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Aswan
Located about 899 km south from Cairo, Aswan is a serene Nile Valley destination where the Nile is more majestic than anywhere else, flowing through granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants. It is considered as an all-time favourite winter destination. Moreover, you'll be surprised to see how many monuments and sites this small city has to offer. Consider sailing to the temple of Philae, seeing the Agha Khan Mausoleum and taking an excursion to St. Simeon Monastery. Egypt's sunniest southern city is the perfect destination to stroll and relax in a magical cultural setting: wander down the broad walkway, locally known as the corniche, to watch feluccas slowly sailing the Nile then stop at one of the floating restaurants to enjoy Nubian music and freshly caught fish. Aswan offers a splendid view of the Nile and is a great starting point for a Nile cruise. Aswan also offers a rich cultural experience; you will get to know Nubian culture and shop for spices, henna tattoos, souvenirs and African handmade goods at the Aswan souk. The word Aswan derives in fact from the Ancient Egyptian word Soun meaning souk or trade. It has earned its name thanks to the city strategic position, on the trade route linking the North of Egypt to its South. Since Ancient times, Aswan has also been known for its environmental therapy: burying the aching parts of your body in Aswan sand gives valuable results and can help relieving you from stubborn ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint edema and skin inflammation. The town climate is also known to have great relaxing and rejuvenating properties.The best times to visit Aswan are May and September, summers are scorching, and winter temperatures have been known to reach 27 during the day, with cold nights.
What To Visit In Luxor !
- Temple of Horus in Edfu
The well preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus is the second biggest temple in Egypt. Second only to the Temple of Karnak in sheer size, the temple was one of the last attempts by the Ptolemaic dynasty at building in the style and grandeur of their predecessors. Construction on the site took about 200 years. Well preserved hieroglyphs have shed light on the practices of the cult of Horus and associated temples. The temple is believed to have been built on the site of the great Horus-Seth battle.
Dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, the Temple of Kom Ombo has two identical entrances, hypostyle halls and sanctuaries. The symmetry of the temple layout is a tribute to the mythical link the two gods shared. Built on an outcrop at a bend in the Nile where crocodiles used to gather in ancient times, the temple is a testament to the importance Ancient Egyptian priests placed in the natural cycles and crocodiles of the Nile. Visit the temple to see mummified crocodiles, clay coffins and spectacular reliefs on the walls.The temple can be reached on your way from Luxor to Aswan on a Felucca ride or a Nile Cruise, or on a day trip from Aswan.
- Tombs of the Nobles
The illuminated view of the northern hills of the west bank of the Nile is a truly magical one, not to be missed. From Aswan, you'll have front row seats to witness this particularly beautiful and inspiring panorama. Opening hours: Summer: 08:00- 17:00 Winter: 08:00- 16:00 Ticket Price(s): Regular: 30 EGP Student: 15 EGP
Walk along an imposing stone causeway that leads from the banks of the lake to the first pylon of the temple, pass a colonnaded court and into the eight columned hypostyle hall. Note the hieroglyphs and the reliefs of Greek pharaohs paying homage to Ancient Egyptian deities. Look for Mandulis, the god clad in the vulture feathered cloak. Built during the late Ptolemaic period and completed during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus, the Temple of Kalabsha was dedicated to the Nubian god called Mandulis.
Prepare yourself for a particularly overwhelming sightseeing experience: the Aswan High Dam is truly impressive. The Dam is 3600 metres long, 980 metres thick at base and 111 metres tall (at its highest point). The waters of Lake Nasser, the world's largest man-made lake, have amassed behind it. It provides irrigation water and electricity for the whole of Egypt. Located 13 km south of Aswan, the High Dam is usually included on south Aswan daytrips itineraries. These tours can be booked through your hotel or through any tour operator in town.
- Kitchener's Island
The island was given to Lord Horacio Kitchener. He turned the entire island into a botanical garden in the 1928. The Kirchener's Island is a peaceful paradise, full of shady trees, beautiful flowers and unusual plants. The island is a haven for rare exotic birds and you'll surely get a glimpse of their colourful plumage in the branches of most of the trees while strolling down its sidewalks on a quiet afternoon escaping your hectic holiday.
Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the Temple of Philae is located in a beautiful setting, landscaped to match the original site of the temple when it was relocated by UNESCO after the building of the Aswan Dam threatened the site. The temple has several shrines and sanctuaries such as Trajan’s Kiosk or Pharaoh's Bed. Visit the temple at night to attend the Sound and Light show. Ticket Price(s): Regular: 50 EGP Student: 25 EGP Opening Hours: Oct-May: 7am - 4pm Jun-Sep: 7am - 5pm
- Mausoleum of the Aga Khan
At first sight, the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan in Aswan may appear to you as an austere and isolated building, on the west bank of the Nile River. Inspired by the architecture of the Cairo Fatimids, the structure is recognizable by its elegance and by its special use of pink granite. It was built at the request of the begum, wife of the Aga Khan III who died in 1957.The begum – who died in 2000 – lived in the white villa below but closed the mausoleum to the public in 1997 to allow the deceased to rest in peace away from the bus...
- A Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor
Cruise from Aswan to Luxor and go for brief felucca sailing excursions to visit world renowned monuments and secluded islands. During the first two days, you'll get to explore the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and sail to the Temple of Philea and Kom Ombo. You also have the option to sail the Nile by felucca around Kitchener's Island to visit the famous botanical garden. During day three, you'll love the Horus Temple of Edfu and the Galabiya party. During day four, you'll see the best of Luxor, visiting the Temple of Karnak, Hatshepsut's Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and Luxor Temple.
- Fishing in Lake Nasser
If you want to catch the biggest freshwater fish in your life, Lake Nasser is the adventure for you. It world largest man made lake and in known to be the best freshwater fishing in the world for both Tiger Fish and Nile Perch. Since Nile Perch have a better chance of reaching record sizes in lakes rather than in river systems, most anglers at Lake Nasser manage to catch Perch weighing between 50 to 200lbs. Lake Nasser is also home to the astonishing Moonfish, two species of Tilapia and several species of Catfish; the legendary giant Vundu being the biggest. In total, there are thirty two different fish species found in Lake Nasser, and crocodiles! Look out for these amazing creatures. Your fishing safari here can include trolling, spinning, drift casting or fly fishing. And you can do as much or as little fishing as you want. One thing is for sure, a fishing safari on Lake Nasser is the closest you can come to the true meaning of “safari”. Within just a few hours of leaving the Aswan Dam and making your way up Lake Nasser, you will be out the reach of electricity and mobile phone networks and in an incredible, very real wilderness, with bird watching as the only alternative to meditation and fishing.
- Philea Island
The ancient island of Philea was a sacred center for the cult of Isis and the location of a great temple complex now known as Philea Temple. For millennia, Philea Island attracted pilgrims from all over the known world and continued to be a pagan center of worship after the arrival and spread of Christianity. Philea Island was flooded and eventually became fully submerged after the creation of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser. The flooding prompted the UNESCO initiative to preserve the magnificent Temple of Philea. It was dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island, which was renamed Philea Island. Take a felucca cruise to sail to Philea Island and see the magnificent Ancient Egyptian ruins.
- Two-Day Felucca Cruise
Go for a two day felucca cruise from Aswan to Kom Ombo to enjoy a traditional Nile sailing experience that offers an extremely relaxing way to take in the sights and sounds of the Nile. Spend the day relaxing on the soft mattresses and cushions that cover the deck while sunbathing or reading a book under a canopy. Spend the evening under the stars with the boat moored along the banks of the Nile. The small boat, the crew who double as cooks and entertainers and the few passengers along for the ride make for a very intimate encounter. The cruise ends near the Temple of Kom Ombo.
