Overview
Tour Description
Twice a year, on 22 February and 22 October, the rising sun shines straight through the entrance of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, travels about 60 meters into the mountain and lights the statues of the gods in the sanctuary. This 5-day tour takes you there for the Sun Festival, with the pyramids, Aswan and the Egyptian Museum around it.
Highlights
- The Abu Simbel Sun Festival at dawn on 22 February or 22 October
- A Nile dinner cruise in Cairo
- The Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
- The High Dam and Philae Temple
- The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square
About the Sun Festival
Ramses II built the Great Temple so that sunlight would reach the inner sanctuary on two days a year, lighting the statues of Amun-Ra, Ra-Horakhty and the king himself, while Ptah, a god of the underworld, stays in shadow. Thousands of people gather before dawn, with music and dancing outside the temple. It is crowded and unforgettable. Book early, as hotels and flights fill up months ahead.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo and Nile dinner cruise
A King Tut Tours representative meets you inside the airport, helps you with your visa, passport control and luggage, and walks you out to your guide and private driver, who take you to your 5-star hotel. In the evening you join a gentle Nile dinner cruise with music and a folklore show.
Meals: Dinner. Overnight: 5-star hotel, Cairo.
Day 2: Giza Pyramids, fly to Aswan
Your Egyptologist takes you to the Giza Plateau for the pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. After lunch you fly south to Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Overnight: 5-star hotel, Aswan.
Day 3: Aswan: the High Dam and Philae
You visit the High Dam, which created Lake Nasser, and after lunch take a motorboat to Philae Temple, center of the myth of Isis and Osiris, rebuilt on Agilkia Island by UNESCO. Get an early night: tomorrow starts at midnight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Overnight: 5-star hotel, Aswan.
Day 4: The Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, fly to Cairo
A private car leaves Aswan around midnight for the three-hour drive to Abu Simbel. You arrive before dawn and join the crowds outside the Great Temple of Ramses II, who reigned from 1279 to 1213 BC. As the sun rises over Lake Nasser, its beams reach deep into the sanctuary. After the festival you tour both temples, return to Aswan for lunch and fly to Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast box, lunch. Overnight: 5-star hotel, Cairo.
Day 5: The Egyptian Museum and departure
After check-out you visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, open since 1902, before your transfer to Cairo International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast.
Included and Excluded
- 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo
- 2 nights in a 5-star hotel in Aswan
- Flights Cairo to Aswan and back
- Sun Festival access at Abu Simbel
- Nile dinner cruise
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Lunch on sightseeing days
- Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Meet and assist at all airports
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- All service charges and taxes
- International flights and Egypt entry visa
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips for guides, drivers and crew
Prices:
What will it cost you?
Prices per person change with the season and how many of you travel. Set yours and see the real number — no email needed.
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Tour Attractions
FAQs
When is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
Every year on 22 February and 22 October, at sunrise. These dates are traditionally linked to Ramses II's birthday and coronation.
How much does the Sun Festival tour cost?
It depends on group size: $4,000 per person for a solo traveler, $3,500 each for 2 to 3, $3,000 for 4 to 8, $2,800 for 9 to 15 and $2,250 for 16 or more.
Is the Sun Festival very crowded?
Yes. Thousands of people come, and the queue to see the light inside the sanctuary is long. Arriving early, as this tour does, gives you the best chance.
Can I combine the Sun Festival with a Nile cruise?
Yes. A cruise from Aswan to Luxor can start the day after the festival. Ask us for a combined itinerary.
How much do Egypt tours from the USA cost?
Our USA tours start from $450 per person, excluding international flights. Prices depend on length, season and group size.
