Tombs of the Nobles Tour in Aswan with Nile Boat Ride
On the west bank of the Nile, facing the city of Aswan, a sandstone hillside is dotted with rock-cut tombs of the governors and officials who guarded Egypt's southern frontier. This short private tour takes you across the river by boat and up the slope to see them, finishing with a sweeping view from the top.
The Tombs of the Nobles, also known as Qubbet el-Hawa, belong mostly to the Old and Middle Kingdoms. Their walls carry hieroglyphic inscriptions and scenes carved in the rock, and some tell the life stories of the men buried there, including journeys into Nubia.
At the summit stands the Dome of the Wind, the small domed tomb of a local sheikh. From here you look down over Aswan, the river and the surrounding desert.
The tour suits travelers who like their history quiet and off the main route, and it pairs well with a visit to the temples of Philae or a sail on the river. It involves a boat crossing and a climb of stairs, so wear shoes with a good grip and bring water and a hat.
Your itinerary
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Nile boat crossing, Tombs of the Nobles and the Dome of the Wind
Your guide meets you at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise boat and takes you to the river. A short boat ride carries you across the Nile to the west bank, where cliffs rise above the water.
Climb a flight of stairs to the Tombs of the Nobles. Inside the tombs your guide reads the inscriptions and explains the scenes, and the biographies of the governors who ruled here. Allow about an hour and a half. Which tombs are open varies from day to day, so your guide chooses the best ones available.
Continue up the hill to the Dome of the Wind, the tomb of a local sheikh, for a view across Aswan, the Nile and the desert. Take your time for photos, then return down the stairs and cross back by boat to your hotel or cruise boat.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise boat
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private Egyptologist guide in your language
- Entrance fees to the tombs in the itinerary
- Boat ride across the Nile
- Bottled water during the visit
- All service charges and taxes
Not included
- Drinks and meals
- Tipping (recommended)
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Good to know
- We confirm your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before the trip.
- Pick-up areas: hotels and Nile ships in Aswan.
- Private trip: the day is for your group only. Vehicle: a car for up to 3 to 4 guests, a minivan for up to 7 to 8, and two vehicles for larger groups.
- Walking at the sites, often in the sun. Suitable for most ages, with rests for young children and older guests.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and modest clothing for temples and religious sites.
- Runs all year. October to April is the most comfortable; in summer we start early.
- The price shown is the starting price per person. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel area, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you book.
- Children: under 6 travel free, ages 6 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the full price.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up. After that the trip is not refundable.
Questions
What are the Tombs of the Nobles?
They are rock-cut tombs of governors and high officials from Aswan, cut into the cliffs of the west bank. Many carry inscriptions describing the careers of their owners, which makes them important records of Egypt's relations with Nubia.
How much climbing is there?
You climb a flight of stairs from the landing to the tombs, and there is more walking on the hillside to reach the Dome of the Wind. Wear shoes with a good grip. Tell us if anyone has difficulty with steps.
Is the tour hot in summer?
The hillside has very little shade, and Aswan is one of Egypt's hottest cities, so in summer we suggest the earliest or the latest part of the day. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water.
What is the view from the Dome of the Wind?
From the summit you see the Nile curving around the islands of Aswan, the town on the east bank and the desert beyond. It is a good place for photos, especially in the clear light of the morning.
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