- Five Day Lake Nasser Cruise
Although Lake Nasser is the largest manmade lake in the world, you'll find its serene waters and pristine banks full of natural wonders and ancient monuments. The picturesque Ancient Egyptian monuments retain their flavour and charm despite their relocation after the creation of the Lake Nasser. Lake Nasser cruises are Nile cruises taken to the highest level of comfort and luxury; expect a totally different ambiance than the one you might sample on regular Nile cruises. Only six cruisers are allowed to sail on the lake, the boats are stunningly designed with touches of modern or Art Deco elegance. They usually include a swimming pool, a gym, a hammam or Jacuzzi, a bar, a gourmet restaurant, and guests are pampered with treats such as classical music in front of the temples of Abu-Simbel. Discover Kalabsha Temple, an Ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the god Mandoulis and remodelled during the Greco Roman period, the Hemi-Speos of Beit el Wali and the Kiosk of Kertassi- all fine example of Ancient Egyptian, Nubian and Greco Roman fusion of architecture and religion. Day two and three, sail to Wadi el-Seboua and visit Wadi el-Seboua Temple, the Hemi-Spocs of Derr and the Tomb of Penout. Day four, sail to Abu Simbel to enjoy the Sound and Light Show followed by a romantic candlelight dinner. You'll finish the tour on day five, with the awe inspiring sight of the sunrise over the Temple of
- Aswan Souk
Aswan Souk is a colorful bazaar that offers Egyptian and African goods. Locally known as Sharia as-Souq, it is the cheapest place to buy souvenirs in Aswan. Located about four blocks from the Nile and running about 7 blocks in parallel to the river, the bazaar has plenty of Egyptian and African goods. Traders sell a wide variety of goods such as perfumes, peanuts, henna powder, dried hibiscus flowers, spices, T-shirts and custom made Ancient Egyptian styled souvenirs.; In side alleys you'll find traders selling Nubian artifacts such as skullcaps, talismans and baskets, Sudanese swords, spices and carpets, and stuffed animals such as crocodiles.
- Aswan Bird Watching
Sailing the Nile River on a felucca gives you great bird watching opportunities. You ll be able to spot the Green Heron and migratory water birds such as the Egyptian Goose and hope for a chance encounter with Black Kites as they circle above the west bank of the Nile and you might also spot Egyptian Vultures.
- Climatotherapy at the Pyramisa Isis Island Aswan
The Pyramisa Isis Island Aswan Hotel is not only a 5 star accommodation in a paradisiacal location on one of Aswan's beautiful island but also a perfect place to relax and take advantage of the natural reinvigorating and curing properties of Aswan's climate and environment. Since Ancient times, Aswan has been known for its environmental therapy: burying the aching parts of your body in sand gives valuable results and can help relieving you from stubborn ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, joint edema and skin inflammation. Additionally to a fully equipped health-club with Sauna, massage rooms, Jacuzzi, and steam baths, the Pyramisa Isis Island Aswan boasts a top-of-the range Spa specialized in individual programs combining very specific treatments such as the Yellow and Grey Sand Bath Treatments and Mud treatments. Moreover, the resort is known for providing climatotherapy treatments, directed by a highly qualified medical team.
- Abu-Simbel Temples
The very small village of Abu-Simbel lies 280 km south of Aswan, and only 40 km north of the Sudanese border. Even though it is home to several hotels, the small town is usually overlooked by tourists as a holiday destination. Most of them prefer to visit the Nubian town on a daytrip from Cairo or Aswan or as an extension to a Nile cruise or a Lake Nasser Cruise. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Nile, the majestic Abu-Simbel Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Ramses II & Nefertari, the world-famed temples will take your breath away. After a visit to this inspiring site, you can walk around the colourful touristic market, go bird watching on the Lake Nasser, and get back to the temples again in the evening for the amazingly inspiring sound & light show. Staying in Abu-Simbel for a night or two will allow you to enjoy the peace and magic of this Nubian town at your own pace and discover the true spirit of Abu-Simbel, gaze at the magnificent statues for hours and avoid the hordes of tourists arriving usually in the early morning. You’ll also get a glimpse of the hearty Nubian culture by listening to Nubian music, meeting with the locals, and maybe even escaping to the nearby desert for some more inspiring experiences.