Day 1 – Arrival in Aswan
Aswan can be reached in a few different ways: by domestic flight from Cairo, by train or by boat along the Nile. However you arrive, we will arrange your transfer to a welcoming guesthouse on Elephantine Island, reached by a short boat ride across the river. You’ll stay in a traditional Nubian village, opposite the Tombs of the Nobles and your stay is very much part of the experience.
Rather than luxury, expect warm hospitality, simple but comfortable air-conditioned rooms and warm, friendly hosts. Staying here gives you a glimpse into local life on the quieter west bank of the Nile. The guesthouse doesn’t have a swimming pool, but if you’d prefer to stay somewhere with a pool, we can arrange this for you back on the other side of the river in Aswan City. From the terrace, settle in with a refreshing drink and watch traditional sailboats drift peacefully across the Nile.
Elephantine Island
Elephantine Island is one of the oldest inhabited parts of Egypt and sits in the middle of the Nile at Aswan. Unlike many of Egypt’s famous sites, Elephantine feels lived-in and local, with colourful Nubian villages, quiet streets and traditional feluccas sailing past on the river. As you wander through the village, you’ll see brightly painted houses, children playing in narrow lanes and locals going about their daily lives. Here, you’ll experience a slower, more authentic side of Aswan that feels a world away from the busier east bank.
Day 2 – Kitchener Island
This morning, you’ll be picked up from your guesthouse by a local guide and set off by boat to explore the islands around Aswan and Nubia. As you cruise along the Nile, your guide will share more about Nubian culture, traditions and daily life in Southern Egypt, where communities have their own language and strong cultural identity. You’ll drift past the smooth granite rocks of the First Cataract, scattered across the Nile like giant stepping stones. Their rounded shapes are said to resemble the backs of elephants – thought to be the reason behind the name of Elephantine Island. Along the way, enjoy views of the desert landscape stretching down to the riverbanks, a striking contrast from the green ribbon of the Nile.
Next, you’ll continue onto Kitchener Island, a peaceful island known for its lush botanical gardens filled with exotic plants, towering palms and colourful flowers from around the world. Wander through the shaded paths and soak up the oasis-like atmosphere – its the perfect place to slow down for an hour or two between temple visits and boat trips.
While visiting Aswan, if you have some extra time, or choose to stay another night, we highly recommend visiting the beautiful Philae Temple. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this unique temple sits on an island in the Nile and can only be reached by a short boat ride, making the visit extra special. Surrounded by water and palm-fringed views, it’s one of Egypt’s most scenic temples.
Day 3 – Departure from Aswan
Today you’ll continue on your journey through Egypt, heading north to Luxor by traditional felucca, train or private transfer. From here you can easily travel to the Red Sea, where you’ll be treated to incredibly vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life and a chance to slow down and enjoy the fresh sea breeze after all the temple exploration.
If you’d like to visit the iconic Abu Simbel, we recommend staying another night in Aswan. The journey takes around 3.5 hours each way, but seeing the extraordinary temples rising from the desert is well worth the effort.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Aswan - Philae Temple
On this tour, you will be discovering some of Aswan‘s highlights, starting with the beautiful Philae Temple. Set on an island in the Nile, this temple can only be reached by boat, so getting there already feels part of the adventure. You’ll hop aboard a traditional wooden motorboat and glide across the water before arriving at this unique scenic temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Alongside your English-speaking guide, you’ll uncover the stories behind the temple and hear about the extraordinary rescue project that carefully relocated it stone by stone to protect it from rising waters. Next, you’ll visit the Unfinished Obelisk, where ancient tool marks still reveal how these huge monuments were carved from solid granite. Your final stop is the Aswan High Dam, an impressive feat of engineering that transformed modern Egypt. Stretching across the Nile, it plays a vital role in controlling the river’s flow and providing water and electricity to much of the country. From here, you’ll also have scenic views over Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.
Aswan - Abu Simbel
If you’d like to experience the magic of Abu Simbel, we can arrange either a day trip or a visit including an overnight stay at an eco-lodge nearby. If you opt for the overnight stay, you will be collected after breakfast and drive around 3.5 hours across the desert where you’ll meet your private guide ready to explore Abu Simbel. As visitors on a day tour leave to start their journey back to Aswan, you will get the chance to experience this captivating temple without the crowds. Learning about the rich history and the incredible process of moving the temple back in the 1960s will blow you away. Tonight you’ll be staying at a vibrant guesthouse on Lake Nasser, surrounded by gardens and a farm where they grow food for the kitchen. You can enjoy a fantastic sound and light show at Abu Simbel, or simply relax and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The next morning, you will head back to Aswan, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel, the airport or the train station. If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel with a swimming pool, we can also arrange this for you near Abu Simbel.
Aswan - hotel with swimming pool
If you’d prefer a little more comfort and convenience, we can arrange for you to stay on the banks of the Nile instead of the family guesthouse on Elephantine Island. While the guesthouse offers a peaceful, local experience with a slower pace of life, this centrally located hotel places you right in the heart of Aswan, with the waterfront and colourful bazaar just outside. Set beside the river, the hotel has a swimming pool overlooking the Nile, perfect for cooling off after a day’s exploring. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, many with private balconies and views across the water. Spend your time strolling along the lively waterfront, browsing the nearby souk, or settle in with a drink overlooking the Nile. As the day winds down, head out on a traditional felucca for a sunset sail and watch life drift by along the Nile.