Aswan is Egypt’s southernmost city and remains hot and dry all year round. It is considered the most picturesque setting on the Nile and serves as a base for tourist excursions to many local sites of interest.

Aswan stands at what was once the northern border of ancient Nubia, a remarkable region that encompassed the land eastward from the Libyan Desert to the Red Sea and northward from central Sudan to southern Egypt. As a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, present-day Aswan strives to preserve its rich heritage. Its efforts include the Aswan Folk Dance Troupe that performs internationally, the Nubian Museum showcasing Nubian daily life and craftwork, and the Aswan International Symposium of Sculpture encouraging the practice of ancient Egyptian granite stone carving.

Located at the first cataract of the Nile, a set of rapids coursing through a rocky riverbed, Aswan has long been a terminus town on the Nile. Today, the trading tradition continues in the city’s lively market near the Nile’s banks. The city also thrived due to the massive quantities of granite quarried here to build the country’s countless ancient temples, obelisks and pyramids. In the 1960s, completion of the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser. As the lake rose, the city became a magnet for archaeologists intent on saving ancient temples from submersion.

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Visit the Aswan Dam, a feat of engineering that protects the Nile’s surrounding fertile lands. Before the dam was built, the region would suffer annually from flooding, resulting in crop failure and fading food supplies. Its completion in the 1960s dammed the Nile to establish the 300-mile-long Lake Nasser. The lake now provides irrigation, water and electricity for all of Egypt. Next, call on a local market and explore its spice-scented alleys. The market, or souk, also displays beautiful textiles, crafted pottery and spices that are renowned for curing everyday ailments. Head down to the banks of the Nile and board your felucca (sailing boat). Relax and enjoy the scenery as you pass stunning landmarks including the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the West Bank—a desolate hillside dotted with the Tombs of the Nobles. Learn about the powerful courtiers and persons of the city of Akhetaten and discover how ancient Egyptians navigated their way through the famous cataracts of the Nile.

Step into Egypt’s storied past during a visit to the monolithic temples at Abu Simbel. The temples were constructed in the 13th century BC during the reign of Ramses II. Rediscovered only in the early 19th century, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites were moved from their original location in 1968 during the construction of the Aswan Dam. Marvel at the imposing statues of Ramses II that adorn the facade of the Great Temple and the bas-relief sculptures found inside depicting the pharaoh’s military victories and connection to the gods. Then, visit the Small Temple, dedicated to Queen Nefertari; the temple’s facade is a rare example in Egyptian art. Inside, you will find sculptures honoring the pharaoh, many of them including Nefertari. Note: Round trip Aswan–Abu Simbel flights included. This tour must be booked at least 30 days before departure.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Nile River during a journey that blends history, nature and relaxation. Board a motorboat and set out along the Nile for tranquil Kitchener Island, a serene oasis and home to thousands of birds and exotic plants. Upon arrival, stroll through the Aswan Botanical Gardens, created by Lord Horatio Kitchener in 1899. Afterward, board your motorboat and admire the splendid views as you travel toward the iconic Old Cataract Hotel, originally built by Thomas Cook in 1899 to house European travelers. This Victorian-era palace has hosted illustrious guests through the years, such as Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, and served as a filming location for Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile. Conclude your tour with a teatime experience at the Old Cataract Hotel, savoring delicious treats amid its historic elegance.