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Experience the tranquility and beauty of Egypt's southernmost city, where ancient temples meet Nubian culture against a backdrop of golden desert and the Nile's azure waters
View Travel PackagesExplore our carefully crafted journeys to experience the magic of Aswan's Nubian culture, historical monuments, and breathtaking Nile scenery
Discover the breathtaking monuments and natural wonders that make Aswan a unique treasure at the southern gateway to Egypt
This magnificent temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis was dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. Its dramatic setting on an island in the reservoir of the old Aswan Dam makes it one of Egypt's most picturesque ancient monuments.
One of the world's largest embankment dams, this modern marvel of engineering controls the annual flooding of the Nile and generates electricity for much of Egypt. The creation of Lake Nasser behind the dam required the relocation of several ancient monuments, including Abu Simbel.
These massive rock temples with their colossal statues of Ramses II were completely relocated in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The precision of their design means the sun still illuminates the inner sanctuary on specific dates.
Located in the middle of the Nile at Aswan, this island contains ancient ruins dating back 5,000 years including the Temple of Khnum and a Nilometer used to measure the Nile's flood levels. The island is also home to the Aswan Museum and traditional Nubian villages.
Discover authentic adventures that go beyond the famous sites. From Nubian culture to desert explorations, Aswan offers unique experiences that connect you with southern Egypt's heritage.
Experience the rich heritage of Nubia through visits to authentic villages on islands around Aswan. Enjoy colorful architecture, traditional food, music, and dance performances. Learn about Nubian customs, language, and crafts from local families who maintain their ancestral traditions despite the challenges they faced after the building of the High Dam displaced many communities.
Read MoreGlide along the Nile on a traditional felucca sailboat, the perfect way to experience Aswan's natural beauty and remarkable serenity. Navigate around granite boulders, sail to nearby islands, or simply enjoy the sunset over the West Bank. For longer journeys, cruise between Aswan and Luxor to witness life along the Nile as it has continued for millennia, with farmers tending their fields and children playing by the riverside.
Read MoreVenture beyond the Nile Valley into the stunning Eastern and Western Deserts surrounding Aswan. Discover ancient rock art, abandoned camel trade routes, and breathtaking geological formations. Visit Bedouin communities and learn about their nomadic lifestyle, traditional medicine, and desert survival skills. The contrast between the lush Nile Valley and the stark beauty of the desert creates unforgettable experiences and photography opportunities.
Read MoreExplore the vast waters of Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest man-made lakes. Cruise to remote temples saved from flooding, enjoy world-class fishing for Nile perch, or camp on pristine beaches under star-filled skies. The lake's 7,800 square kilometers offer countless opportunities for adventure and discovery against the backdrop of the Nubian Desert landscape, away from the crowds of more visited sites.
Read MoreAuthentic experiences shared by travelers who used DoInEgypt to create their perfect Egyptian adventure
United Kingdom
"We were so overwhelmed trying to plan our Egypt trip until we found DOINEGYPT. We honestly weren't sure about booking through a platform at first, but wow! Our guide Ahmed knew EVERYTHING about hieroglyphics - my husband kept trying to stump him with questions 😂. The best part? When our flight got delayed, we messaged through the app and they rearranged everything. No stress! Already planning to use them for Jordan next year."
Canada
"I was skeptical about the AI planner thing (I'm old school!), but my daughter convinced me to try it. I just typed that I love photography and local food, and it suggested this tiny family restaurant in Aswan I'd never have found otherwise. Their homemade koshari was INCREDIBLE. Our guide even helped me negotiate for a beautiful handcrafted shawl in the Nubian village. Not cheap, but worth every pound!"
Germany
"First time in Egypt with the kids (14 & 10) and we wanted beach time AND history. Almost gave up planning until finding DoInEgypt. The transfer from Hurghada to Luxor took longer than expected (Egyptian traffic!), but our driver was so patient and even stopped for snacks. My son still talks about the 'secret tomb' our guide showed us that wasn't on our official itinerary. Tip: pay extra for the private transportation, trust me!"
