3 Days in Aswan, Egypt – A hidden gem of Egypt, far from the crowds in Cairo and Luxor, Aswan offers a more laid-back yet equally rich Egyptian experience. Whether you’re into ancient history, scenic landscapes, or simply relaxing by the Nile, Aswan has something to offer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through an unforgettable 3-day journey in Aswan, Egypt, filled with captivating sights, local experiences, and tips on how to make the most of your time in this stunning city. Join Money Left For Travel as we explore 3 Days in Aswan, Egypt, uncovering its fascinating history, unique attractions, and the magic of the Nile.

Why Choose Aswan Over Other Egyptian Destinations?

Aswan, known for its serene beauty and historical significance, is often overlooked by travelers heading to Cairo and Luxor. However, those who make the journey will find a city brimming with captivating sights and experiences. From ancient temples to breathtaking natural landscapes, Aswan offers a more relaxed pace than its famous counterparts. With fewer tourists and a deep sense of local culture, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking an authentic Egyptian adventure.

How to Get to Aswan: Train Ride Through Egypt’s Heart

Arriving by Train

A great way to start your journey to Aswan is by taking a train from Luxor, a neighboring city rich in ancient history. We opted for a first-class train ticket, a budget-friendly choice costing around $6.50. While the train was a bit delayed and not as clean as we’d hoped, it offered a great chance to observe the local life as we were the only tourists on board. The journey, which lasts about 3.5 hours, takes you through picturesque landscapes, making it an experience in itself.

Public Ferry: Crossing the Nile Like a Local

Once in Aswan, getting around is a breeze, thanks to the local public ferry system. A quick 5-minute walk from our B&B, the ferry is an affordable and scenic way to travel between the west and east banks of the Nile. Locals pay a mere 13 cents, while tourists pay a little more – around 26 cents. These traditional ferries, often crowded with local women in full veils and men in traditional robes, offer an authentic experience. The ferry runs frequently, so you’ll never have to wait long to catch a ride.

Day 1 – Exploring Aswan’s Key Attractions with a Local Driver

Visit to the High Dam: A Monument of Modern Egypt

Our first stop on Day 1 was the High Dam, a modern marvel of engineering that controls the Nile’s flooding and provides electricity for the region. Entry costs only $2.50, and although the dam itself isn’t the most visually stunning site, the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes are worth the visit. Nearby, we stopped at the Friendship Monument, a tribute to the partnership between Egypt and Russia.

Philae Island and Its Sacred Temple

Next, we visited the stunning Philae Temple, located on an island in the Nile. To reach the temple, you must charter a boat, which can be a bit pricey – we paid about $11.50 for the boat ride, plus additional entrance fees. The temple is a beautiful and well-preserved example of ancient Egyptian architecture, and what makes it even more fascinating is that it was moved to its current location in the 1970s to protect it from rising waters caused by the building of the High Dam.

The peaceful surroundings and the fact that most of the large tour groups had already left made it a perfect spot to explore. We had the temple almost to ourselves, allowing us to take some incredible photos and fully appreciate the grandeur of the site. The intricate wall carvings and grand architecture made Philae Temple one of our favorite sites in Egypt.

The Unfinished Obelisk: A Glimpse into Ancient Egyptian Construction

The Unfinished Obelisk was our last stop of the day. This colossal obelisk, once meant to be the largest ever created, was abandoned when it cracked during its construction. The site offers a glimpse into the ancient techniques used to carve and transport these massive structures. Although the obelisk is impressive, it wasn’t as captivating as the temples we visited earlier. We spent just a short time here before heading back to our accommodation.

Day 2 – A Visit to Abu Simbel: Temples Carved in Stone

Early Morning Journey to Abu Simbel

On Day 2, we embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Abu Simbel, home to two massive temples carved out of the mountainside. To get there, we joined a police-escorted convoy from Aswan. The journey started at 3 am, and while it was an early wake-up call, it was worth the effort to arrive at the temples before the crowds.

The Magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel

The temples at Abu Simbel are a true marvel of ancient engineering. The Ramesses II Temple and the Temple of Hathor are intricately carved and dedicated to powerful deities. The exterior is just as stunning as the interior, where impressive statues and vibrant murals depict scenes from the reign of Ramses II. The temples’ relocation during the construction of the High Dam in the 1960s is also a fascinating part of their history. They were moved to higher ground, block by block, to prevent them from being submerged by the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

Despite the crowds, we found ample time to appreciate the temples’ grandeur and take plenty of photos. The best part? We had the rest of the afternoon to relax and reflect on the experience, which was an unforgettable highlight of our time in Egypt.

Day 3 – Rest and Relaxation in Aswan

After two days of exploring ancient wonders, Day 3 was all about unwinding and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere of Aswan.

Tombs of the Nobles: A Quiet Escape

We had planned to visit the Tombs of the Nobles, a collection of tombs carved into the cliffs, but decided to skip them after seeing photos that didn’t impress us much. Having seen similar tombs in Luxor, we opted to spend the morning relaxing instead. The Tombs of the Nobles may be worth a visit if you’re a fan of ancient history, but for us, it was the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the city’s tranquility.

The Movenpick Hotel and Views of the Nile

Our final stop was the Movenpick Hotel, located on an island in the Nile. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the river and is a perfect spot to relax, especially in the late afternoon. We spent some time in the lobby bar, enjoying the cool air and free Wi-Fi, before heading to the Panorama Bar to catch the sunset. Although there was a minimum charge for non-guests, the views made it worth the visit.

Final Thoughts: Why Aswan Should Be on Your Travel List

After 3 days in Aswan, we left with a sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for Egypt’s rich history and culture. While many travelers skip over Aswan in favor of the more famous sites in Luxor and Cairo, we found that this city offered some of the most unforgettable experiences in Egypt. From the High Dam to the temples of Abu Simbel, Aswan is a destination worth visiting for anyone seeking a unique and peaceful Egyptian adventure.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds and experience Egypt at a slower pace, then 3 Days in Aswan, Egypt is the perfect itinerary. Whether you’re exploring ancient temples, cruising the Nile, or simply relaxing by the river, Aswan will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.