Your adventure begins with an early pick-up at 4:00 AM from your hotel in El Quseir, where you’ll travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 5 to 6 hours. As you head through the vast desert landscape, you’ll witness the stark contrast between the barren desert and the lush Nile Valley, capturing the essence of Egypt’s natural beauty. Upon arrival in Aswan, your first stop will be the Aswan High Dam.
The Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, is an engineering marvel and one of the most significant infrastructure projects in Egypt’s modern history. It was built to regulate the flow of the Nile River, prevent seasonal flooding, and generate hydroelectric power. The dam created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, stretching across both Egypt and Sudan. As you visit the dam, you’ll learn about its importance to Egypt’s agriculture, energy production, and economic development, as well as its influence on irrigation and water management.
Next, you’ll head to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, a significant site in Egypt’s religious history. The original temple was located on Philae Island but was moved to Agilkia Island in the 1960s to prevent it from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. This beautiful temple is known for its well-preserved hieroglyphs, columns, and intricate carvings that depict mythological stories and the worship of the gods. The temple’s peaceful surroundings, with crystal-clear waters on all sides, create an ideal atmosphere for exploration and relaxation.
Afterward, you’ll visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an enormous monument left incomplete at the ancient Aswan Quarries. The obelisk, weighing over 1,100 tons, was meant to stand at over 40 meters tall, making it one of the largest ever to be carved in ancient Egypt. The Unfinished Obelisk provides invaluable insight into the methods used by the ancient Egyptians to quarry and carve stone, and the massive scale of the project showcases their extraordinary engineering and craftsmanship skills.
For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal at a local restaurant in Aswan, where you can savor authentic Egyptian dishes such as koshari (a hearty dish made of rice, lentils, pasta, and onions), molokhia (a savory stew made from jute leaves), and a variety of grilled meats, giving you a true taste of Egyptian cuisine. After lunch, you will relax during a Felucca boat ride on the Nile River. These traditional wooden sailboats offer a serene and picturesque way to experience the beauty of Aswan’s islands, the lush riverbanks, and the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile. The gentle breeze and tranquil setting provide a perfect contrast to the bustling city.
In the late afternoon, you’ll check in to your hotel in Aswan to unwind and rest before continuing your journey on Day 2.
