Aswan
where the Nile slows down.
Aswan is Egypt's most relaxed town: wide water, granite islands, white-sailed feluccas and the colourful villages of Nubia on the west bank.
What it is
really like.
Aswan sits at the First Cataract, where the Nile runs between smooth granite boulders and islands of palms. For thousands of years this was Egypt's southern frontier and the beginning of Nubia, and the Nubian culture is still strong here, in the language, music, food and brightly painted houses.
The pace is slower than Luxor. There are fewer monuments, so you spend more time on the river. Most visitors see Philae, the temple of Isis that was moved stone by stone to its present island when the High Dam was built, and take a felucca around Elephantine Island at sunset.
Aswan is also the starting point for Abu Simbel, the temples Ramesses II carved into a mountainside near the Sudanese border, and for most Nile cruises sailing north to Luxor.
The best of
Aswan.
The places we build days around. Not a list to tick off: most people choose three or four and leave time between them.
Philae
The temple of Isis on Agilkia Island, reached by a short boat ride. One of the most beautiful settings in Egypt.
Abu Simbel
The great temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, about 280 km south. Reached by road before dawn or by a short flight.
A felucca at sunset
A traditional sailing boat around Elephantine and Kitchener's Island, with the desert dunes behind.
A Nubian village
Visit a village on the west bank for tea, Nubian food and a look inside a family home.
The Unfinished Obelisk
A giant obelisk abandoned in the quarry when it cracked, showing how the ancients cut stone.
The Aswan High Dam
The dam that created Lake Nasser and ended the yearly flood, with views across the lake.
Aswan,
answered.
How long should we stay in Aswan?
One night before a cruise is enough for Philae and a felucca. Two nights let you add Abu Simbel without rushing.
How do we get to Abu Simbel?
By private car or convoy before dawn, about three and a half hours each way, or by a short flight from Aswan.
Is Aswan very hot?
From May to September it can pass 40°C. Between October and March, days are warm and dry and evenings are pleasant.
Ways to fit Aswan
into a trip.
Nile, Slowly
Two nights in Aswan, four on the river past Kom Ombo and Edfu, and Luxor at the end. For travellers who want the Nile itself to be the holiday.
See this journey →
Egypt, In Depth
Three full days in Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel, a four-night Nile cruise to Luxor, then two days on the Red Sea.
See this journey →
Nile Honeymoon, Red Sea Finish
Cairo, Aswan, a three-night Nile cruise and a dawn balloon flight over Luxor, then two nights in a quiet Red Sea hotel.
See this journey →Tell us how long
you have.
Send your dates and who is travelling. We will suggest how many nights Aswan deserves and what fits around it.