Tours and Day Trips from Aswan

The city of Aswan, or Aswan as it is also known, is one of the most important cities in Egypt. Here you'll find temples dedicated to pharaohs and Egyptian gods, cathedrals, mosques, traditional markets, natural spaces and more.

Among the best things to do in Aswan are a number of tours and excursions. For example, you can visit the Philae Temple, the High Dam and the unfinished obelisk. Also, take a carriage ride through the streets of the city centre, join a tour of the Abu Simbel temples, sail down the Nile, and so on.

Aswan has some truly essential sites, which are part of the Egyptian architectural legacy preserved in this land. If you want to discover part of the city's history during your stay, join a tour of the Aswan Philae Temple, the High Dam and the unfinished obelisk.

You will visit the Aswan High Dam, which gave rise to the artificial Lake Nasser. This monumental structure was erected more than 60 years ago for the purpose of generating electricity.

You will also see the Unfinished Obelisk, which dates back to the reign of the 18th Dynasty Pharaoh Hatshepsut. This stone carving is over 40 metres high and is located inside a trench in the quarries in the north of the city. You will also visit the Temple of Aswan Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and located on an island across the Nile.

This tour of the Temple of Aswan Philae, the High Dam and the unfinished obelisk is usually guided. This is convenient as you will be accompanied by an expert who will take you directly to each destination and tell you its history.

Interesting details

• Price: the average cost of the activity is 56€ per person.
• Duration: about 6 hours (approx.).
• Means of transport: air-conditioned car and boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will see three of Aswan's main attractions in one day.
• Disadvantages of this option: the tour does not usually include entrance to the attractions, so you will have to bear this cost on your own.

Taking a boat or falucho ride on the Nile River and discovering the history of the ancient Nubian people is a popular excursion in Aswan. This is a unique open-air experience, where you will be able to enjoy the unique scenery.

In Aswan, you will board a boat and, together with a guide, you will take a ride on the calm waters of the Nile. You will sail past Elephantine Island and Sohail, as well as Lake Nasser, formed by the High Dam reservoir. These are the main places where the Nubian people are still found.

On this boat tour of the Nubian people from Aswan you will stop at one of the above destinations to explore at your own pace. You'll walk through streets lined with traditional houses, see some tamed crocodiles and gain access to the home of a Nubian family.

Details of interest

• Price: you will pay approximately €46 per person.
• Duration: the tour lasts at least 3 hours.
• Means of transport: speedboat or falucho.
• Advantages of this option: You will sail down the Nile and visit a Nubian village and discover part of the culture.
• Disadvantages of this option: The tour may not include food and drink.

The Abu Simbel temple complex is a must-see destination on your itinerary. You will see an archaeological find more than 3,000 years old, discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For this adventure you will travel by car some 300 kilometres in the direction of the southern area of Aswan. There, you will find the pair of temples of Abu Simbel. One is dedicated to Ramses II and the other to Nefertari, who was his wife during his lifetime.

When you arrive, you will see the four monumental statues guarding the main entrance. Next, you will find the temple of the pharaoh, followed by that of his wife. In both places, you will see dozens of life-size statues alluding to this pair of characters from Egyptian history. There are also hundreds of hieroglyphs describing their great deeds.

This day trip to the Abu Simbel temple from Aswan can be done on your own , but it is best to join a guided tour. This way, you won't have to worry about the transfer, as you will have a driver-guide.

Useful details

• Price: this experience starts at 30€ per person.
• Duration: this excursion lasts about 10 hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned car.
• Advantages of this option: you will see two of the most important archaeological finds in Egypt, the temples of Abu Simbel.
• Disadvantages of this option: The entrance fees to the attractions visited are not usually included in the tour.

Another experience you can have in this Egyptian city combines a couple of destinations included in the first two activities of this list of tours and excursions in Aswan. These are the famous Philae Temple and an ancient Nubian village, which is located on the islands along the Nile. You will delve into the history and traditions that are part of the local culture.

The tour usually starts with a drive to the Philae Temple. This is a sacred site, where the goddess Isis is worshipped. You will be left breathless at the sight of this majestic building, statues and other treasures.

Afterwards, your guide will take you to the Nile River to board a boat and sail to a Nubian village off Soheil Island, very close to the Aswan Dam crossing. There, you'll get off and walk among the quaint traditional houses and leafy palm trees.

This is a must-do tour that combines perfectly with other activities such as Nile cruises from Aswan. In fact, if you have enough time, you could take a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: around €95 per person.
• Duration: usually takes about 3 hours.
• Means of transport: air-conditioned car and boat.
• Advantages of this option: the activity includes entrance to the temple.
• Disadvantages of this option: no food or drinks are provided.

Another of the best tours of Aswan is the guided horse-drawn carriage ride. This is a different way to explore this Egyptian city, giving you a glimpse of local life while discovering some interesting destinations.

You will board a comfortable carriage in the centre of the city and the driver will immediately pull the reins to start this fun-filled adventure. You will enjoy a different perspective of Aswan as the guide tells you the history of each place.

