Day 1 in Aswan

Welcome to Aswan! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city wander around the ancient streets of Aswan, taking in the authentic sights and delicious smells of food. Along the Riverfront there are plenty of great cafes and restaurants offering outdoor seating with spectacular views of the Nile. Stop in and have some lunch and refreshments while taking in the magical river ambiance.

After lunch explore the magnificent Souqs in Aswan. These colorful bazaars offer a rich cultural experience filled with the scents of spices and exotic food, wander around the bustling market and pick out some unique souvenirs including handmade African masks, baskets, live produce, perfumes, and spices. Check out Sharia as-Souq, one of the most charming in all of Egypt.

Visit the Nubian Museum, an archeological gem built-in 1997 to awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001. The museum is spread over three floors and features an information center and a library along with botanical gardens. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from the region dating from prehistory through the pharaonic ages and before the construction of the Aswan Dam, some highlights include a statue of Ramses II, a statue of Amenras, the head of the Shpatka, and the black granite head of Tahraqa.

Make a stop at the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest ancient obelisk known in the world carved directly out of bedrock and would have measured up to 137 feet if it had been completed and weighed an estimated 1,200 tons.

Take an afternoon felucca ride over to Elephantine Island on the Nile River which is the location of many archeological sites along with the Aswan Museum, Nubian Villages of Koti and Siou and the luxury Movenpick Resort. The island is a major tourist attraction where the Ruins of Abu, the most ancient settlement in the city, the Old Kingdom Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satet.

Explore the Aswan Museum housing various Nubian artifacts, many of which were kept here on the island during the construction of the Aswan Dam. There are some 3,000 objects on display in the museum including weapons, encased mummies, pottery, and utensils.

Visit The Historical Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie once stayed and wrote part of the `Death on the Nile`, the luxury hotel serves afternoon high-tea on their terrace, which is also a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.

On your felucca ride back to the mainland take in the charming surroundings from the beautiful traditional Egyptian sailboat. The picturesque riverside is lined by Nubian villages, vibrant homes, and restaurants and cafes that sparkle at night when the sun begins to set.

Take an evening stroll around along the corniche and experience the magical riverside at night, watch the feluccas sailing along the waters. Choose from one of the spectacular floating restaurants for dinner and bask in delicious freshly caught fish and live music.

Additional Days in Aswan

If you are able to spend additional days in Aswan head 140 miles southwest to the Abu Simbel Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its twin rock temples carved out of a sandstone cliff. The Great Temple was established in 1265 BC and is considered the grandest and most beautiful temple in Egypt.

Take a Nile Cruise, there are day trips offered from Awan many to visit the Abu Simbel Temples built by Ramses II. There are also three and four-night cruises offered between Aswan and Luxor visiting many different sites along the way.

Your Last Day in Aswan

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.