Between Luxor and Aswan, and north of Luxor, stand some of the best-preserved temples in Egypt: Edfu and Kom Ombo on the Nile south of Luxor, Dendera and Abydos to the north. They are easy to visit as private day trips from Luxor or Aswan, and they show a side of ancient Egypt that many visitors miss.
The Temples at a Glance
| Temple | Dedicated to | Why visit |
|---|---|---|
| Edfu | Horus, the falcon-headed god | Considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt |
| Kom Ombo | Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus | A unique double temple on the riverbank, with a museum of crocodile mummies |
| Dendera | Hathor | One of the most complete temples in Egypt, from the Greek and Roman era |
| Abydos | Built by Seti I and completed by Ramses II | Famous for some of the finest carvings of any Egyptian temple |
Edfu and Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo stands on high ground overlooking the Nile. It is a double temple for Sobek and Horus, built in the Ptolemaic period with Roman additions; around 300 crocodile mummies found nearby are displayed in its crocodile museum. Edfu, dedicated to Horus, is remarkably complete — walls, roof and pylons still stand much as they did in antiquity.
| Tour | From | Start | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples from Aswan | Aswan | 07:00 | 8 hours | $75 |
| Trip to Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples | Luxor | 07:00 | 10 hours | $90 |
Dendera and Abydos
This full-day trip heads north from Luxor. You first visit Abydos, the great temple built by Seti I and completed by Ramses II, then drive back south to Dendera, whose temple to the goddess Hathor is one of the most complete in Egypt.
| Tour | From | Start | Duration | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour to Dendera and Abydos Temples | Luxor | 07:00 | 8 hours | $90 |
What Is Included
All three tours are private and include pick-up from your hotel or Nile cruise ship, a private air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees and water. The Edfu and Kom Ombo trips also include lunch. Prices per person fall as your group grows, from single travellers up to groups of six.
Tips
Tip: Start early — these are long drives, and the temples are more pleasant before the midday heat.
Tip: If you are taking a Nile cruise, check which temples your ship already visits so you do not book the same site twice.
Tip: Bring a torch or use your phone light to see carvings in the darker inner halls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Edfu and Kom Ombo in one day?
Yes, from Aswan (about 8 hours) or from Luxor (about 10 hours), both starting at 07:00.
Which temple is best preserved?
Edfu is considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt, and Dendera is also remarkably complete.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is included on the Edfu and Kom Ombo tours; the Dendera and Abydos tour includes water and entrance fees.
Are these tours private?
Yes. All three run as private tours with your own guide and vehicle.
