Debra

We are doing an organised tour of Egypt and there is an optional tour of Abu Simbel which is only for 3-4 hours which included flying time and costing about $US500 for 2 people. Can anyone tell me, is it worth spending that amount of money and only be there for a short time??

Mel

Hi Debra, we were on a tour of Egypt and were also given this option of visiting Abu Simbel or not. To be honest, I don't remember how much time we actually had at the site or how much it cost, but I do know that it was not a lot and a lot, respectively. I hope to visit Egypt again but if I don't I will always be thankful that we took that trip (however brief) down to Abu Simbel. It is a a beautiful and interesting place. I guess I would say that if you can afford it and if your choice is to go only for a short time or to not go at all, go for it. I can't say if it will be worth it for you, but it was for me. Have a good trip!

ellen

Abu Simbel was the highlight of my recent trip to Egypt. But the highlight part was not in the daytime, it was the sound and light show that evening. It was warm, of course, not many people due to 9/11 proximity, a million stars and a most spectacular show. It is indeed an incredible place. However, I might have been disappointed if I had not seen the light show. Ellen

Sandy

The optional tour is well worth it. Sit on the left side of the plane facing the front. You see the whole site from the air as you desend for landing. Look out the window during the flight and you will see many pyramids on the trip. Hope you have a clear day.

Eric

$500 may seem like alot, but once you've been there it will have been worth it. I went to Egypt and saw just about everything that there was to see, except Abu Simbel. Little did I know, but that was one trip I should have made. I guess it gives me a reason to return.

/debra

Many thanks for the replies, it looks like Abu Simbel is a must see. I have found a great tour with The Imaginative Traveller which sounds quite comprehensive. Can't wait to see Egypt! Thanks again