Enjoy beautiful Nile Valley scenery as you cruise down the River Nile on a 4-day cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visit the temples of Karnak, Edfu, and more...
Amazing Sights to Explore and Memorable Aswell, a Private Tour of Aswan
Amazing sights to explore and memorable aswell why not take a Private Tour of Aswan. This unique city that sits at the foot of the Nile Valley to Lake Nasser’s north end, has been the strategic and commercial gateway for southern Egypt since antiquity.
Aswan is a very friendly and relaxed town, an excellent place to come when escaping the hustle and bustle of cities such as Luxor and Cairo.
Steeped in history and archaeological sites, the amateur archaeologists and historian in everyone will come out when on guided tours of sights in Aswan. You will be amazed at all the wonderful places to visit.
There are small islands dotted around the river that are all part of the city of Aswan. On these islands are mud-brick Nubian villages, that are picturesque, which are hemmed in by the West Banks huge sand dunes.
One of the perfect ways to get a good look at Aswan and the Islands from a different perspective is by a traditional sail boat, Felucca. Read More...
Take a Guided Tour of Nubia Museum or Sightseeing Tours of Philae Temple
When you come to this city you would never think that it is the 3rd largest city in Egypt, but it is.
It not only is great for guided tours of museums or sightseeing tours of Philae Temple, but Aswan is also an excellent Seaport and it is here that is a major stop for cruise liners.
There are fantastic places to go shopping, but the best is the local market. While there are clothes and souvenirs in the market, it is the place to go to get spices to bring home. There is a ground spice for every occasion and every dish.
Top 10 Things to Do in Aswan
Elephantine Island
1
Take a private tour by Felucca to Elephantine Island and see one both the major highlights of Aswan. This island is the biggest in the group of islands of Aswan and has many ancient archaeology sites to be explored. Take a tour of the picturesque Nubian villages and the colourful mud brick buildings. Meet the very friendly locals, happy to welcome you. The oldest ruins still standing area granite step pyramid from the third dynasty.
Philae Temple
2
On a guided tour of Philae Temple, you will be impressed with this beguiling monument and fabulous symmetry of its architecture. This Temple is also known as the sacred Temple of Isis and was saved from Lake Nasser’s rising waters by UNESCO. Their rescue project team moved the Temple in its entirety from its original home on Philae Island to safer grounds on Agilika Island. The stunning artistry on the exterior stonework is amazing.
Unfinished Obelisk
3
On a sightseeing tour of ruins in Aswan, visit the Unfinished Obelisk in the Northern Quarry. It is the biggest known ancient obelisk and had it been completed; it would have been the heaviest obelisk cut in ancient Egypt. It is thought that it was abandoned when cracks appeared in the rock during the construction during the times reigned by Queen Hatshepsut, in the 18th dynasty. It is another fascinating tale of ancient times.
Nubian Museum
4
When you take a guided tour of the Nubian Museum, you learn about wonderful and interesting history and culture of ancient and modern Nubia. It also documents the wealth of culture washed away with the creation of Lake Nasser and the building of Aswan Dam. See the impressive collection of artefacts from Ancient Nubia’s Kingdom of Kush and the collection of photographs of the huge range of monuments lost under the lakes waters.
Kom Ombo Temple
5
On the outskirts of Aswan and well worth a visit by guided tour, is Kom Ombo Temple. It is dramatically set on the bank of the Nile and is a magnificent sight, especially if you arrive from the river. The stunning intricate detailed carvings in the stonework is so impressive and you can only imagine the long hours and dedication to took to do. As you stroll through the temple's inner chambers, you are greeted to more stone carvings.
Sehel Island
6
For a day of peace and tranquillity take a private tour by boat to Sehel Island, 4 kilometres from Aswan on the Nile. There is a nostalgic feeling on this island and it has a way of reminding you that there was a time when technology was not everywhere and we survived. There are scenic views to enjoy but also take the short trek to see the rock inscriptions that are dedicated to the goddess Anukis and her consort Khnum.
Monastery of St. Simeon
7
Visit the Monastery of St. Simeon on a sightseeing tour and you will see a gloriously photogenic building sitting between sand dunes on the West Bank of the Nile. It is believed to be the largest and best preserved Coptic monasteries in Egypt that was founded the 7th century and abandoned in the 13th century due to lack of water. See the courtyard, an aisled Basilica and the wide nave that was once covered by domes.
Tombs of Nobles
8
Take a guided tour to the Tombs of Nobles, a series of rock tombs that were chiselled out of the West Bank’s cliffs. During the Old Kingdoms and Middle Kingdoms, it was here that Elephantine Islands governors, priests and other grandees were buried. These can be accessed by a series of steep staircases where you see where the 6th dynasty governors were buried in Tombs 25 & 26 and the artistry in both is simple and roughly worked.
Old Cataract Hotel
9
When on a private tour by boat, stop at the Old Cataract Hotel. With its ornate facade and fabulous gardens, this hotel is a major landmark on the river bank. For the film buffs visiting here, they will probably recognise the hotel from the Agatha Christie movie ‘Death on the Nile’ which was filmed here. It also happens to be the place where Agatha Christie wrote the novel when staying here. Enjoy views, tea and scones from the terrace.
Sharia al-Souq
10
The downtown Aswan district, Sharia al-Souq is a fantastic place to spend a few hours. It is here you are in a paradise for souvenir collectors. There are also stars that are brimming with spices and perfumes, long traditional robes called galebeyas, colourful scarves, varied silverware and basketry. Very popular is the Nubian jewellery and needlework. The amazing atmosphere as you walk around this district is something else.
Travel Tips for Aswan
Best Time To Visit
There is not just one time of the year that is the best time to visit Aswan, it all depends on what you are looking for out of your trip, tour or holiday. For sun worshippers and people who enjoy the beach and pool, then from late March to Mid November is your time. For tourists who like it a little cooler especially for guided tours, then Late November to mid-March is the time for you. Any month that has a festival is extra special too.
Typical Costs
It is a lot cheaper in the city of Aswan than the other major cities in Egypt. It is estimated that the cost of food and accommodation per day, for the average tourist, is approximately $166, that is for a 3-star restaurant Brunch, Dinner and hotel room, during the peak season. Obviously, this will go down during off season. Private tours or sightseeing tours vary in price during the seasons, but they also vary between operators so do a bit of research.
Know Before Visiting
As Aswan is hot for the majority of the year, please ensure that you have plenty of water with you wherever you go. Be careful of your possessions and be on the alert for pickpockets as they are everywhere you go. Do not show any public affection to your partner as it is still illegal here and although you may not be arrested, you will be harassed by locals. Do take a cruise on a felucca and always be quick to say thank you.
Weather
There is not much to say about the weather in Aswan, at the end of the day, it is in a desert Country and even though it is beside the Nile, the weather is sizzling hot during the summer Spring, summer and autumn months. The temperatures from mid-May to August reaching over 40 degrees celsius each day. Winter months are never cooler than 20 degrees celsius and there is absolutely no rainfall throughtout the year.
Let the activities begin!
If you want to capture the beautiful memories with your family members & friends then enjoy your vacation by Splendours of Egypt tours.
Tue
84°
61°
Wed
87°
63°
Thu
90°
66°
© Copyright 2017 Private Tour Inc. All Rights Reserved.
