After spending the night in Cairo, our journey continued to an unforgettable stop in Aswan, a city filled with fascinating history, vibrant markets, and stunning views along the Nile River. From exploring the monumental Aswan High Dam to sailing at sunset on a felucca, each experience gave us a glimpse into Egypt’s unique culture and captivating landscapes. This post takes you through our one-day itinerary in Aswan, sharing the places we visited, the market finds, and the magical moments on the Nile.
Arrival and Meeting Our Guide in Aswan
Our one-day Aswan itinerary began when we stepped off the plane and were greeted by our friendly guide, Mohamad. He had been a guide in Egypt 20 for years, and his knowledge of Egyptian history was impressive. With him by our side, we felt excited to dive into all Aswan had to offer. He kept it simple for us to understand and moved at our pace throughout the day.
The History and Importance of the Aswan High Dam
Our first stop was the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that has played a crucial role in Egypt’s history. We learnt from our guide that the High Dam was built in the 1960s with support from the Soviet Union. The High Dam was constructed to control the seasonal flooding of the Nile. For centuries, Egypt’s agricultural lands were at the river’s mercy, with floods often causing destruction. As we travelled down the Nile in the coming days, this all started to make sense. The dam helped stabilise the flow, providing consistent irrigation and preventing devastating floods. The water from the dam comes from eight different African countries and then flows down the Nile to the Mediterranean Ocean.
Visiting Philae Temple: A Journey to an Island of History
Next, we journeyed to the Philae Temple, via a little boat trip as the Temple is on an Island. It is one of Aswan’s most stunning and unique sites. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple was originally located on Philae Island. However, when the Aswan High Dam was built, the rising waters threatened to submerge it in its original location. Thanks to a remarkable UNESCO-led project, the temple was carefully dismantled and relocated piece by piece to Agilkia Island to preserve its legacy.
The Boat Ride to Philae Temple: We took a small boat across the Nile to reach the island, as we walked down the pier onto the boat, locals had set up markets selling cute little souvenirs. We could not help but to stop and buy something to take home. It was a short but beautiful journey that allowed us to take in the tranquil scenery of the Nile. As we approached the island, the towering columns of Philae Temple came into view, and being our very first temple visit in Egypt, it was incredibly impressive.
Exploring Philae Temple: Wandering through the temple complex was an awe-inspiring experience. The reliefs, hieroglyphics, and carvings are incredibly detailed, and our guide shared stories of the ancient goddess Isis and the significance of this sacred site. For us, Philae Temple was a perfect introduction to Egypt’s grand temples and ancient beliefs.
Local Market Experience: Souvenirs and Sand Bottles
After checking into our Nile River Boat, where we stayed on board for the next four days, we went across the road to explore a market. Stalls were brimming with souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional Egyptian trinkets. This vibrant market was full of life, offering various items from handcrafted souvenirs and spices to intricately designed bottles filled with sand art. We had a sand bottle custom-made for one of the kids, with their name etched into the sand—a fun and unique gift they’ll always treasure.
The people were lovely and chatty. You can bargain in Egypt, in markets such as these, it is expected. Some items, such as herbs and spices, seem to have fixed prices. Our guide later advised us that we should not bargain hunt alone, however we felt safe in the market.
Discovering the Ancient Granite Quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk
Another fascinating site in Aswan is the Granite Quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk. Our guide took us to this ancient quarry, where massive granite blocks were carved for use in temples and monuments. The Unfinished Obelisk, still partly attached to the bedrock, is a sight to behold—had it been completed, it would have been one of the largest obelisks in Egypt. However, a crack appeared during its carving, so it was left in place, giving us a unique look into ancient construction techniques.
The Scale of Ancient Work: Seeing the Unfinished Obelisk up close was awe-inspiring. Imagining the skill, labour, and ingenuity required to shape these massive stone monuments with ancient tools is mind-blowing. We learnt about how, in ancient times, they would move these huge pieces of granite down the Nile by boats. It was absolutely amazing to me how this would be possible with little equipment.
Sunset Sail on the Nile: A Peaceful Felucca Ride
As the sun began to set, we noticed small sailing boats, known as feluccas, gathering near the docks right next to where our ship was docked. Intrigued, we decided to bargain with a local sailor, who agreed to take us out on the Nile for an hour at a reasonable price of $20. The experience was well worth it.
The Magic of the Nile at Sunset: Sailing on the Nile during sunset was a peaceful, unforgettable experience. The sky turned orange and pink as we drifted along the calm waters. The landscape seemed to glow in the evening light, with palm trees and distant hills silhouetted against the setting sun.
Surprise Entertainment from Local Kids: As we sailed, a few local kids swam up to our boat on small boards, grabbing onto the sides to serenade us with songs. Their laughter and joyful singing added an unexpected fun element, making our sunset cruise even more special. They were the most gorgeous kids on their paddle boards. Of course, they wanted us to tip, which we happily gave them.
A word of caution: When we got off the little sailing boat, the captain wanted more money and was no longer happy with the original deal. It was a little unpleasant that he reneged. We gave him the money we agreed to and then walked off as he yelled at us. We went and got our guide, and he sorted him out. Unfortunately, it can be a little like this in Egypt; hence, our guide told us to involve him when we wanted to do something, which we did from then on.
Final Thoughts on Our Day in Aswan
Our one-day itinerary in Aswan was packed with incredible sights, cultural experiences, and unexpected moments, making the day in Aswan genuinely memorable. From learning about the history of the High Dam to exploring the impressive Philae Temple, each stop offered a glimpse into Egypt’s fascinating past. The lively markets, peaceful felucca ride, and local encounters added a layer of warmth and authenticity to our visit. Aswan left a lasting impression on us, and we highly recommend including it in any Egyptian travel itinerary.
If you’re planning a trip to Egypt, don’t miss the chance to explore Aswan. This city on the Nile offers a perfect mix of historical sites, local charm, and beautiful natural scenery to make your journey unforgettable. For more on our four-day tour down the Nile, you can click here.
