Abu Simbel Sun Festival
This unique 9-day Egypt tour starts in Egypt’s capital city of Cairo, before we head to the scenic cities of Aswan and Luxor. The tour is set to fall in line with the Sun Festival held at Abu Simbel’s Temples twice yearly.
Abu Simbel was built by King Ramses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.). He wanted its internal chamber to light up twice a year – the first time on 22 February, on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne and the second time on his birthday on 22 October.
In the early 1960’s, the entire temple complex was moved to higher ground when the Aswan Dam caused Lake Nasser to rise and inundate the area. The two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff where they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain.
Now, every year, the temple faces east, and at the solstices – twice a year – the dawn sunlight is aligned to light the entire length of the temple entrance corridor, lighting up three of the four statues at the end of the corridor. Only the statue of Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in darkness.
Once we arrive in Cairo, we’ll explore the Great Pyramids and the towering Giza Sphinx, before we make our way to Aswan to explore the island-based Philae Temple and the Aswan Dam.
Our trip to Abu Simbel starts early, as we aim to be at the monument before sunrise. It will be busy, but it's very organised and everyone will have a chance to go inside to see this magnificent spectacle.
After witnessing this unique experience, we’ll head back to Aswan as we set sail on a traditional felucca sailboat for a peaceful cruise on the tranquil waters of the Nile River, as we head to Luxor. A support boat will join us every now and then, which includes a welcome toilet, showers and a massage deck. An alternative upgrade to an extra night in the hotel in Aswan is available if you prefer.
En-route to Luxor, we’ll stop to visit the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples and once we arrive, we’ll visit the towering Karnak Temple, the tombs at the Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatchepsut Temple. You’ll also have some free time to explore the busy markets or relax at the hotel pool before we head back to Cairo. As an additional extra, you can add a visit to the Red Sea, please contact us for details as extensions are easily arranged from Luxor to Hurghada, and then back to Cairo from there.
Festivals and events
