Aswan-Abu Simbel Highlights

In the morning, your guide will meet you to take you to the first step of your trip : Philae temple. Enjoy a motorboat ride to reach this temple which is located on Agilika Island. Originally built by Nectanebo I on the Island of Philae, this temple is one of the most important sites of Nubia and was a center of the cult of Isis.

Leave Agilika Island and get to the High Dam. In 1960 the Egyptian government decided to replace the former dam which was not high enough. Built across the Nile, the Hight Dam allows Egyptians to enjoy a permanent agriculture instead of depending on the seasons. The construction of the dam threatened a lot of houses and touristic sites, such as the temple of Abu Simbel which was moved to a higher place.

Go back to Aswan where you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Star your day early in the morning, around 4:30 AM, to discover the two jewels of Abu Simbel. You will be driven, with your guide, by air-conditioned car during 3 hours.

Discover the two jewels of Abu Simbel. Sculpted into the rock, these two temples have been built in the 13th century BC, to commemorate the victory of Pharaoh Ramesses II at the Battle of Qadesh. Visit the lasting monument of King Ramesses II and his Queen Nefertari. The modern and original design tells about the audacity of Ramesses II. Face these temples and let the greatness of its colossi overwhelm you. Visit these two masterpieces with your Egyptologist guide and discover the history of this place and of the great Pharaoh who build them.

These temple are obviously wonders of architecture but they are also the proof that Ancient Egyptians had a deep knowledge of astronomy. Indeed, twice a year the sun illuminates the statue of Ramesses II : once for his birthday and the second time for the date when he took power over the whole country.

Here ends your trip, you will be escorted back to your hotel.