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The name Aswan is synonymous today with peace, tranquility and beauty. The town lies on the ancient trade route between Egypt and its southern territories and trade in the times of the Pharaohs was brisk in gold, ivory, slaves and exotic animals. As all major towns and cities in Egypt, Aswan also has its share of spectacular temples; the most impressive of which is Abu Simbel, built by Pharaoh Ramses II. Abu Simbel is situated on the shores of Lake Nasser, and can be reached from Aswan by road or air. Closer to home, the temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is located on an island a short journey from Aswan - the perfect romantic setting, especially for the evening Sound & Light performances. Unfinished Obelisk. Just to the south of this, two Greco-Roman sarcophagi and an unfinished colossus remain half buried in the sand. On the opposite shore (west bank) the cliffs are surmounted by tomb of a Mara. Tombs of the local Paranoiac nobles and dignitaries. The most obvious is Elephantine Island, which is timeless with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward. It is the largest island in the area. Just beyond the Elephantine Island is Kitcheners Island. The old Aswan dam, built by the British, which was enlarged, expanded, but unable to control the Nile for irrigation. Upriver a bit is the tomb of Mohammed Shah Aga Khan who died in 1957. Known as the Tomb of the Aga Khan, it is beautiful in its simplicity. A road from there leads back to the Coptic Monastery of St. Simeon, which was built in the sixth century in honor of Amba Hadra, a local saint. Today, many travelers visit Aswan to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Afternoon tea on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel is an excellent idea, where Agatha Christie stayed and is reported to have written part of her book Death on the Nile. A felucca sailboat ride to the Botanical Gardens or Elephantine Island is a wonderful way to unwind. |
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EXCRETIONS FROM ASWAN |
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Abu Simbel is situated on the shores of Lake Nasser and can be reached from Aswan by road or air. Closer to home, the temple of Philae is located on an island, a short journey from Aswan, amidst a romantic setting, especially the Sound and Light show. A spectacular event happens at the Temple of Abu Simbel twice a year. Ramses II wakes up to the sun shining on him on February 22 and again on October 22. The day of his accession to the throne and the second, his birthday! Four colossal statues of Ramses II, 20 m high, set in pairs flank the entrance to the temple built by him. The temple is aligned in such a way that the sun's rays reach the innermost sanctuary to illuminate the statues only on these two days. Cruise down Lake Nasser from Aswan to Abu Simbel and have a candlelight dinner overlooking the temple. Or even better, watch the sun rise above the temples.
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The Philae temple is set like a bright jewel in a wine dark sea, the perfect backdrop to the story of Isis. After crossing over the lake to the island, the story unfolds. In the dramatic lighting, listen to the ancient tale beneath a star studded sky.
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The double temples of Sobek (crocodile god) and Haroeris (falcon god) are found in Kom Ombo, reached from the town of Aswan. The two temples command a splendid location overlooking the Nile, at a bend in the river. Surrounding the temples is lush green vegetation and sugar cane fields before giving way to the desert sands. The temple walls of Kom Ombo show medical instruments used in ancient times and of pilgrims pilgrims to the temple being treated and healed by the priests of Horus, "the good doctor." You can also see mummified crocodiles on display. The Crocodile god Sobek used to be worshipped.
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- Tour 1 : Abu Simbel (Half Day)
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Tour 2 : Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple (Evening) 
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Tour 3 : Kom Ombo (Half Day) 
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