Your exciting adventure begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Makadi Bay at 5:00 AM. You will be driven in a comfortable, air-conditioned private car for about 5-6 hours, passing through Egypt’s mesmerizing desert landscapes towards the historic city of Aswan.
As you travel, enjoy the scenic contrast of the vast desert and the lush Nile Valley, with the serene riverbanks gradually becoming visible as you approach Aswan. Once you arrive, your first stop will be the Aswan High Dam.
The Aswan High Dam is an engineering marvel, completed in 1970. This immense dam controls the flow of the Nile River, provides hydroelectric power, and creates Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. During your visit, you’ll learn how the dam transformed Egypt’s agriculture, irrigation, and energy systems, providing the foundation for modern Egypt’s growth.
Next, you’ll head to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Originally built on Philae Island, the temple was moved to Agilkia Island in the 1960s to preserve it from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The temple’s beautiful preservation and intricate hieroglyphs make it a highlight, offering insight into Egypt’s ancient religious practices. The surrounding crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation add to the tranquil beauty of the site.
Your next stop will be the Unfinished Obelisk in the Aswan Quarries, where you will witness a massive stone obelisk that was left incomplete due to a crack in the stone. This unfinished monument, weighing over 1,100 tons, showcases the ancient Egyptians’ extraordinary skill in quarrying and stone-carving, giving you a glimpse into their monumental construction techniques.
For lunch, you’ll enjoy a traditional meal at a local Egyptian restaurant. Savor delicious dishes like koshari (a mixture of rice, lentils, and pasta), molokhia (a leafy green stew), and freshly grilled meats, providing a perfect refuel for the rest of your journey.
After lunch, you’ll embark on a felucca sailboat ride along the Nile River, where you can relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of Aswan’s islands and lush riverbanks.
In the evening, you’ll check in to your hotel in Aswan, where you can unwind and relax, preparing for the second day of your adventure.