Aswan Holiday

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Aswan

Overview: Aswan, the most southerly city, has more of an African ambiance with its numerous Nubian inhabitants providing a difference in culture and custom. Although every bit as touristy as Luxor, the town and its inhabitants are far more laid back and pleasant. A picturesque city, its attraction lies not so much in its historical sites, but in the peacefulness of a felucca cruise at sunset, a visit to the colourful market (Sharia el-Souq), or dinner at one of the floating restaurants on the Nile. It is a perfect base to visit to the magnificent Sun Temple of Ramses II, Abu Simbel.

Shopping: There is plenty of shopping to be done in the many markets in Aswan, from shoes and clothes to jewellery and leather. Haggling is the best way to get the cheapest price. It is wise to be cautious when buying jewellery as many fake pieces can be mistaken as authentic.

Restaurants: There are many restaurants situated along the Nile River, such as the elegant Aswan Panorama, which offers a true taste of Nubian cuisine in a sophisticated setting at a very reasonable price. The Aswan Moon is a spacious floating restaurant reached by Corniche, and offers a wide variety of local food as well as a beautiful sunset on the Nile. The 1902 Restaurant, situated in the Old Cataract Hotel and reminiscent of an ancient tomb, is said to be one of the Egypt's finest restaurants serving French cuisine and heavy on local fish. It saw such dignitaries as Winston Churchill and King Edward VII's brother on its opening night.

Nightlife: The Elephantine Bar located in the Oberoi Hotel on Elephantine Island offers a relaxed, yet traditional style 24 hours a day, and the Tower Bar, also located in the Oberoi Hotel on the 12th floor, offers wrap-around windows with a panoramic view of the Nile River and Aswan.

Activities: A felucca trip down the Nile is one of the best ways to see Aswan. The Nubian village and remains of ancient Memphis on Elephantine Island are well worth a visit. The far side of the Nile is desert as far as the eye can see and this is the perfect setting for a camel trek.

Attractions

Abu Simbel

The two temples of Abu Simbel, the Temple of Ramses II and the temple of Hathor (the Sun God) dedicated to his wife Nefertari, were cut out of the sandstone cliffs more than 3,000 years ago. Not only are these temples among the... see full details

Nubian Museum

This museum in Aswan is an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the Nubians. It contains a collection of artefacts from Nubia (the region approximately between Aswan and Khartoum in Sudan) and an exhibition of Nubian culture and crafts. It also portrays... see full details