Our most recommended things to do in Aswan

From Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

1. From Aswan: Abu Simbel Temple Day Trip with Hotel Pickup

In the early morning, you will be picked up from a hotel in Aswan, then you will be transferred by an air-conditioned bus (with a group of people) to the Abu Simbel temple Upon arrival, enjoy a visit to the Abu Simbel Temple, as the Abu Simbel Temple is among the most magnificent monuments in Egypt. The temple is famous for its four huge seated statues that adorn its façade. You will have enough time to explore the temple At the end of your wonderful day, you will be transferred again to your hotel

From Luxor: 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan and Hot Air Balloon

2. From Luxor: 3-Night Nile Cruise to Aswan and Hot Air Balloon

Day 1 : A representative will come at the chosen pickup time to collect you up from your hotel in Luxo. Then head to the Nile cruise ship in a private air-conditioned vehicle. Get settled into your comfortable room. Relax on the ship before enjoying a buffet lunch. Your guide meet you before your visit to the Karnak temple. Take a felucca ride on the Nile. Enjoy a refreshing breeze while you ride on a traditional Egyptian sailboat and take in views of Luxor from the water. Explore the Luxor temple built by Amenhotep III in the 18th Dynasty. After touring the temple, your guide will transfer you back to the ship. At night, enjoy dinner on board and an Egyptian folklore party. Day 2: In the early morning get ready for bird’s eye views of the city from a hot air balloon. Admire an unforgettable sunrise from the sky and Luxor from above. After landing your guide will be waiting for you to head to the West Bank of Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings. Discover the complex and see the tombs of Egyptian kings such as Merneptah, Ramesses III, and Ramesses VI. Next, head to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to the fifth pharaoh and the only female ruler of Egypt who reigned for 20 peaceful years. Next, move to the Colossi of Memnon where you will see the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III at the Colossi of Memnon. Finally, head back to the ship for dinner. Day 3: After breakfast on board, take a horse-drawn carriage to Edfu. Visit the Temple of Horus with your guide and marvel at the most well-preserved religious place in Egypt with the imposing sandstone structures of Horus. Enjoy a buffet lunch back on board the boat as you sail to your next destination. In the afternoon, visit the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo. Learn about the structure of the temple and how it was built to honor two great gods. Return to the boat for dinner and free time. Day 4: In the early morning, head to one of the most stunning temple complexes in Egypt, Abu Simbel Temples. Meet your guide at the temple and discover the twin temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, built into the mountainside during the dynasty of Pharaoh Ramesses II. After the visit, return to the cruise ship before you're dropped off at your hotel in Aswan. For an additional fee, you can finish your trip at the Aswan airport or the train station.

From Aswan: Overnight Nile Cruise to Luxor with Meals

3. From Aswan: Overnight Nile Cruise to Luxor with Meals

Enjoy the beauty of the Nile river on this cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a return transfer to Aswan. Take an overnight cruise aboard a 5-star ship on a river that is renowned for its historic importance, legendary status, and its natural elegance. Day 1: Head to the Abu Simbel temple, generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.  After your guided temple tour, set sail to the Kom Ombo temple, unique due to its dedication to two different deities: the local crocodile-headed god Sobek and the falcon-headed god, Horus the Elder. Return to the ship for dinner as it continues to sail down the Nile. Day 2:  After breakfast, continue to Edfu Temple, one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt, in a horse-drawn carriage. After visiting the temple, you’ll have some time to admire the river views from the sun deck before preparing for your departure to finish the trip in Luxor.

From Aswan: 3-Day Cruise to Luxor with Hot Air Balloon

4. From Aswan: 3-Day Cruise to Luxor with Hot Air Balloon

Cruise to Luxor on a 3-day 2-night guided trip from Aswan with all meals and private cabin accommodation included. See the Abu Simbel Temple, Edfu Temple, and the jagged cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Soar through the clouds on a hot air balloon and ride a horse-drawn carriage. Day 1: After pickup, head to the Abu Simbel Temple, generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II. Following a guided temple tour, board the cruise ship and set sail to the Kom Ombo Temple, unique due to its dedication to two different deities. Return to the ship for dinner as it continues sailing down the Nile. Day 2: After breakfast, visit the Edfu Temple by horse-drawn carriage. Discover one of the best-preserved shrines in Egypt, then return to the cruise ship. Day 3: Start your day with pickup from the cruise ship. Experience an unforgettable 45- to 80-minute hot air balloon flight at a height of over 1,500 feet in the sky. After landing, head to the west bank of Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, also known as the Valley of the Gates of the Kings. Head to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Located opposite the city of Luxor, it is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Marvel at three massive terraces that rise above the desert floor and into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Then, move to the Colossi of Memnon to see the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III. Sail on the Nile in a traditional felucca sailing boat to discover the beauty of Luxor. Relax with a drink as you soak up the scenery (drink costs not included). Next, go to Karnak Temple, one of the greatest examples of worship in history, dedicated to the god Amun, his wife, and their son to represent the Theban triad. Learn the ancient history behind this site and visit Luxor Temple before hotel drop-off.

