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Aswan

  • Aswan, Upper Egypt, Egypt

Last updated: 23 July, 2024

Egyptians talk about Aswan with a special reverence. In a country with an embarrassment of archaeological wonders, Aswan has a special beauty and an alchemy of light. This is where the light changes, the Nile valley disappears into sand, and where the people are more African than Arab or Mediterranean.

Aswan has escaped the worst of mass tourism – most visitors come to get on or off a cruise boat – and remains a laid-back land of beautiful landscapes.

Most come, of course, to see the magnificent Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, one of the wonders of the ancient world.

Tours, tickets & transfers

10

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

  • Cairo

See Egypt with different eyes. Enjoy the main highlights of Luxor. Enjoy the main highlights of Aswan. Visit the fabulous temples of Abu Simbel. Valley of the Kings and so much more with an Egyptology guide. Take it easy with door-to-door transfers to and from Cairo international airport. Visit the most ancient temples in whole the world. Touch the great Egyptian culture in Luxor and Aswan. Experience the great Egyptian river Nile by sailing Nile cruise. Experience the hot air balloon the life trip in Luxor. Visit the great and famous 3 pyramids in Giza. Enjoy a worry-free excursion with all accommodation, transportation, and most meals taken care of. Stop at the Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo,Hatsheput, Karnak and Edfu temples; and learn about Egyptian history and culture. Feast on buffet lunches, dinners, and breakfasts on board a 5-star ship. Open your eyes you are in Egypt the land of the great civilization. Have a nice trip

Price $936

Min age 0

Rating 4.68 / 5 [172 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cairo

Visit the top attractions of Egypt in this amazing 9-Days, 8-Nights package tour that combines the rich heritage of Cairo with the magic of a 5-star Nile cruise and the coastal city Hurghada. In Cairo, discover the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel and Coptic Cairo. Explore the highlights of the sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan, trip to Abu Simbel temples, with two stops in the way to visit the pharaonic sites of interest such as; Kom Ombo and Edfu. Relax on the beautiful sandy beach and enjoy the crystal water of the Red Sea in Hurghada 4-star all inclusive services Resort. Tour includes 2-nights in a 3-star hotel, 3-nights Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Abu Simbel trip(sharing a group), 2 nights in Hurghada, Sleeping train and airport transfers.

Price $1,440

Min age 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [52 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Luxor

Enjoy private transfer from Luxor to Aswan by air-conditioned Limo or larger vehicle for your party rather than waiting for several taxis. Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and then Kom ombo temple of Sobek in your way to Aswan. This is an ideal way of getting to your accommodation with ease and style with this private transfer service

Price $52

Min age 6

Rating 4.72 / 5 [25 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Cairo

Embark on the ultimate Egyptian adventure with our 2 days 1 night Luxor and Aswan and abu simple by round flight from Cairo. Our meticulously planned itinerary ensures that you'll experience the rich history and breathtaking landscape of these famous destinations. Fly directly from Cairo to Luxor, where ancient tombs and temples await. After a night of rest under Luxor's starry sky, carry on to Aswan and Abu Simbel where additional architectural wonders will astound. Take full advantage of this perfect blend of comfort, convenience and cultural immersion.

Price $500

Min age 0

Rating 4.4 / 5 [20 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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  • Luxor

Embark on a captivating day tour from Luxor to Aswan by private car, with a stop at the unique Kom Ombo Temple along the way. Witness the mesmerizing landscapes of Egypt as you journey to Aswan, a city rich in historical significance. Explore the dual sanctuary of Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Marvel at its intricate reliefs and architecture that tell ancient tales. Continue your adventure to Aswan, where you'll visit iconic sites like the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the magnificent Philae Temple.

Price $165

Min age 0

Rating 4.61 / 5 [18 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

Summer (June-August) can be blisteringly hot and the annual fasting month of Ramadan often brings Luxor to a standstill.

Winters can also be surprisingly cool, though the Christmas/New Year period is one of the busiest. April is traditionally the month of the hamaseen (sandstorms), which is best avoided.

The months from September to November and February to March are the most pleasant as the temperature drops and the light is rich.

Getting there and away

Aswan is a 1.5-hour flight from Cairo. You can also get there by train – either the regular service or the overnight Wagons Lit from Cairo (12.5 hours) and Luxor (3 hours). Alternatively, you can cruise from Luxor (usually 3–7 days).

Getting around

Aswan is a small city, easily explored on foot or by speedy tuk tuks. For sights outside of the city like the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam, use local taxis, but be sure to pre-negotiate fares. Ferries run to the islands in the Nile, like Elephantine Island.

Reaching the renowned Abu Simbel from Aswan often involves an early morning journey. Options include a three-hour drive by taxi or a coach on a guided tour. Alternatively, splurge on a quick, awe-inspiring flight for an unforgettable aerial view of the ancient monuments.