Vacation Packages to Aswan

What Is Aswan

Aswan is a city located in southern Egypt on the eastern bank of the Nile River. It is the southernmost city in Egypt and is about 880 km south of Cairo, the country's capital.

Aswan is a city with a long history and rich culture. It was an important commercial and military center in ancient times, and today is known for its ancient monuments, such as the Abu Simbel Temple, the Temple of Philae, and the Aswan Dam.

It is also a popular starting point for boat trips on the Nile River and for visiting Egypt's western desert oases.

In addition to its tourist attractions, Aswan is known for its local handicrafts, including hand-woven carpets and ceramic products. The city also has many markets and bazaars where a wide variety of products can be found.

History of Aswan

Aswan is a city with a long and rich history dating back to the Pharaonic era of Egypt. The city was known as Swenet in ancient Egypt and was an important commercial and military center in the south of the country.

During the Old Kingdom, the city of Aswan was an important center for quarrying granite for the construction of temples and monuments throughout Egypt. The pharaohs-built temples and monuments in Aswan, including the Temple of Khnum and the Temple of Satis.

During the Middle Kingdom, the city was an important trading center and was used as a departure point for military expeditions to Nubia. During the New Kingdom, Aswan became an important defensive city on Egypt's southern border, protecting the country from Nubian incursions.

In Roman times, Aswan became an important commercial and transportation center, and the city was a departure point for expeditions to Central Africa. The city was also the site of the Aswan Dam, an engineering masterpiece that controlled the flow of the Nile River and provided hydroelectric power.

In modern times, Aswan has become a major tourist center and has experienced rapid economic growth. The city has maintained its rich cultural heritage and is an important center of Egyptian craftsmanship and culture.

Top Sights in Aswan

Aswan is a city with a rich history and a wealth of tourist attractions.

The Temple of Abu Simbel is one of the most famous monuments in Egypt and is located about 280 km south of Aswan. It was built by Ramses II in the 13th century BC and is known for its impressive 20-meter-high statues.

The Temple of Philae was built in honor of the goddess Isis and is located on an island in Lake Nasser. It is one of the most romantic temples in Egypt and is known for its beautiful carved columns and reliefs.

The Aswan Dam is an impressive engineering feat located on the Nile River south of Aswan. The dam controls the flow of the river and provides hydroelectric power.

The Botanical Garden is located on Kitchener Island in the Nile River. It is a beautiful and peaceful place with a wide variety of plants and flowers.

The Agha Khan Mausoleum is located on a hill overlooking the Nile River. It was built in honor of the Muslim religious leader Agha Khan III and is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful views.

The Unfinished Obelisk was built with red granite that was carved in the quarry but was never finished. It is an impressive display of the construction process of the ancient Egyptians.

The Abu Haggag Mosque is located inside the Karnak Temple and is one of the oldest mosques in Egypt.

Culture of Aswan

Festivals in Aswan

Aswan is a city rich in culture and traditions, so it offers a variety of festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

The Camel Festival is held in January and is a celebration of Bedouin culture. It includes camel racing, traditional music, and dancing, as well as the opportunity to sample Bedouin food and see demonstrations of local handicrafts.

The Nubian Music Festival is held in November and is a celebration of the music and culture of the Nubian region. It includes concerts of traditional Nubian music, as well as dances and exhibitions of local arts and crafts.

The International Nile Women's Festival is held in March and is a commemoration of women's contribution to Egyptian society. It includes art and photography exhibitions, workshops, and discussions on issues relevant to Egyptian women.

The Leisure and Recreation Festival takes place in April and is an opportunity for the people of Aswan to enjoy a variety of recreational activities, such as sports, games, and competitions.

What to Eat in Aswan

Aswan's gastronomy is a mixture of Egyptian and Nubian flavors and influences, which makes it unique in the country. We recommend the best dishes in the city:

Fatt is a dish consisting of a base of fried rice or bread, covered with tomato sauce, garlic, and meat or shredded chicken. Molokhia is a thick soup made with jute leaves, meat, or chicken, and served with rice or bread.

Koshari is an Egyptian national favorite, made with rice, pasta, lentils, and tomato sauce, topped with fried onions.

The hawawshi is a sandwich of minced meat and spices, wrapped in pita bread and baked in a clay oven. While ta'meya is an Egyptian version of falafel, made with fava beans instead of chickpeas, and served with tahini, salad, and pita bread.

To drink we recommend herbal tea which is a very popular drink in Aswan and throughout the region. It is made with a variety of herbs, such as mint and spearmint, and served with sugar.

Landscapes in Aswan

Aswan is a city surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and natural sites of great beauty.

The Nile River is the heart of the city of Aswan and is one of the longest rivers in the world. Along the river, you can see spectacular landscapes of crystal-clear waters and green banks.

The granite quarries of Aswan have been an important source of granite since ancient times. The sight of the huge granite blocks in the quarry is breathtaking.

The Nubian Desert is a vast desert landscape that extends south of Aswan. Here you can see golden dunes and granite boulders jutting out of the ground.

How to Get to Aswan

These are some of the most common ways to get to Aswan:

You can arrive by plane as Aswan Airport (ASW) receives both domestic and international flights. There are direct flights from Cairo International Airport, as well as from other destinations in Egypt and abroad.

The city of Aswan has a train station that connects to Cairo and other cities in Egypt. Trains are a popular and economical way to travel around Egypt.

Aswan City is a major river port and is a popular departure point for cruises on the Nile River. Cruises from Luxor and Cairo are popular options for getting to Aswan.

Buses connect Aswan to other cities in Egypt. Buses are an economical option, but travel time can be long due to stops and traffic.

It is possible to reach Aswan by car but be aware that roads can be dangerous, and traffic can be chaotic. If you decide to drive, make sure you are aware of the traffic rules in Egypt.

What to See and Do in Aswan

Aswan and its surroundings offer a variety of breathtaking natural landscapes as well as architectural monuments that represent the great Egyptian culture, making the city a unique tourist destination.

Thanks to its proximity to Luxor many tourists choose to combine their vacation package to Aswan with this destination.

Do you want to get to know a beautiful Egyptian city? Do you want to be fascinated by its vibrant culture and rich history? Do you want to surprise your palate with the exceptional gastronomy of the city? Then what are you waiting for to book your trip to Aswan?