Aswan

• Philae Temple: Philae Temple is another stunning and fascinating attraction in Aswan, located on an island in the Nile River. It is a temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, the wife of Osiris and the mother of Horus, and one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian mythology.  The temple was built in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, and has a mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architectural styles. It is also known for its beautiful reliefs, inscriptions, and paintings, which depict the legends and rituals of Isis and her cult. The temple was also relocated in the 1970s, due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, and is now accessible by boat.

• Aswan High Dam: Aswan High Dam is a modern marvel of engineering and a symbol of Egypt’s development and progress. It is a huge dam that was built across the Nile River in the 1960s, to control the annual flooding, generate hydroelectric power, and create Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world. The dam has had a significant impact on the economy, agriculture, and environment of Egypt and the region, and has also helped preserve some of the ancient monuments that would have been submerged by the water. The dam is open to visitors, and you can see the impressive structure, the lake, and the Friendship Monument, a lotus-shaped tower that was a gift from the Soviet Union, which helped build the dam.

• Nubian Museum: Nubian Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of Nubia, the region that stretches from Aswan to Sudan, and that was once a powerful and influential civilization in ancient times. The museum showcases the art, artifacts, and traditions of the Nubian people, from the prehistoric to the modern era, and tells the story of their achievements, struggles, and identity. The museum also has a beautiful garden, where you can see some of the plants and animals that are native to Nubia, and a model of a typical Nubian house.

• Temple of Kom Ombo: Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique and interesting attraction in Aswan, located on the bank of the Nile River, about 40 kilometers north of the city. It is a temple that was built in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, and that is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and water, and Horus, the falcon god of the sky and kingship. The temple has a symmetrical design, with two entrances, two courtyards, two hypostyles, and two sanctuaries, one for each god. The temple also has some remarkable reliefs and carvings, depicting the myths and rituals of the two cults, as well as some scenes of medicine, astronomy, and agriculture. The temple also has a crocodile museum, where you can see some of the mummified crocodiles that were found in the area.

How to Get to Aswan

Aswan is well-connected by air, land, and water, and you can easily reach it from different parts of Egypt and the world. The main airport is the Aswan International Airport, which is located about 25 kilometers from the city center.

 You can take a taxi, a bus, or a shuttle to get to the city from the airport. You can also take a train, a bus, or a car to get to Aswan from other cities in Egypt, such as Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, and Alexandria. 

You can also take a cruise on the Nile River, which is one of the most popular and scenic ways to travel in Egypt. You can start from Cairo or Luxor, and stop at some of the ancient sites along the way, such as Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, before reaching Aswan.

When to Visit Aswan

The best time to visit Aswan is from October to April, when the weather is mild and pleasant, with an average temperature of around 25°C. This is also the peak season, so you can expect more tourists and higher prices. 

The summer months, from May to September, are very hot and dry, with an average temperature of around 40°C. This is the low season, so you can find cheaper deals and fewer crowds, but you will need to be prepared for the heat and the sun.

Where to Stay in Aswan

Aswan has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Aswan:

• Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan: This is one of the most luxurious and historic hotels in Aswan, located on the bank of the Nile River, with a stunning view of the island of Elephantine. It was built in 1899, and has hosted many famous guests, such as Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, and Omar Sharif. It has 220 rooms and suites, all equipped with modern amenities and elegant decor. It also has a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and several restaurants and bars, serving international and Egyptian cuisine.

• Mövenpick Resort Aswan: This is a modern and comfortable resort, located on the island of Elephantine, with a panoramic view of the Nile River and the city of Aswan. It has 404 rooms and suites, all equipped with air-conditioning, TV, and minibar. It also has a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and several restaurants and bars, serving international and Egyptian cuisine.

• Nubian Dream Hotel: This is a cozy and charming hotel, located in the Nubian village of Gharb Soheil, on the west bank of the Nile River. It has 12 rooms, all decorated with traditional Nubian crafts and furniture. It also has a garden, a terrace, and a restaurant, serving local and homemade food.

What to Eat in Aswan

Aswan has a unique and delicious cuisine, influenced by its Nubian, Egyptian, and African heritage. Some of the dishes that you should try in Aswan are:

• Shamsi bread: This is a round and flat bread, made from wheat flour, yeast, and water, and baked in a clay oven. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be eaten with cheese, honey, beans, or meat.

• Feteer: This is a flaky and layered pastry, made from flour, butter, and milk, and stuffed with cheese, meat, vegetables, or fruits. It can be sweet or savory, and is usually served with honey, molasses, or jam.

• Sayadeya: This is a fish dish, made from Nile perch, cooked with rice, onion, garlic, tomato, and spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish, and is usually served with salad and bread.

• Karkadeh: This is a refreshing and healthy drink, made from dried hibiscus flowers, boiled with water and sugar. It has a deep red color and a tart and sweet taste, and can be drunk hot or cold. It is also said to have many health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, boosting immunity, and improving digestion.

What to Do in Aswan

Aswan is not only a place to see, but also a place to experience. There are many activities that you can do in Aswan, such as:

• Cruise on a felucca: One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and the atmosphere of Aswan is to sail on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailboat, on the Nile River. You can cruise along the river, admiring the skyline of Aswan, the islands, the cataracts, and the sandbanks. You can also enjoy a meal, a drink, or a show on board, depending on the cruise option you choose. A cruise on the Nile is especially romantic at night, when the city lights up and the river sparkles.
  
  
  

• Visit the Nubian villages: Aswan is home to a large and vibrant Nubian community, who have a distinct culture, language, and history from the rest of Egypt. You can visit some of the Nubian villages, such as Gharb Soheil, Koti, and Siou, and experience their hospitality and warmth. You can see their colorful and unique houses, decorated with murals and patterns, and learn about their traditions and crafts. You can also taste their delicious and spicy cuisine, such as shamsi bread, feteer, and sayadeya. You can also enjoy some of their folk music and dance, and maybe even join in.

• Explore the Aswan Botanical Gardens: The Aswan Botanical Gardens are a green and peaceful oasis in the busy city of Aswan, located on Kitchener’s Island, a small island in the Nile River. The gardens were created by Lord Kitchener, a British general and governor of Egypt, who planted a variety of exotic plants and trees from around the world. The gardens are home to more than 400 species of plants, including palm trees, bamboo, cacti, and flowers. You can walk around the gardens, admire the flora and fauna, and enjoy the shade and the breeze. You can also take a boat to the island, and see the views of the river and the city.

• See the Temple of Kom Ombo: The Temple of Kom Ombo is a unique and interesting attraction in Aswan, located on the bank of the Nile River, about 40 kilometers north of the city. It is a temple that was built in the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, and that is dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility and water, and Horus, the falcon god of the sky and kingship. The temple has a symmetrical design, with two entrances, two courtyards, two hypostyles, and two sanctuaries, one for each god. The temple also has some remarkable reliefs and carvings, depicting the myths and rituals of the two cults, as well as some scenes of medicine, astronomy, and agriculture. The temple also has a crocodile museum, where you can see some of the mummified crocodiles that were found in the area. 

Conclusion

Aswan is a jewel of the Nile, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the history, nature, and culture of Egypt, and enjoy a peaceful and memorable vacation.