-up from hotels located on the east bank of Aswan.
Travelers staying at hotels in the Gharb Sohel west bank area will incur an additional fee for their pickup.
The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle and an Egyptologist English-speaking guide to transport guests to the Abu Simbel site.
Travelers should expect to arrive at their destination within a reasonable timeframe, as the tour is designed to maximize the available sightseeing time.
After exploring the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor, the group will return to Aswan using the same transportation.
Confirmation and Cancellation Policy
Confirmation for the Abu Simbel Excursion is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability. Free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the experience. This policy provides flexibility for travelers to plan their trip with confidence.
The cancellation policy is as follows:
| Timeline | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 24 hours before | Free |
| Less than 24 hours | 100% |
| No-show | 100% |
This ensures that the tour operator can manage their bookings effectively while also accommodating last-minute changes. The liberal cancellation policy is a positive feature that enhances the overall customer experience.
Accessibility and Group Size
This Abu Simbel excursion is wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to travelers with mobility needs.
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 14 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
This small group size allows for:
- More attentive service from the Egyptologist guide, who can provide personalized attention to each traveler.
- Easier navigation through the historical sites, with the group able to move together smoothly.
- A more intimate and engaging exploration of the temples, without feeling overwhelmed by a larger crowd.
With these accessibility and group size considerations, this Abu Simbel day trip offers an enriching and comfortable experience for all visitors.
Reviews of the Excursion
According to the reviews, travelers have consistently praised the Abu Simbel excursion for its engaging Egyptologist guide and well-organized logistics.
With an overall rating of 4.5 stars across 49 reviews, the trip seems to deliver on its promises. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and friendly guide, who brings the ancient history of Abu Simbel to life.
The seamless transportation, from prompt hotel pickups to the comfortable air-conditioned minivan, also receives positive feedback. Many appreciate the convenience of having entrance fees included, making the experience hassle-free.
While a few note the early morning departure, the majority agree that the trip is well worth the early start to witness the grandeur of the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor.
Highlights of the Great Temple
The towering Great Temple of Rameses II, with its colossal statues guarding the entrance, captivates visitors with its awe-inspiring scale and intricate carvings that depict the pharaoh’s military campaigns and religious devotion.
The temple’s interior features an array of remarkable features, including:
- The grand hypostyle hall, with its massive stone pillars adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and statues of the pharaoh.
- The sanctuary, where a quartet of imposing seated statues of Rameses II once overlooked the sacred space.
The temple’s alignment is precisely oriented to catch the sun’s rays during the Abu Simbel sun festival, illuminating the inner sanctum on specific dates.
Temple of Hathor Exploration
Adjoining the Great Temple of Rameses II is the smaller but equally captivating Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and motherhood.
Visitors can explore this remarkable structure, which showcases intricate carvings and statues that pay homage to Hathor and her divine role in ancient Egyptian mythology.
The temple’s façade is adorned with striking colossal statues of Rameses II wearing the headdress of Hathor, symbolizing the king’s association with the revered goddess.
Inside, the temple’s chambers and halls display exquisite reliefs depicting Hathor, often represented as a cow or a woman with a cow’s head.
Exploring the Temple of Hathor offers a deeper understanding of the rich pantheon of ancient Egyptian deities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Excursion?
The excursion is a one-day trip. It allows visitors to explore the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor with an Egyptologist guide, and includes round-trip transportation from Aswan hotels.
Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?
Photography is generally allowed at the Abu Simbel sites. Visitors should check with their guide or local authorities for any specific restrictions. Some areas may have limited or no photography permitted for preservation purposes.
Are Food and Drinks Provided During the Trip?
Food and drinks are not provided during this excursion. Travelers should bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy throughout the day. The tour focuses on the guided visits to the ancient sites at Abu Simbel.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to some extent based on individual preferences. However, the inclusions and pickup details are pre-set, and any additional requests may incur extra fees or require separate arrangements.
Is There Any Dress Code to Be Followed at the Sites?
There’s no formal dress code, but modest attire is recommended when visiting ancient Egyptian sites. Visitors should avoid wearing revealing or overly casual clothing out of respect for the cultural significance of the locations.
Recap
The Abu Simbel Excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the magnificent ancient Egyptian monuments of Abu Simbel.
With an Egyptologist guide, personalized experience, and comprehensive tour, this one-day trip from Aswan provides a chance to marvel at the Great Temple of Rameses II and the Temple of Hathor.
The early morning pickup and air-conditioned transportation ensure a comfortable and efficient journey to these captivating archaeological wonders.