From Cairo: Sleeping Train Transfer to Aswan and Luxor

5. From Cairo: Sleeping Train Transfer to Aswan and Luxor

Take a convenient sleeping train from Cairo to Aswan or to Luxor and back with a guaranteed reservation. Your accommodation on the train includes dinner and breakfast the next day. First, book your tickets and receive them at your hotel when you arrive in Egypt. On the day of travel, head to the station at least 30 minutes before your departure time. At Giza Station, there are a few small shops to buy snacks or water, as well as a small restaurant. On the platform, the small numbers hanging from the platform canopy indicate the approximate location of the wagons. So, if you are in Wagon #6 on your ticket, line up by the #6 sign. Wait for the green and white-colored sleeping train to arrive which has the words 'Sleeping Car' stenciled on the side. Board the train and find your accommodation. Enjoy the comfortable 10 to 13-hour journey with dinner and breakfast served. Feel the satisfaction of waking up in an entirely new region of Egypt, refreshed and ready to begin the next portion of your trip.

Aswan: Private Airport Arrival/Departure One Way Transfer

6. Aswan: Private Airport Arrival/Departure One Way Transfer

Enjoy a safe and reliable private airport transfer From/To Aswan International Airport. Be greeted by your driver who will be waiting for you at the airport or your hotel. The only thing left to do will be to relax and enjoy the views from the comfort of your seat until you get to your destination safely, your driver will help you with your luggage, In case you have a lot of baggage please leave a note after booking to arrange the correct vehicle for you

Cairo: Guided Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour

7. Cairo: Guided Pyramids and Egyptian Museum Tour

With an Egyptologist guide leading the way, this Cairo day trip lets you visit iconic ancient Egyptian sites including the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum. You can choose to take a private tour, or join a group tour. Your guided tour begins at the Great Pyramids of Giza. This iconic site is home to three large ancient Egyptian pyramids, as well as the Great Sphinx and remains of a workers’ village. The biggest attraction is the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu which is commonly known as the Great Pyramid. It is the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The magnificent structure is an amazing testimony to the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian builders thousands of years ago.  The much-photographed Pyramid of Khafre or Chephren is the only one of the three pyramids which retains some of the original limestone casing. The smaller Pyramid of Menkaure or Mykerinos makes up the trio. There are several optional activities available around the pyramid complex including camel rides, horse and carriage rides, Nile river cruises and entrance to the interior of the pyramids. These activities are optional and incur additional fees to be paid on the day. No visit to the Giza Pyramid complex would be complete without a close-up look at the mysterious Great Sphinx. With a long and troubled history, this half-pharoah, half-lion monument has intrigued travelers to Egypt for centuries. Who is the face of the Sphinx? You can also visit the Valley Temple which belongs to the pyramid of Khafre. The temple served an important role in the preparation and mummification of the king before burial. Having an Egyptologist guide on hand during your visit to Giza will certainly come in handy with such a rich history.  Not far from the pyramids you will have a short stop at the Institute of Papyrus. Here you can see how ancient Egyptians made the first paper in the world. Test out your bargaining skills and negotiate a good price for a papyrus souvenir to take home. Enjoy an optional lunch at a restaurant in Cairo before continuing to the world-famous Egyptian Museum. The museum is home to an immense collection of rare and valuable artifacts from the pharaonic period including mummies, chariots, jewelry and everyday items. Mostly famously the Egyptian Museum is home to a mesmerizing exhibit dedicated to Tutankhamen's collection of treasure, gold and jewelry. The glittering artifacts were discovered untouched in King Tut’s sealed burial chamber in 1922 by Howard Carter. With more than 250,000 artifacts, your Egyptologist guide will once again guide you through the fascinating history of ancient Egypt, and help you navigate the jam-packed museum. Your Cairo day trip concludes with transfer back to your hotel.

Aswan: Philae Temple Sound & Light Show with Transfers

8. Aswan: Philae Temple Sound & Light Show with Transfers

Take a narrated multimedia journey through time at the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. Hear tales of Goddess Isis and God Osiris, and explore the temple at night, with return transfers from your Aswan hotel included. Begin your evening with pickup from your Aswan hotel by private vehicle. At the marina, hop onboard a boat for a short ride across to Agilkia Island. Using music, lasers, and light projections, stroll through the temple as the multimedia show brings Ancient Egyptian mythology to life in a stunning location. Who were Isis and Osiris, and why were they so important to ancient Egyptians? Philae Temple itself has a remarkable story. Due to regular flooding in the early 20th century, a special project was carried out by UNESCO to transport the temple stone by stone to its current site on an island in the Nile River.

