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Aswan

Aswan is as far south as you can go before entering the desert, Nubia and Sudan. It is, effectively, where Egypt ends and offers visitors many different activities and sights.

Aswan is the launchpad for excursions across the desert to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an exciting experience by air. Aswan is also the perfect base either side of a Nile Cruise – staying in the wonderful Legend Old Cataract hotel.

This southern city has notable differences. The pace is a little slower, it is a little warmer, and you will notice the Nubians, who have darker skin and are often taller in height.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Abu Simbel

Explore the UNESCO world heritage site of Abu Simbel, a must see after the pyramids of Cairo.

Visit the Tombs of the Nobles

Travel to the desert dunes on the eastern shores of the Nile to explore the Tombs of the Nobles.

Avenue of the Sphnixs, Luxor Temple, Egypt

Expert Egyptologists

Benefit from the company of an expert Egyptologist who can guide you through the many archaeological sites and stories.

Life on the Nile

Experience life on the Nile and what this mighty river means to the local people.

Suggested Cruise

Visit Local Communities

Visit a local fishing village to see a traditional way of life and see Telegraph Island.

Sailing the Nile on a felucca

Sleeping beneath the stars, singing round the campfire on the banks of the Nile.

Traditional Egyptian Dahabeya River Boat, River Nile, Egypt

Nile Cruise

Take a Nile Cruise either in a small luxury river boat or, for a more authentic experience, in a traditional dahabiya.

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Suggested Itinerary

Highlights of Egypt including a Nile Cruise

This classic Egypt holiday takes in the iconic highlights of the country, staying in historic properties that add to the sense of history and place.
Begin in Cairo, moving between the bustle of bazaars and museums and the contrasting desert setting of the pyramids. On the banks of the Nile River, Luxor begins an immersion into the rich history of the country, best showcased on a cruise, gently navigating, watching daily life unfold, exploring shoreside temples before ending amidst the picture perfect setting of Aswan.

11 days

from £5,995 pp

See holiday idea

Luxury Egypt with Oberoi Zahra

This holiday offers the perfect combination of a luxury cruise down the River Nile while taking in some of the best known Egyptian archaeological and historical sites. Expect personalised service and private guiding by expert Egyptologists.

13 days

from £7,450 pp

See holiday idea

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan £££££

Egypt
City

The Sofitel Old Cataract is perched on a shelf of pink granite, overlooking the Nile, with wonderful views towards Elephantine island and the beginnings of the Western Desert. Behind the Victorian facade of this 19th-century palace are many original features, from the polished marble floor of the historic lobby and high, classic Islamic arches.

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Movenpick Resort Aswan £££££

Egypt
City

Movenpick Resort is set on Elephantine Island, in the middle of the River Nile with the town of Aswan on one side and the beginning of the western desert on the other. The hotel is set on 23 acres and has over 400 rooms and suites, most of which have a balcony or terrace. Additional facilities include a choice of restaurants plus a spacious outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a gym.

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More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat.

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The choice of accommodation was absolutely excellent throughout! Mohamed Saad, our guide from Luxor onwards, was outstanding and should be recommended strongly. We also hired an ornithological expert ( Shaban ) for a morning - excellent.

Egypt

I really felt like Tom Frost listened and did his very best to meet my demands. Very soon I was trusting him implicitly and placing a high value on his advice. I am so glad I did!

Egypt

The Oberoi Philae is just out of this world. We had a gorgeous cabin and watched the Nile slip timelessly by whilst enjoying superb food and top class service.

Oberoi Philae - Egypt

We are back now and I just wanted to thank you for your excellent planning and arrangements for what turned out to be a wonderful - albeit short - holiday! Without exception the service we received from your agents was terrific: we felt we got the total 5-star treatment! All the airport arrivals, departures and transfers were handled superbly and the service left us feeling very well cared for.

Egypt

Thank you so much for assisting us with all of the planning. We wouldn't hesitate to go back to Egypt again. There is so much to see there.

Egypt

Our guide in Cairo was obviously one of the best and did wonders for our knowledge of the ancient history of Egypt.

Egypt

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Aswan