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| Aswan, Egypt |
Aswan is the most southerly city in Egypt and stretches along the eastern bank of the island-studded River Nile, and is overlooked by the dry, sand-blown hills of the Western Desert. This picturesque city is located approximately 250 kilometres south of Luxor, and stands at the northern edge of the first cataract, which extends upstream from here to the Island of Philae. Aswan was an ancient, garrisoned, frontier town, and during the Pharaonic period was considered to be the southern boundary of the country, whilst the first cataract was thought to be the source of the Nile. Historically Aswan grew from a trading centre which collected taxes on behalf of the Pharaohs of Egypt. These taxes were charged on all traded goods as they moved along the river and were policed from the nearby garrison that was established on Elephantine Island that stands just offshore from Aswan. Although these river taxes are no longer levied, Aswan continues to be a bustling market town, but has also become a major transport hub and busy tourist centre. Today, Aswan continues to be the southern terminus of all river traffic and provides many visitors with access to the river cruise boats which journey between Aswan and Cairo, and onwards travel to ancient Temples of Abu Simbel which is easily reached by boat from the Aswan High Dam, by road via escorted convoy, or by air from the local airport.
Aswan is the gateway to Africa and home to a mix of Egyptian and Nubian people. Offering a distinctly different atmosphere from the more northerly parts of Egypt, Aswan is small enough to walk around and provides visitors with a more relaxed and slower pace of life. If you are here for a couple of days there are several attractions which are worthy of a visit these range from the impressive Temples of Abu Simbel which are located a distance away from the city, to the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan which overlooks the river. One thing you must do though is make sure you take a ride on a felucca, the traditional wooden sailing boats that have been used on the River Nile for centuries. These boats can take you to Plantation Island (a.k.a Kitchener’s Island) where you can enjoy the tranquil Aswan Botanical Gardens, or Elephantine Island where you will find the Aswan Museum, the adjacent ruins of ancient Abu and perhaps one of the two Nilometers. Within Aswan city it is worth visiting the bazaar which runs along the Corniche, the Nubian Museum or the interesting ‘Unfinished Obelisk’ which can be found in the Northern Quarries. Or you could take a camel ride to the Monastery of St Simeon, a drive to see the beautiful ruins on the Island of Philae or the High Aswan Dam which was once the largest embankment dam in the world.
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| Tours |  |
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Nile Safari
8 days | The most impressive sights of the Nile Valley combined with a 4 day cruise on our exclusive Nile boat. This tour is one of Imaginative Travellers most popular. Not only offering you the main sites of Cairo, Luxor and a Nile Cruise, it’s perfect for those travellers short on time.
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Felucca Journey
13 days | The best way to glimpse life along the world’s greatest river. Adventure and fun for the budget-conscious. The romance of sailing on the Nile, combined with the natural beauty of the Red Sea coral gardens and some of the greatest historical sites in the world. |
Splendours of Egypt
12 days | While you might find hustle and bustle in the bazaars of Cairo, it is certainly not to be found aboard your stylish Nile cruiser. With seven nights to relax while you glide down the Nile, this tour could quite possibly be one of the most graceful holidays you will ever experience.
On arriving in C... |
Wonders of Egypt
9 days | This tour is the perfect blend of touring, cruising and city stay and will appeal to travellers who want to get a real feel for Egypt. When you first arrive in Cairo you enter a land of wonders and mysteries, and when you catch your first view of the great Pyramid of Giza you will be hooked. The n... |
Timeless Egypt
10 days | This exclusive tour elevates the Nile cruise to new heights of luxury. Staying on board our deluxe, traditional Dahabiya, Princess Donia, you will enjoy 5 star surroundings and service. With just five en suite cabins and an exceptional crew you are guaranteed an intimate and personal cruise experien... |
Nile Valley & Red Sea
15 days | One of our longest running and most popular trips has just got even better with the addition of a visit to the wonderful temples at Dendera and Abydos and a trip to the island temple of Isis at Philae. All the regular highlights are still there; a Nile cruise on MS Melodie, a donkey ride to the Vall... |
Best of Egypt
9 days | |
Egypt in Style
13 days | Egypt is without doubt one of the world’s best tourist destinations. Not only does it offer the chance to see the treasures of the Pharaohs - and the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamun’s tomb and Karnak Temple will take your breath away - but it combines these with legendary Arabian hosp... |
Egypt & the Nile
8 days | Travel back in time to the days of the Pharoahs with this action packed trek around Egypt. You'll be guided through the craziness of Cairo with an expert Egyptian Tour Manager, who'll be at your side for the entire tour. See the Great Pyramids & Sphinx in Giza & Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Sail on... |
Nile Rover
8 days | Our Nile Rover offers a great way to see the highlights of Egypt and the Nile Valley with guided visits to the Pyramids, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings alongside a relaxing cruise and plenty of time to explore on your own. |
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