From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours

9. From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours

Explore the Nile on this 4-day cruise from Aswan. See the historic town of Luxor, marvel at the temple of Kom Ombo, and discover Philae Island. Day 1 Meet your Egyptologist guide at your Aswan hotel and begin your adventure with a visit to the Aswan High Dam. Next, hop on a motor boat to get to Philae Island. After a tour of the island and a visit to the temple, board your 5-star cruise. Snap some photos of both sides of the Nile and hear about the cultures of the Nubians and the ancient Egyptians. Drink your tea on the sun deck while you enjoy the scenery. Spend the night on your cruise ship. Day 2 Enjoy breakfast on the ship before having free time to explore Aswan. Next, sail north before stopping at Komombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. Hop back on your cruise ship to continue toward Edfu. Relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride to Edfu Temple dedicated to the god Horus. After exploring the temple, board the cruise and spend the night sailing north. Day 3 Listen as your guide explains the history of the Valley of the Kings in detail. Afterward, disembark and drive to discover the secrets of Queen Hatshepsut during a visit to her temple. Discover the West Bank and visit the Howard Carter House, where the man who discovered the tomb of King Tut once lived. Day 4 After breakfast, head off to visit the biggest temple in the world, Karnak Temple. Drive over to see the small, beautiful temple of Luxor. Finish your tour in Luxor.

From Cairo: 2-Day Abu Simbel & Luxor Tour

10. From Cairo: 2-Day Abu Simbel & Luxor Tour

Day 1: Start your day with pickup at 3 AM from your hotel in Cairo to catch your domestic flight to Aswan. Arrive at Aswan Airport at 6 AM, greeted by tour representatives, and enjoy transfer to the Philae Temple and the High Dam. At 10:30 AM transfer to Abu Simble by private bus. Visit Abu Simbel Temple, the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel built by Ramses II in the 19th dynasty. Visit the small temple of the king's wife Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Then, make your way to your hotel in Aswan for an overnight stay. First, visit Abu Simbel Temple – a stunning Ancient Egyptian monument built by Ramses II out of a sandstone rock cliff. Marvel at the representation of the deities carved on the temple's huge façade. Nearby, also visit the small Temple of the King's wife Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. At the end of your tour, transfer to your hotel in Aswan ready for an overnight stay at the Pyramisa Isis Hotel. Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, get picked up by the representative and transfer to Luxor. Start the day with a visit to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings which holds the tombs of various dynasties and the Temple of Deir El Bahari. On the return journey, stop at the Colossi of Memnon - 2 gigantic sitting statues representing Amenophis III facing the Nile. Then, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. After this, head over to the East Bank to see the Luxor Temple. Stroll through the courtyard and admire the granite statues of Ramses the Great. Then, transfer by carriage or bus to Karnak Temple - a series of temples built within different reigns. Start by the Avenue of Sphinxes, then visit the Unfinished Propylon and the Hypostyle Hall with it's 134 gigantic columns. See the Obelisks of Queen Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III. Marvel at the Temple of Amon adorned which is adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III, and the Sacred Lake. Finally, transfer to Luxor Airport and catch your domestic flight to Cairo. When you arrive in Cairo you will be met by a representative who will transfer you back to your hotel in Cairo.

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What people are saying about Aswan

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 338 reviews

Read this carefully, I wish someone had written it for us to be able to plan ahead: the ship won’t leave early on the first day. They leave at night, just try to get there before 6 p.m. We booked the one that included Abu Simbel for the last day, they pick you up around 4:10 am, you have to do the check out at that time and leave your bags there. They will bring you back when you are finished. The time you get back to the ship is around 2 pm, we booked our flight until 8 pm. We had to wait for hours to leave. The airport wont be open until 6 pm. This is the most important information I will give you: For the Horus temple (Edfu), the pick up time always depends on the boat, but if you have any consideration/respect/love for the animals, Do Not let them take you on the horse rides. The horses are sick, skinny and not well taken care of. They will lie to you and tell you that that is the only way to get to the temple. The temple is 1 km away, arrange for a moto, a car or walking. Pls

Suzanna was brilliant in organising this wonderful day trip to Abu Simbel - first class service - Thanks very much. I highly recommend this trip - we were some of the first people to arrive at Abu Simbel and it was great before the large crowds started arriving. Early start but it was worth it!The driver picked us up at my hotel exactly on time as arranged by Suzanna.

Totally recommended, I’m from Chile . I was traveling on a cruise ship so I decided to book this trip. Arwa the manager contacted me as soon as I sent all the information required. The pick up time was accurate.

3 night cruise was nice experience! Arwa was available to help us anytime through what’s up. Totally recommended!

Great trip - quick journey (all things considered) and Abu Simbel is breathtaking.