Jump to:
The monumental Abu Simbel complex, the Temple of Philae, and Nubian history and culture, all in Aswan
A tranquil river town just north of the First Cataract, Aswan feels slower and more relaxed than Luxor, making it a great option if you want to unwind at the end of your Nile cruise. It’s easy to spend a few days just strolling through the markets to buy handicrafts or lounging by the pool at your hotel — we suggest the Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie penned Death on the Nile. However, you can also visit some of ancient Egypt’s most impressive monuments, including Ramses II’s temples at Abu Simbel and the Temple of Philae complex.
The Temples of Abu Simbel
A three-hour drive south of Aswan, the Abu Simbel temple complex is an imposing milestone, comprising two temples built by Ramses II about 3,200 years ago.
The largest and most impressive is a temple dedicated to Ramses II himself. The four colossal statues that guard the entrance are a good measure of the pharaoh’s epic ambition and ego — even seated, they reach 20 m (65 ft) high. Nearby, the Temple to Hathor is smaller and contains a statue of his wife, Nefertari, wearing the garb of the goddess Hathor.
When the dam was built in the middle of the 20th century, UNESCO moved both temples, block by block, to preserve them for humanity — a feat of engineering worthy of Ramses himself. If you’d like to explore, we can arrange a privately guided tour from Aswan.
Temple of Philae complex
Perched on an island in the middle of the river, the Temple of Philae is a Ptolemaic complex of intricately carved pylons, with two granite lions guarding the main entrance. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple was originally built around 690 BC, making it one of the last classically Egyptian temples.
The construction of the old Aswan Dam flooded the sacred island for six months of the year and the new High Dam would have obliterated it. From 1972 until 1980, UNESCO painstakingly moved it to a higher island, which was then landscaped to look like the original. A tour of Philae can include a chance to travel over the High Dam and to visit the nearby Unfinished Obelisk.
Nubian culture
A visit to the Nubian Museum, just across from the Unfinished Obelisk, gives you a chance to explore the Nubian culture. The exhibits trace the long arc of Nubian culture, from one of the earliest advanced human societies, known as the Khartoum Mesolithic, to the ancient Kerma and Egyptian era, and up until modern day.
You can also discover today’s Nubian culture by visiting markets to peruse handicrafts and sample the local cuisine. For a more in-depth look, we can arrange for you to visit a local village. Arriving by boat, you can wander through the souq, with its bright scarves and fragrant spices, and share a cup of mint or hibiscus tea with a local.
Best time to visit Aswan
The best time to visit Aswan — and all of Egypt — is between October and April. Temperatures then are pleasantly warm but much cooler than during the blistering summer months.
who's been there
-
01993 838 92501993 838 410
- Make an enquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Aswan
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Aswan, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Aswan
- Upper Egypt 28 miles away
- Luxor 113 miles away
- Abu Simbel 146 miles away
- El Quseir 165 miles away
- Hurghada 227 miles away
- The Red Sea 236 miles away
Photos of Aswan
Our expert guides to exploring Aswan
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Aswan, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Aswan at its best.
-
What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
Home to some of the world's most historical monuments and best dive sites, Egypt's size makes it possible for the first-time visitor to see many of its highlights in a relatively short trip.
Read this guide -
Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh
Luxury Egypt: live like a pharaoh
A room at the foot of the Great Pyramid, an opulent ship on the Nile, and private guides — Egypt specialist Emma outlines the most indulgent ways to enjoy the country’s classic sights.
Read this guide -
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
A Nile cruise is the classic way of exploring Egypt. Drift down the Nile in a comfortable cruise boat, making stops to visit Ancient Egyptian temples and tombs. Egypt specialist Steve outlines how you can make the most of your cruise.
Read this guide -
Past civilisations of Ancient Egypt Past civilisations of Ancient Egypt
Past civilisations of Ancient Egypt
Discover the culture and history of Ancient Egypt on a tailor-made trip. Our knowledgeable specialists can create a unique itinerary for you that suits your interests, including a few places that you might not have known about.
Read this guide -
Honeymoons in Egypt Honeymoons in Egypt
Honeymoons in Egypt
A private tour of Giza’s pyramids, an opulent Nile cruise to see the ancient temples and tombs, snorkelling amid the thriving reefs of the Red Sea — specialist Hannah discusses what you might do on a honeymoon in Egypt.
Read this guide -
Family holidays in Egypt Family holidays in Egypt
Family holidays in Egypt
From the sun-baked pyramids of Giza to the imposing Temple of Karnak, Egypt’s ancient monuments hold a special allure for people of all ages. Here, specialist Sharidan explains the best places to stay and things to do for a family visiting Egypt.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Aswan
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Aswan. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
-
-
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Aswan
Ideas for experiencing Aswan
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Aswan, and which use the best local guides.
-
Abu Simbel tour, Egypt Abu Simbel tour, Egypt
Abu Simbel tour, Egypt
The great Sun Temple of Abu Simbel epitomises the monumentalism of the New Kingdom during its imperial heyday, when Ramses II waged colonial wars from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon to the Fourth Cataract.
View details -
Philae Temple Excursion Philae Temple Excursion
Philae Temple Excursion
Take a short boat ride before disembarking into a colonnaded courtyard, which will lead you into Philae Temple itself, flanked by wonderfully carved pylons.
View details -
Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Philae Temple Sound & Light Show
Philae Temple Sound & Light Show
The highlight of this excursion is crossing the Nile in a boat and being greeted by sights of the floodlit Philae Temple silhouetted against the rocks and surrounding water.
View details