Aswan
Charmingly romantic and very relaxing
Charmingly romantic and very relaxing
Why Visit Aswan?
Surrounded by the Nile Valley, Aswan is stunningly beautiful, charmingly romantic and very relaxing. Once a place of great strategic importance, today the pace of life in Aswan is slow. From the Corniche river path, you can see tall masted feluccas and listen to Nubian musicians as you watch flocks of egrets skimming the surface of the Nile.
Aswan was the main exporter of the granite used to build many of Egypt’s ancient structures, but it also has its own impressive architecture. In the evening, embrace the city's leisurely lifestyle and board a traditional felucca at sunset; the perfect way to travel the River Nile.
The construction of the Aswan Dam flooded many of the city’s temples which were carefully moved and reconstructed. Two examples of this are the Temple of Philae on Aglika Island, only accessible by boat and the great complex at Abu Simbel, built by King Rameses II.
Aswan was the main exporter of the granite used to build many of Egypt’s ancient structures, but it also has its own impressive architecture. In the evening, embrace the city's leisurely lifestyle and board a traditional felucca at sunset; the perfect way to travel the River Nile.
The construction of the Aswan Dam flooded many of the city’s temples which were carefully moved and reconstructed. Two examples of this are the Temple of Philae on Aglika Island, only accessible by boat and the great complex at Abu Simbel, built by King Rameses II.
- Boat across the Nile and discover the Temple of Philae
- Explore the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo
- Marvel at Abu Simbel's towering temples on a private tour
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on board a felucca
- Experience a warm welcome in a Nubian village
Top 5 Experiences in Aswan
Glide across the Nile and discover the Temple of Philae
Set on an island in the calm, glistening waters of the Nile, the Philae Temple complex is only accessible by boat. The approach is an enchanting experience, gliding across the water and watching as the magnificent structures come gradually into view. Once on the island the surreality strikes. You’re greeted with imposing sand coloured columns, towering pylons and many rooms, highly decorated both inside and out, right in the middle of the life-giving river Nile.
Explore the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo
Unusually, the Temple of Kom Ombo is dedicated to two gods, Horus the falcon god and Sobek the crocodile god and was a place of healing for ancient Egyptians. You’ll find the depictions of medical scenes on the walls are plentiful and detailed - it doesn’t take long until you’re completely lost in the history of this fascinating site. Next door is a small but informative museum exhibiting the mummified crocodiles that once lived at the temple.
Marvel at Abu Simbel's towering temples on a private tour
The two towering temples at Abu Simbel are among the most magnificent monuments in the world. Guarded by four, 20m high statues, you can walk inside and marvel at the hieroglyphs and the ancient drawings that adorn the walls. In the early 60's, these monuments were rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. They were disassembled, relocated and reconstructed, stone by stone, to more elevated land. There’s also an exhibition where you can learn more about the remarkable removal project.
Enjoy a sunset cruise on board a felucca
Step aboard a felucca for a calming evening on the Nile. These traditional sailing boats are made of wood and have a huge, white sail, meaning they’re completely quiet and perfect for a dusk sailing. Watch as the sun sets over the river’s glistening surface, illuminating the sky in reds and oranges, as you glide along water. As the boat gently bobs up and down, you’re soothed by its delicate movements - the very best way to end a day in Egypt.
Experience a warm welcome in a Nubian village
Connecting with people is unquestionably one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling. Spend some of your time in Egypt visiting a Nubian village and learning what life is like. Listen as the villagers show you their homes and community, and even some ancient remains that the majority of tourists don’t get to see. You’ll be invited into a family’s home for a traditional dinner where you can ask all your questions about Nubian culture and daily life.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to March when the weather is warm and dry, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the classic sites and enjoy a luxury Nile cruise without extreme heat. Avoid the peak summer months of June to August when temperatures can soar to 40°C / 104°F or higher.
Private Journeys Tailored to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
Who are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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