Explore the city of Aswan, southern Egypt’s long-standing strategic and commercial gateway, on this full-day bus and Nile River tour from Luxor. With an Egyptologist guide leading the way, this Aswan adventure features stops in the city of Edfu on the west bank, the agricultural town of Kom Ombo, the island city of Philae and Aswan. Some of the highlights include the Temple of Edfu, the Temple of Kom Ombo, the Aswan Dam and much more. Luxor hotel pickup and drop-off included.
* Visit the Egyptian city of Aswan from Luxor.
* Stop at various popular cities along the way.
* See popular sites at each stop.
* Transportation by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
* Travel along the Nile River, the longest river in the world.
* Lunch is included on this full-day tour.
Pickup included
( 1 ) Philae is an island in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, downstream of the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, Egypt. Philae was originally located near the expansive First Cataract of the Nile in Upper Egypt and was the site of an Egyptian temple complex. These rapids and the surrounding area have been variously flooded since the initial construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902.
( 2 ) The temple complex was dismantled and moved to nearby Agilkia Island as part of the UNESCO Nubia Campaign project, protecting this and other complexes before the 1970 completion of the Aswan High Dam.
( 3 ) The hieroglyphic reliefs of the temple complex are being studied and published by the Philae Temple Text Project of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna (Institute OREA) .
The Aswan Dam, or more specifically since the 1960s, the Aswan High Dam, is an embankment dam built across the Nile in Aswan, Egypt, between 1960 and 1970. Its significance largely eclipsed the previous Aswan Low Dam initially completed in 1902 downstream. Based on the success of the Low Dam, then at its maximum utilization, construction of the High Dam became a key objective of the government following the Egyptian Revolution of 1952; with its ability to better control flooding, provide increased water storage for irrigation and generate hydroelectricity the dam was seen as pivotal to Egypt's planned industrialization. Like the earlier implementation, the High Dam has had a significant effect on the economy and culture of Egypt.
The Temple of Edfu is an Egyptian temple located on the west bank of the Nile in Edfu, Upper Egypt. The city was known in the Hellenistic period as Koinē Greek: Ἀπόλλωνος πόλις and Latin Apollonopolis Magna, after the chief god Horus, who was identified as Apollo under the interpretatio graeca. It is one of the best preserved shrines in Egypt. The temple was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Hellenistic period in Egypt. In particular, the Temple's inscribed building texts "provide details [both] of its construction, and also preserve information about the mythical interpretation of this and all other temples as the Island of Creation." There are also "important scenes and inscriptions of the Sacred Drama which related the age-old conflict between Horus and Seth." They are translated by the German Edfu-Project.
The Temple of Kom Ombo is an unusual double temple in the town of Kom Ombo in Aswan Governorate, Upper Egypt. It was constructed during the Ptolemaic dynasty, 180–47 BC. Some additions to it were later made during the Roman period. The building is unique because its 'double' design meant that there were courts, halls, sanctuaries and rooms duplicated for two sets of gods.The southern half of the temple was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world with Hathor and Khonsu. Meanwhile, the northern part of the temple was dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris ("Horus the Elder"), along "with Tasenetnofret (the Good Sister, a special form of Hathor or Tefnet/Tefnut and Panebtawy (Lord of the Two Lands)." The temple is atypical because everything is perfectly symmetrical along the main axis. The texts and reliefs in the temple refer to cultic liturgies which were similar to those from that time period.
Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Known for its magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. The city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple attracting visitors from around the globe.
The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance.
The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. It contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.
Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was constructed around 1400 BCE and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is uniquely designed and set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
The Luxor Museum is a small but impressive museum showcasing artifacts from the Theban Necropolis and the surrounding area. It provides a great overview of Luxor's rich history.
A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.
A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.
Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.
A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.
This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
GMT+2
220VV, 50HzHz
Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.
Luxor Train Station
Luxor Bus Station
Local buses are a cheap and common way to get around Luxor. They can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option for tourists.
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Car, Bike, Scooter
The Valley of the Queens is a burial site for the wives and children of pharaohs. It contains over 70 tombs, including the famous tomb of Nefertari.
The Dendera Temple Complex is a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It is known for its beautiful reliefs and the famous Dendera zodiac.
The Abydos Temple is a significant archaeological site dedicated to the god Osiris. It is known for its well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List.
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