You will see iconic sites such as the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, the Corniche El Nile Street, the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel and the El-Tabia Mosque, among others.

Details of interest

• Price: an average price of €84 per person.
• Duration: approximately a couple of hours.
• Means of transport: horse-drawn carriage.
• Advantages of this option: You will have a fun ride around the city and discover the local life of Aswan.
• Disadvantages of this option: the experience does not include tips, so be prepared.

If you are an enthusiast of Egyptian cuisine and also want to get a different view of the city, you should visit the Aswan Spice Market. You will be enveloped in a lively atmosphere with food stalls, vendors offering their wares and bargaining.

When you arrive at this traditional souk in the centre of the city, you will notice that it is a popular place with locals and tourists alike. You can visit it on your own or with a guide. In any case, you will find dozens of picturesque stalls that you can explore freely and without haste.

You can buy a variety of spices and other kitchen products for your preparations: thyme, fennel, hibiscus flower, etc. You can also taste the delicious Arabica coffee, herbal teas and fresh juices. You will also find handicrafts of the Nubian people that are characterised by their high level of quality, especially in footwear and fashion.

Interesting details

• Price: the self-guided tour is free of charge. Guided activities start at €25 per person.
• Duration: the self-paced tour has no time limit. The guided tour can last up to 2 hours.
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: you'll get a different view of the city and feel like a local.
• Disadvantages of this option: you might feel overwhelmed in the market, as it is a very crowded place.

A sunset falucca ride in Aswan is a great way to unwind after a long day. You will witness a picturesque natural scene: the last rays of the sun colouring the sky, the blue waters of the Nile and the surrounding islands.

This tour takes place in the late afternoon, precisely so that you can enjoy the sunset. You will set sail from the banks of the Nile River and slowly navigate the tranquil waters. Your guide will tell you the history of this iconic site, which dates back to Pharaonic times.

From the boat you will watch the sun set over the plants and palms of the Aswan Botanical Garden, which is an important natural lung on Lord Kitchener's Island. You will see the reflection of a dune in the Nile, Elephantine Island, among other destinations.

Details of interest

• Price: about 80€ per person (Approx.).
• Duration: this tour lasts from 1 to 2 hours.
• Means of transport: falucca.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy an amazing sunset from the waters of the Nile.
• Disadvantages of this option: In case you want to stop at the Botanical Gardens, the entrance fee is not included.

Another good tour in Aswan is bird watching from the Nile. Embark on a traditional boat tour on these calm waters and see the amazing native flying species that inhabit the nearby islands.

The experience usually starts at the port of Aswan, where you will board a falucca sailing boat with a birdwatcher. You will sail the Nile from the east bank to the west bank, heading towards Lord Kitchener's Island. There, you will spot parakeets and egrets and enjoy the picturesque flora: acacias, mimosas, etc.

You will pass around the Cataract Islands, which is on the way to the Aga Khan Mausoleum. In this area you will see a lot more birdlife: kingfishers, stretch herons, night herons, etc.

Details of interest

• Price: you will pay around 140€ per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours is the approximate time of the tour.
• Means of transport: traditional boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy the company of an expert birdwatcher, so you will learn about the different species.
• Disadvantages of this option: meals and drinks are not usually included.

A walking tour of Aswan is one of the experiences you must have during your stay. You'll see the highlights of this Egyptian city and discover what's inside.

You'll be accompanied by an experienced local guide on this tour. He or she will tell you the history of each destination, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture as if you were a local.

Although the itinerary may vary according to the activity booked, there are some must-see sites such as the following:

• The El-Tabia Mosque, surrounded by beautiful and picturesque gardens.
• The Aswan Market, which is the best place to experience local life.
• The Coptic Orthodox Cathedral dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

Details of interest

• Price: the average cost is €32 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (approx.).
• Means of transport: on foot.
• Advantages of this option: includes entry to the attractions visited.
• Disadvantages of this option: you will enjoy the transfer to the door of the hotel, only if it is close to the city centre.

The Egyptian city of Aswan is a place with a wide range of tours and excursions, allowing you to discover its history and culture. By embarking on one of these experiences, you will have the opportunity to see some of Aswan' s natural wonders, monuments and archaeological finds, among other things.

You will see unique sites such as the High Dam, the Leaning Obelisk and the Philae Temple, which are considered three of Aswan's main attractions. You will also visit the Abu Simbel temple complex, dedicated to Ramses II and Nefertari; the Spice Market, which will give you an insight into local life; the Tabia Mosque, which dates back to 1974, among others.

When embarking on a tour or excursion in Aswan, it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips to avoid any possible inconveniences. This way, you will get the most out of every experience.

• Take a bottle of water and a snack with you, as food and drink are not always included on tours and excursions.
• Learn a few words in Arabic. They will help you communicate with the locals. You can also use this app from Google Play.
• Enjoy the bargaining culture. If you visit the local markets this is very common.
• Don't forget to have cash. You will need it for tipping.