Simbel from Aswan Nile Following a pick-up from your hotel in Aswan at 03:15, travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the temples of Abu Simbel before the heat of the day. Carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, the Abu Simbel temple complex was relocated in its entirety in 1968 to an artificial hill above the Aswan High Dam reservoir. Relax on the 3-hour drive into the desert. Upon arrival, an Egyptologist guide will tell you all about one of the greatest and most whimsical pharaohs in Egyptian history. Marvel at the main façade of the Great Temple to Ramesses II and its 4 statues of the pharaoh seated on his throne following his advancing age. In theory, the main temple is dedicated to Amon-Re Horakhty and Ptah, but in practice, it was constructed for the greater glory of its builder, Ramses the Great. Continue to the smaller temple of Ramesses' consort, Queen Nefertari, situated right next to the Great Temple. Admire the impressive rock-cut façade depicting the pharaoh and his queen. Re-board the coach at 09:00 for the return transfer to Aswan before the high heat of the desert arrives.