ASWAN & ABU SIMBEL
Visit the beautiful and laid-back Aswan. With its palm-tree studded shorelines, feluccas that sail the Nile River and beautiful temples, Aswan looks and feels a lot different than other places in Egypt.
The twin temples of Abu Simbel sit on the bank of Lake Nasser. Construction of the temples took twenty years and was completed in 1244 BC. Over time, the temples were forgotten and were covered with sand. In 1813 it was rediscovered by Jean-Louis Burckhardt. It’s even more fascinating that the entire complex was dismantled and relocated by a combined effort of 50 countries and 5 years orfwork to move the temples to higher ground after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Abu Simbel Temple
is one of Egypt’s most striking monuments built by Ramesses II one of the most powerful rulers of Ancient Egypt, over 3,000 years ago. The Great Temple of Abu Simbel is dedicated to the gods Amon-Ra, Ra-Harakhti, and Ptah, but also erected to demonstrate the power of the Egyptian empire and for the eternal glorification of Ramesses II. The Small Temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, the beloved and favorite wife of Ramesses II.
Philae Temple
The Temple of Isis at the Philae Temple Complex on Agilikia Island - is one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, joining the temples of Dendera and Edfu.
Felucca on the Nile River
Enjoy a peaceful hour and take a break from your busy life. Drift on the Nile River at sunset. This is truly one of the best things to do in Aswan.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan High Dam was constructed in 1960s. Egyptian leader Nasser wanted to build the dam to end the following of the Nile River but instead a hint reservoir was created which was named Lake Nasser. This caused a flooding that forced over 90,000 Egyptians and Nubians to resettle, as well as the expensive relocation of numerous temples including Philae Temple and the twin temples of Abu Simbel.
Unfinished Obelisk
If it had been completed, this would have been the world’s largest obelisk. It was planned to be 138 feet high! Queen Hatshepsut ordered the construction of this obelisk to complement the Lateran obelisk which can be seen at Karnak Temple. The project was abandoned after it cracked during excavation. It is incredible how monumental the task would’ve been to cut the obelisk from the stone and to transport them to their final destination.
Nubian Village
Visit the Nubian Village and the Nubian Museum. Experience and learn about their life. Go inside one of the homes to drink tea and learn about life here.