Begin with pickup at your Aswan hotel or Nile River cruise boat, then make the trip to Abu Simbel in a private car. Hear stories about life ancient Egypt as you drive through the southern desert, paralleling the path of the dammed Nile River.  Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, explore the archeological site with your guide: make your way to the Great Temple of Ramses II, which is dedicated to the powerful king and the gods Amun, Ra, and Ptah. Look inside the temple interior, which sinks 200 feet (60 mt) into the mountain, with statues and carvings that depict Ramses II’s military victories and captives.  Continue to the Temple of Hathor, a smaller temple dedicated to Ramses II’s most beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Stand at the base of the six towering statues that line the temple façade, standing 33 feet (10 mt.) above their carved bases, and find stories about the royal couple inside the temple walls. After visiting the temple complex, make the return trip to Aswan, where this tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship.