Aswan sits where the Nile runs between granite islands and desert hills. Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk are all close to town, and it is the starting point for Nile cruises to Luxor and for the temples of Abu Simbel.
Best time for Aswan tours
Aswan lies in the far south of Egypt and is warm for most of the year, so the most pleasant months for Aswan tours are October to April. In the hotter months, plan your visits for the early morning and the late afternoon, and spend the middle of the day by the river. Trips to Abu Simbel start very early, which also keeps you ahead of the heat.
Two days in Aswan is a good start. Use one for Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, which are all close to town, and one for the long day trip south to the temples of Abu Simbel. Aswan is also the starting point for Nile cruises to Luxor, so many travelers arrive a day early and begin their cruise rested.
Do not miss the short boat ride to Philae, the island temple of Isis, and the four colossal statues of Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Both temples were moved to higher ground when the High Dam was built, and they belong to the UNESCO Nubian Monuments site. In the evening, a sail between the granite islands is the calmest way to end the day. Bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone paths.
