I will be on an organized tour of Egypt in January that offers an excursion for 1/2 day to Abu Simbel by plane for $250 per person. Is it worth the expense? I have heard that this is a beautiful sight, but we will have seen numerous temples, etc and am wondering whether it is an important enough attraction to spend the time and money.

Nothing else that you will see compares to Abu Simbel. It is even more amazing than the pyramids and the sphinx in my opinion.I cannot imagine going to Egypt and skipping Abu Simbel.This is probably the only time in your life that you will visit Egypt so don't pass on this opportunity.

I have to second the motion to all that twelveoaks just said.!

Percy

I have to speak for the offense. I don't see the huge attraction of it. I like the idea that they moved it up hill so well to preserve it, but as far as a temple goes ... it's another temple.

Everyone has to make the decision on their own. If the cost is a real burden to you, think about it.

I've recently found that YouTube is real helpful in seeing things before you make the decision to go or not to go. Maybe you can search for a video of it and make some detirmination from that.

Good luck making the decision. I think if you really want to see it, by all means you should. If it is a ho-hum attraction to you, spend your time and money on something else.

yes!

See? So far it is 3 to 1. Maybe you better go.

4 to 1 now!

I've been to Abu Simbel twice and enjoyed it both times. I do, however, agree with Debbie in that I wasn't as "wowed" by it as my DH and other family members.

HOWEVER......as I wrote to another poster awhile back.....to go all the way to Egypt and NOT see it because of the cost...is silly! If it doesn't interest you, then fine. But don't let cost be the deciding factor.

If you DON'T go and then realize it was worth the expense/hassle...won't you be kicking yourself?

If Egypt is one of those once in a lifetime trips....then GO! As the Nike slogan says....Just DO IT!

It's a long trip to Egypt and at $250 (a very good price for flying to/from) for extension to Abu Simbel... another vote for "Just Do It!"

The temples are different than others you'll see and quite magnificent. We're very glad we visited.

So, I believe it's now 6 (or 7) - 1.

It's really up to you, but we agreed that to go all the way to Egypt and not see it was foolish. We flew in before dawn to watch the sun rise, to see the stone turn lovely colors, and to understand the engineering genius behind the placement of the entrance to the temple so that the sunlight reaches way inside on the birthday of Ramses.

Good advice from everyone.

As has been mentioned...to go all the way from Cairo to Aswan down the Nile and then not go to Abu Simble....

after you get home, you might very well regret it.

I was not thrilled with the Light and Sound show at Karnak Temple....but I still went to the one at the Pyramids several days later.

I just said to myself, "do it", you might not be back here again !!

( besides,I'm a brute for punishment )

Percy

It is an expensive day trip and I was undecided at first too. Here were my thoughts:

I might never have this opportunity again. If I go and I don't like it, it's only $200 and I'll get over it.

If I don't go I will forever be sorry and feel like I missed out on one of Egypt's greatest sights.

In the end I decided to go and I'm very glad I did. So add me to the list of votes that you should go.

I was there just 5 months ago and I am very happy I went.

It was as nice as Percy told me it was.
So I e-mailed him and thanked him for advising me to make sure I went to Abu Simble.

Now I am home and I am happy I paid the extra to go there.

jmvp

I will increase the odds. It is a different temple than all the others. Most people don't regret making the effort to see Abu Simbel.

TeacherCanada says go!

ok - everybody - I'm convinced!!
The tour company wants early sign-up for this and I contacted them yesterday and told them we would go.

Thanks for all your input on this. It really has helped.

Please do go...your memeories are what you will bring back from, this trip --of a lifetime for many people.

I lived in Cairo for nearly six years and my trips to Luxor and Aswan including Abu Simbel are some of the fondest memories I have.

I think that you will not regret it.
I adore Egypt and Egyptians and cannot wait to get back in January 09.

I agree with Casual Cairo on all points!

Gee, thanks southeastern. I was begining to think I was all alone in this end of the pool.