From the grandeur of Abu Simbel to the cultural heartbeat of Aswan, each day offers private encounters with Egypt’s ancient temples, river scenes, and living traditions – moments designed for discovery beyond the ordinary.
Abu Simbel & Lake Nasser tour: sunrise temples and desert stillness
Fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel, a remote village at Egypt’s southern edge. A private transfer takes you to the twin temples carved from sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Nasser.
The temples are a spectacle of scale and craftsmanship: four colossal statues of Ramses II, each 20 metres tall, stand at the entrance, while the Temple of Nefertari stretches into the rock, adorned with statues and painted reliefs. Constructed over twenty years, these temples were gradually buried by sand, rediscovered in the early 19th century, and meticulously relocated in the 1960s to survive the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Experiencing the temples at sunrise makes their enormity and artistry strikingly tangible, offering a rare moment to connect with Egypt’s history.
From here, enjoy a fishing excursion on Lake Nasser, observing birdlife along hidden inlets and absorbing the desert’s serene stillness. The combination of monumental architecture and tranquil surroundings makes for an experience few encounter.
"At sunrise in Abu Simbel or adrift on Lake Nasser, Egypt reveals itself in ways few are privileged to witness."
Aswan: river life, heritage and local culture
Continuing north, Aswan unfolds along a wide stretch of the Nile, where emerald islands rise among granite cliffs. Once known as Soun, the city was a historic trading hub in Nubia, a region whose crafts, folklore, and language endure today.
Stroll along the corniche or sail a private felucca to the Temple of Philae, relocated to Agilkia Island to protect it from the High Dam. In the evening, the sound and light show animates the temple, casting ancient reliefs in dramatic shadow and illumination. Guided tours to the Nubia Museum, St. Simeon Monastery, and Elephantine Island reveal the region’s architecture, culture, and traditions, while leaving space to notice details often missed by larger groups.
Aswan’s markets buzz with life, offering handwoven textiles, alabaster carvings, spices, and traditional crafts. The city’s granite, quarried here for centuries, was used to build obelisks, shrines, and pyramids across Egypt, connecting Aswan to a long lineage of artistry and trade.
Where you’ll stay on your luxury holiday to Egypt: The Old Cataract Hotel
Overlooking the Nile and Lake Nasser, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel combines history, location, and character. Its terraces frame the river and the dam wall, while inside, Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile. Rooms and suites offer quiet moments to absorb the rhythm of the Nile and the city’s layered heritage, completing the journey with refined comfort and timeless charm.
The best time to visit Egypt
The best months for a luxury Egypt holiday are October to April, when temperatures are mild, the Nile glows under soft light, and temples can be explored comfortably. Early morning flights to Abu Simbel and evening visits to Philae allow for optimal illumination, fewer crowds, and a deeper connection to these iconic sites.
Plan your luxury holiday to Abu Simbel and Aswan
Our Signature Egypt Cultural Journey could be customised to include a tour of Aswan or Abu Simbel, or we could craft an entirely bespoke itinerary to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our Egypt specialists to start creating your holiday.
