This has been on my "bucket list" for years but I was wary about going back to Egypt. So glad I did. The size of this is breathtaking. Long trip to get there and not really there for long enough considering the time of the journey but so worth it. Very impressive. Went over the Christmas period so wasn't too busy. Wouldn't like to be there when it is. Would have given 5 stars but the shop keepers / market traders were very over powering on the way back to the coach. Spoiled it a little.

Abu Simbel is a "must see"; one of the most awe inspiring wonders of the ancient world where an entire mountain was carved with pinpoint accuracy to create the temples of Ramesses II and his beloved wife Nefertari. The scale has to be seen to be appreciated. The modern miracle of UNESCO combining the world's resources in creating an artificial "mountain" (hollow dome) to house the reconstructed temple in order to save it from being submerged under Lake Nasser was also incredible. Even Ramesses would have been proud.

This place is definitely worth visiting. It's a bit of a hassle to get to, but it's worth it. Trains don't go there, but you can fly from Cairo or Aswan, or take a taxi/minibus from Aswan. The drive takes 3 hours or so.

You need around 2 hours to tour the place. I recommend getting there early, to see the sunrise and avoid the tourist groups as much as possible. (That means you have to leave from Aswan by 4:15 am if you are driving).