Tour Details and Itinerary
This two-day tour from Marsa Alam offers a deep dive into the ancient history and iconic landmarks of southern Egypt, combining the engineering wonders of Aswan with the dramatic temples of Abu Simbel. With professional guidance, private transport, and comfortable accommodation, this trip blends cultural exploration with time to relax.
Day 1: Aswan’s Engineering and Temples
Your day begins early with pickup from your Marsa Alam hotel around 5:00 AM. Enjoy a scenic drive through desert and Nile Valley landscapes on the way to Aswan, a journey of approximately 4 to 6 hours. A packed breakfast box can be arranged upon request.
Upon arrival in Aswan, you’ll meet your Egyptologist guide and begin your tour at the Aswan High Dam. This modern structure, built in the 20th century, played a major role in controlling the Nile’s floodwaters and transforming Egypt’s agriculture and energy supply.
Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, located in a granite quarry used by ancient Egyptian stone workers. Still attached to the bedrock, the obelisk offers a rare look into how these massive monuments were carved, and why some were left incomplete.
After a midday lunch at a local restaurant, your guide will lead you to the Temple of Philae, now located on Agilkia Island. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was relocated stone by stone after the construction of the dam to protect it from flooding. The temple’s graceful columns, relief carvings, and peaceful island setting make it one of the most beautiful in Egypt.
In the evening, you’ll check into a hotel in Aswan for a well-earned rest. Guests may choose to attend the optional sound-and-light show at Philae Temple, available for an additional fee and arranged locally.
Day 2: Abu Simbel and Return to Marsa Alam
Day two begins early, with departure between 3:30 and 4:30 AM for a three-hour drive south to Abu Simbel, located near the Sudanese border. These massive temples were carved into the rock during the reign of Ramses II and later relocated to prevent submersion after the building of the High Dam.
At the site, you’ll explore the Great Temple of Ramses II, with its four colossal seated statues at the entrance, and the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari. The equal scale of her depiction beside the pharaoh is a rare tribute in ancient Egyptian art and architecture.
After your guided tour, return to Aswan for lunch before beginning the drive back to Marsa Alam. You’ll arrive in the evening, completing a journey filled with ancient architecture, storytelling, and southern Egyptian charm.
This overnight adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful two-day experience beyond the Red Sea coast, with visits to some of Egypt’s most memorable monuments.