Spain
"After spending hours on TripAdvisor getting nowhere, I let DoInEgypt's system plan our family trip. My husband was NOT convinced about Dahab (he wanted fancy Sharm resorts), but it ended up being everyone's favorite part! The kids (12 & 16) absolutely LOVED the laid-back vibe. Our guide Mahmoud taught them Arabic phrases which they practiced everywhere. Not everything was perfect (our room AC struggled), but honestly it was the most relaxed I've felt on vacation in years."
Australia
"Traveling solo as a woman to Egypt made my mom super nervous, but DoInEgypt helped me feel secure from day one. My guide Fatima was like having a knowledgeable friend show me around - she even helped me dress appropriately for different sites. The night train from Cairo to Luxor was... an experience (bring earplugs!), but the compartment was clean and I felt safe. Had to change plans twice and they responded within minutes each time. My only regret? Not staying longer in Alexandria!"
United States
"My wife's a serious diver and I'm... not. Was nervous about planning an Egypt trip we'd both enjoy. DoInEgypt suggested splitting our time between diving sites and historical tours. While she explored the Red Sea with their recommended dive master (she saw hammerheads!), I had a private tour of Luxor. When we mentioned our anniversary in a chat with customer service, we returned to our room to find a bottle of wine and local sweets waiting! Would've given 5 stars but the hotel Wi-Fi was spotty - not DoInEgypt's fault though."
Japan
"Instagram brought me to Egypt, but DoInEgypt took me beyond the pyramid selfies! As a photographer, I wanted unique shots, and their AI suggested Siwa Oasis. It was a LONG drive (bring snacks!), but absolutely worth it. My guide took me to this salt lake for sunset where the colors were unreal - got 500+ likes on that post! Had a minor issue with my hotel booking, but customer service sorted it within an hour. Pro tip: Get up for sunrise at the White Mountain - you'll thank me later!"
Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Aswan and planning your Egyptian journey
The ideal time to visit Aswan is between October and April when temperatures are comfortable (70-85°F/21-30°C during the day). December and January are peak tourist months with the most pleasant weather. Summer (May to September) brings extreme heat with temperatures frequently exceeding 104°F/40°C, making outdoor sightseeing challenging. Aswan is one of the hottest, driest cities in the world with almost no rainfall year-round. If traveling during summer, plan activities for early morning or evening, and ensure your accommodation has reliable air conditioning.
A minimum of 2-3 days is recommended to experience Aswan's essential sights including Philae Temple, the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Elephantine Island. Add an extra day if you wish to visit Abu Simbel, which requires a day trip (about 3 hours each way by road). For a more relaxed experience that includes Nubian villages, felucca sailing, and the Nubian Museum, consider 4-5 days. Many visitors combine Aswan with Luxor as part of a longer Nile Valley itinerary, often including a Nile cruise between the two cities.
Absolutely—Abu Simbel is considered one of Egypt's most impressive monuments and well worth the journey despite the early start (typically 4-5 AM) and 3-hour drive each way. The massive rock-cut temples with their colossal statues of Ramses II are architectural marvels, made even more remarkable by their complete relocation in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser's rising waters. The interior chambers contain beautifully preserved reliefs, and the precise orientation of the temples means the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary on specific dates (February 22 and October 22). Most tours return to Aswan by early afternoon, making this an intensive but manageable day trip.
Aswan offers a distinctly different atmosphere from Egypt's other major destinations. Unlike the bustling metropolis of Cairo or the archaeological intensity of Luxor, Aswan has a more relaxed, peaceful ambiance with its picturesque setting on the Nile. The city is known for its significant Nubian culture, visible in its colorful architecture, cuisine, music, and traditions. Geographically, Aswan marks the boundary between the Nile Valley and Nubia, creating a unique cultural blend. The landscape is distinctive with smooth granite boulders breaking up the Nile and lush islands contrasting with the surrounding desert. Aswan also experiences less tourist density than Cairo or Luxor, allowing for more serene exploration and authentic local interactions.
Choose your preferred way to plan your Egyptian adventure. Our AI-powered planner can create a personalized itinerary based on your preferences, or explore our expertly crafted journeys designed by Egypt specialists.