our day begins in the early morning with a prompt hotel or Nile cruise pickup in Aswan, typically between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. A professional driver and expert guide will greet you at your accommodation and escort you to a private, air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll set out before sunrise, ensuring cooler travel conditions and early arrival at the temples before large crowds gather.

Towering over the desert sands near the Sudanese border, the Great Temple of Ramses II is a true marvel of ancient engineering and ego. Carved directly into the rock face, four colossal statues of the pharaoh greet you at the entrance, each over 60 feet tall. Inside, a series of intricately decorated halls reveal scenes of battle victories, divine tributes, and celestial alignments — all designed to glorify Ramses’ reign. The temple is positioned so that twice a year, the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary — a feat that continues to astonish visitors and scholars alike.

Just a few steps away lies the smaller but equally impressive Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Ramses’ beloved queen. It’s rare in Egyptian temple architecture to see a queen depicted at the same scale as a king, but here, Nefertari stands as Ramses’ equal. The richly painted interior celebrates her beauty, grace, and divine association with Hathor, the goddess of love and music. Wandering through this sacred space, you’ll feel the reverence and affection the great pharaoh held for his queen.

After exploring the temples at your own pace — with ample time for photos and insights from your guide — you'll begin the scenic 3 to 4-hour drive back through the Nubian desert. Along the way, your guide may share stories about the historic 1960s UNESCO relocation effort that saved the temples from flooding. Upon arrival in Aswan, you’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel or cruise ship, typically in the early afternoon, with a heart full of memories and a camera full of unforgettable shots.