Visit Aswan, Egypt
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Aswan is easily the prettiest town in Egypt, and our recommendation for the perfect place to unwind at the end of your trip. Although not as rich in sights as Luxor, it does still have the picture-perfect Temple of Philae, and the monumental Aswan High Dam.
The sands of the Sahara tumble over blackened rocks into the Nile at Aswan. Fringed with palms, the desert horizon is broken by the Aga Khan’s mausoleum and the faint outline of the Monastery of San Simeon, stunningly located amidst the arid landscape.
The river itself is choked with the rounded boulders that gave Elephantine Island its name, and over which the inundation used to surge and roar before the dam was built.
The town is modern, but sleepy, and has a wonderful little Nubian Museum. Nubian influence is strong, and their food, arts and crafts are best sampled here.
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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 45 kilometers away
- Luxor 181 kilometers away
- Abu Simbel 235 kilometers away
- El Quseir 265 kilometers away
- Hurghada 365 kilometers away
- The Red Sea 380 kilometers away
Photos of Aswan
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![Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt]()
Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt -
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Aswan, Egypt -
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Aswan, Egypt -
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Aswan, Egypt -
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Aswan -
![Felucca boat, Egypt]()
Felucca boat, Egypt -
![Mosque reflections at sunset on the Nile]()
Mosque reflections at sunset on the Nile -
![Philae Temple, Aswan, Egypt]()
Philae Temple, Aswan, Egypt
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.
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![Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Aswan]()
The Old Cataract
Located close to Aswan’s corniche, The Old Cataract is steeped in history and provides the most glorious sunsets over the River Nile. Agatha Christie stayed here, and the furniture and décor reflects this era beautifully.
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![Movenpick Aswan, Aswan]()
Movenpick Aswan
Located on Elephantine Island, the Movenpick Aswan offers excellent views, beautiful gardens, and good sports facilities.
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.
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Abu Simbel tour, Egypt ![Abu Simbel]()
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.
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Philae Temple Sound & Light Show ![Temple of Philae, Aswan, Egypt]()
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.
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Philae Temple Excursion ![Philae Temple]()
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.
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