Abu Simbel is in Aswan governorate, about 280 kilometres south of the city. It is not a casual afternoon. By road with a private car you leave Aswan before dawn, see the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the smaller temple of Nefertari, and you are back in the early afternoon. Some days the police run a convoy window. We follow that window. We do not invent a private road when the road is closed.

The temples were cut, moved, and rebuilt above Lake Nasser. That engineering is part of the visit, and so is the facade you came for. An hour inside and in front of the colossi is enough for most parties. Staying longer in the sun does not add history. Flights from Aswan exist and suit tight cruise turnarounds; they cost more and they still need a guide at the site. We price the option you actually want, road or air, before the deposit.

This day stands alone or it sits the morning after a Philae day. It does not sit well after a late felucca. Say which night you are in Aswan and we will tell you if the start time is humane.

Area planning is on Aswan. The bookable shape of the day is on the tours list.