Aswan
Egypt’s majestic southern jewel on the Nile, renowned for colourful Nubian villages, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel excursions, felucca sailing, and the High Dam.
Why visit Aswan
- The Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the view over the cataract
- Philae Temple, the Ptolemaic temple rescued from the flood and moved island by island
- A day trip to Abu Simbel — the rock-cut temples of Ramesses II
- The Nubian Museum and the village of Gharb Sobhi, where the houses are painted in blue
- Nile felucca trips to the islands, with tea and sugar on the way back
Getting there
Aswan has a small airport with domestic flights from Cairo and a sleeper train from the capital. Most of the tours start at the southern edge of the city, near the Nubian Museum, and the boat trips leave from the riverfront in Elephantine Island.
Best time to visit
October to March. Aswan is the hottest of the three tourist cities, and the difference between winter and summer is stark. The Nile is at its high level in the autumn, which makes the islands and the cataracts even more impressive.
Activities in Aswan
18 results
From Aswan: 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Guide
From Aswan: 4-Day Nile Cruise, Luxor, Abu Simbel & Hot Air Balloon
Aswan: Edfu and Kom Ombo Day Tour with Luxor Transfer
Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Private Tour
Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae & Nubian Village
Aswan: Nubian Village Tour by Motorboat
From Aswan: Abu Simbel Private Tour with Guide by Car
Aswan: Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple with Transfer
Aswan: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Tour by Car
From Aswan: Private 2-Hour Felucca Ride on the River Nile
Aswan to Luxor: 2-Night Felucca Sail to Kom Ombo, End Luxor
Aswan: 90-min Kayak experience around Philae Temple
Aswan: Six Hours Felucca Sailing with Lunch & Tea & Cakes
Aswan to Luxor: 3-Night Felucca Sail to El Silsila, Luxor
Aswan to Luxor: 1-Night Felucca Sail to Daraw, End in Luxor
Aswan: Traditional Felucca Sunset Sail with Tea & Cakes