Explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel
A 3-day private Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour is one of the most complete cultural journeys available from the Red Sea. Visit the Karnak Temple Complex, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk with a certified Egyptologist guide.
The experience includes private transportation, two hotel nights in Aswan, selected meals, entrance arrangements, and a boat ride to Philae Temple.
Tour Highlights
Private three-day tour
Karnak Temple Complex
Valley of the Kings
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Colossi of Memnon
Abu Simbel Temples
Philae Temple
Aswan High Dam
Unfinished Obelisk
Boat transfer to Philae Temple
Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Aswan
Certified Egyptologist guide
Private air-conditioned transportation
Selected meals throughout the tour
Why Choose a 3-Day Luxor and Aswan Tour?
Many visitors staying in Hurghada want to explore Egypt’s ancient monuments but do not want to rush through several cities in a single exhausting day.
This private three-day itinerary offers a more complete way to experience Upper Egypt. It combines the royal tombs and monumental temples of Luxor with the Nile landscapes, Nubian heritage, and major archaeological sites of Aswan.
You will also travel to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most extraordinary temple complexes and one of the country’s most rewarding historical destinations.
With private transportation and a dedicated Egyptologist guide, the journey is structured around comfort, historical understanding, and efficient sightseeing.
Day 1: Hurghada to Luxor and Aswan
Early Departure
Your journey begins at approximately 4:00 a.m. with collection from your hotel in Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
You will travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle toward Luxor. During the drive, you can relax while crossing the changing landscapes between the Red Sea coast and the Nile Valley.
Karnak Temple Complex
Your first major visit is the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious sites ever constructed.
The complex was developed over many centuries by successive pharaohs. Its temples, chapels, obelisks, gateways, and courtyards reflect the changing religious and political history of Ancient Egypt.
Highlights include:
The Great Hypostyle Hall
Monumental columns
The Sacred Lake
Ancient obelisks
Temple gateways and sanctuaries
Detailed hieroglyphic reliefs
Your Egyptologist will explain the importance of Karnak and the role it played in the worship of Amun-Ra.
After the visit, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Luxor’s East Bank.
Valley of the Kings
The tour continues to the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of many New Kingdom pharaohs.
The tombs were carved deep into the desert mountains and decorated with religious texts and scenes representing the pharaoh’s journey into the afterlife.
Depending on the selected entrance arrangement, you may explore several royal tombs. Special tombs, including those of Tutankhamun or Ramses VI, may require additional tickets.
Inside the valley, you will see:
Ancient burial chambers
Preserved wall paintings
Hieroglyphic inscriptions
Religious scenes
Royal funerary architecture
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Your next stop is the spectacular Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
Built against the limestone cliffs of Luxor’s West Bank, the temple is famous for its monumental terraces and elegant colonnades.
Queen Hatshepsut was one of Ancient Egypt’s most successful female rulers. The temple’s reliefs record important events from her reign, including trading expeditions and religious ceremonies.
Colossi of Memnon
Before leaving Luxor, you will stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
These two monumental statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III have stood on the West Bank for more than three thousand years and once guarded the entrance to his enormous mortuary temple.
Transfer to Aswan
At the end of the sightseeing program, you will continue south to Aswan.
Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel and rest after a full day of exploration.
Day 2: Abu Simbel Temples
Early Departure with Breakfast Box
The second day begins early with a prepared breakfast box from your hotel.
You will travel approximately three hours through the desert toward the famous Abu Simbel Temples, located near Lake Nasser and the Sudanese border.
The Great Temple of Ramses II
The main temple at Abu Simbel was built by Pharaoh Ramses II and is one of Egypt’s most recognizable monuments.
Four colossal seated statues of Ramses II dominate the temple façade. Inside, halls and chambers display scenes of military victories, royal ceremonies, and religious devotion.
Your Egyptologist will explain:
The reign of Ramses II
The Battle of Kadesh
The temple’s solar alignment
The relocation of the monuments
The symbolic meaning of the reliefs
The temples were moved to higher ground during an international rescue project to protect them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.
Temple of Queen Nefertari
The second temple was dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
It is one of the rare Egyptian temples where a queen is represented on a scale similar to the pharaoh.
Its elegant façade and beautifully decorated interiors make it one of the most distinctive monuments in southern Egypt.
