Egypt
Egypt
Socotra
Egypt
Egypt
Socotra
Egypt
Egypt
Socotra
The future depends on what we do in the present!
WT-CODE 28611
A Rare Phenomenon: The Sun Miracle of Abu Simbel
Early in the morning, twice a year, an extraordinary light spectacle takes place inside the Temple of Abu Simbel. This divine event, known as the Sun Miracle, lasts barely 20 minutes and occurs precisely on February 22 and October 22.
During this brief moment, sunlight penetrates the temple's depths, reaching the sanctuary located 65 meters behind the entrance. The light illuminates three of the four deity statues:
• Re, the Sun God
• Ramses II, depicted as a divine ruler
• Amun, the national god
The fourth god, Ptah, remains in darkness—a fitting tribute to his role as the deity of the underworld, ruling over earth, air, and the night.
Between 1964 and 1968, the entire Abu Simbel temple complex was dismantled and relocated 65 meters higher and 185 meters inland to save it from submersion due to the creation of Lake Nasser. This engineering feat led to a slight shift in the timing of the Sun Miracle.
Commissioned in the 13th century BC, the temple symbolizes the journey of Ramses II from man to god. As researcher Mohamed El Bialy explains:
• Outside, Ramses appears human, depicted fourfold with his family at his feet.
• Inside the sanctuary, he joins the ranks of the most revered gods of the 19th Dynasty.
The Sun Miracle reinforces his deification, reminding all who witness it of his divine status.
Following the celestial event, the Sun Festival takes place on the temple forecourt. Visitors are treated to performances by whirling dervishes, who dance in mesmerizing circles, posing for photos and engaging with the crowd.
Witnessing the Sun Miracle of Abu Simbel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a blend of history, astronomy, and divine symbolism. Plan your visit to be part of this extraordinary event!
Your special tour starts from Aswan. In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you by car on a three-hour drive to Abu Simbel. There, our Dabuka Blue—your floating hotel for the next few days—will be waiting for you. After check-in, enjoy your first lunch on board before visiting the Abu Simbel temple complex.
These iconic temples, carved in the 13th century BC, commemorate Ramses II's victory at the Battle of Kadesh. UNESCO relocated them during the Aswan High Dam construction and as a matter of fact they remain stunning. (L/D)
The day begins with the special highlight of the journey. Let yourself be enchanted from a celebration of light and legacy.
Lunch on board, then sail four hours to Kasr Ibrim, a fortress with remains from the Christian and Islamic periods. Lastly, we dock and spend the night in the area’s creeks. Dinner on board. (B/L/D)
Breakfast on board. Straightaway, we watch nomadic birds (seasonal) before exploring the temples of Amada, Pennout, and El Derr, relocated by UNESCO.
King Thutmose III and King Amenhotep II built Amada. El Derr dates back to Ramses II and was later used as a church. Besides, Aniba moved the tomb of Pennout. After touring the temples, return for lunch and sail through Korousko and Wadi El Arab, anchoring for the night. Dinner and overnight on board. (B/L/D)
At first we will have breakfast on board. Discover relocated temples Dakka and Wadi El Seboua. The Nubian King Ergamenes II ,Ptolemy II and Ramses II built the temples.
Lunch on board, sail towards Aswan, passing Abu Steta desert and seasonal bird congregations. Anchor to visit Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, and Meharraqa. Pass Khour El Alaki and cross Bab Kalabsha. Spend the night in one of the bays. Dinner on board. (B/L/D)
Breakfast as we depart for Aswan and will view Lake Nasser's banks. Furthermore we visit Kalabsha, dating back to Roman times, and Beit El Wali, carved during Ramses II's reign. (B/L/D)
After the visits, you may enjoy finally a dip in the lake before concluding in Aswan. Check-out and say goodbye. (B)
Note: The itinerary may change based on navigation and weather. The program will be fully respected. February, March, and April weather can cause delays due to sandstorms.
21 October - 26 October 2025
22 February - 1 March 2026
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Albert Einstein
“Only where you have walked on foot have you really been.” – Messner
Follow in the footsteps of the happy, and you will become happy. (Omani saying)