After the visit, you will enjoy lunch before returning to your hotel in Aswan.
Day 3: Aswan Highlights and Return to Hurghada or Marsa Alam
Aswan High Dam
After breakfast, your Aswan sightseeing program begins at the Aswan High Dam.
Completed during the twentieth century, the dam transformed Egypt’s control over the Nile and created the vast Lake Nasser.
From the site, you can enjoy panoramic views while learning about the dam’s impact on agriculture, electricity production, and nearby archaeological monuments.
The Unfinished Obelisk
The next stop is the Unfinished Obelisk, located in an ancient granite quarry.
Had it been completed, it would have been one of the largest obelisks ever created.
The site provides valuable insight into how ancient Egyptian workers cut, shaped, and prepared enormous stone monuments using relatively simple tools.
A visible crack in the stone explains why the project was abandoned.
Lunch in Aswan
You will enjoy lunch at a selected local restaurant before continuing to the final major attraction.
Philae Temple
The beautiful Philae Temple is dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis.
The temple stands on an island and is reached by a short motorboat ride, making the approach part of the experience.
You will explore:
Monumental pylons
Temple courtyards
Religious reliefs
Sanctuaries dedicated to Isis
Greco-Roman architectural additions
Peaceful views across the Nile
Like Abu Simbel, Philae was relocated as part of an international rescue project to protect it from flooding.
After visiting Philae Temple, you will begin the private return journey to Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
You will arrive back at your hotel carrying unforgettable memories from three of Egypt’s most historically important destinations.
What Is Included?
Private hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Certified Egyptologist guide
Luxor sightseeing program
Abu Simbel excursion
Aswan sightseeing program
Two nights’ hotel accommodation in Aswan
Breakfast boxes where required
Selected lunches
Boat transfer to Philae Temple
Tour organization and logistical support
Entrance fees where stated in the confirmed package
What is Not Included?
Drinks during restaurant meals unless stated
Optional entrance to special royal tombs
Personal expenses
Optional activities
Tips
Any services not listed in the confirmed booking
The final inclusions should be clearly confirmed before payment.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
This private tour is ideal for:
History and archaeology enthusiasts
Couples
Families with older children
Small private groups
Photographers
First-time visitors to Egypt
Travelers seeking a complete Upper Egypt itinerary
Guests who prefer private transportation and personal guidance
Because the program involves long drives and early departures, travelers should be comfortable with a busy but highly rewarding itinerary.
Practical Travel Tips
Bring:
Passport
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
A light jacket for early departures
Hat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Camera or smartphone
Personal medication
Small overnight bag
Water and snacks for longer drives
For Abu Simbel, an early start is essential, so getting enough rest the previous evening is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts three days and two nights, beginning and ending at your hotel in Hurghada or Marsa Alam.
Is the tour completely private?
Yes. Transportation and the guided itinerary are arranged privately for your booking group.
Where do guests stay?
The tour includes two nights in a hotel in Aswan. The hotel category and meal plan should be confirmed at the time of booking.
Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance fees may be included according to the confirmed package. Additional tickets for special tombs in the Valley of the Kings may cost extra.
Is Abu Simbel included?
Yes. The second day is dedicated to visiting the Abu Simbel temple complex.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It can suit families with older children who are comfortable with early starts, long journeys, and extensive sightseeing.
Is a felucca ride included?
The supplied itinerary includes the boat journey to Philae Temple. A separate felucca sailing experience should only be advertised as included when confirmed in the final package.
Continue Exploring Egypt
Guests interested in similar experiences may also explore:
Luxor Day Trip
2-Day Luxor Tour with Hot Air Balloon
Cairo Day Trip by Flight
Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur Tour
Dendera and Abydos Tour
Nile Cruises
Book Your Private Upper Egypt Journey
A 3-day private Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Egypt’s most important temples, royal tombs, engineering landmarks, and Nile landscapes within one expertly organized journey.
From the monumental columns of Karnak and the decorated tombs of the Valley of the Kings to the colossal statues of Abu Simbel and the peaceful island setting of Philae Temple, every day reveals a different chapter of Ancient Egyptian history.
Book your private three-day tour with AKAZA Travel and discover Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel with a certified Egyptologist and personalized service.