🛶 Aswan: The Soul of the Nile

Aswan is often the highlight of an Egypt trip. Located in the far south, it feels more like an African oasis than a bustling city. Life here revolves around the river, where traditional feluccas (wooden sailboats) glide past massive granite boulders and the colorful villages of the Nubian people.

🏺 The “Must-See” 2026 List

• Philae Temple (The Temple of Isis): Located on an island, you can only reach this by a short boat ride. It was one of the last places where the Ancient Egyptian religion survived and has some of the most romantic lighting at sunset.
• The Nubian Village: Across the Nile on the west bank, you’ll find villages like Gharb Soheil. Known for their bright, geometrically painted houses and incredible hospitality, it’s the place to drink hibiscus tea and learn about a culture that predates the Pharaohs.
• The Unfinished Obelisk: A “behind-the-scenes” look at how the ancients worked. This massive stone cracked while being carved; if finished, it would have been the largest single piece of stone ever handled by humans.
• Elephantine Island: A peaceful escape right in the middle of the river. Wander through local gardens, visit the small “Animalia” museum, or see the ancient Nilometer used to predict the river’s floods.

🚂 Getting to Aswan from Cairo

In 2026, you have three main ways to make the journey south:

• The Flight (Fastest): Just 1.5 hours from Cairo. If you’re short on time, EgyptAir has several daily flights.
• The Sleeper Train (The Classic): A 12–14 hour journey. You get a private cabin, dinner, and breakfast. It’s “old-school” travel and saves you the cost of a hotel night. Expect to pay around $80–$130 (£65–£100) for a cabin.
• The Talgo (The Modern): The fast Spanish-built day train. It’s comfortable and much cheaper than the sleeper, but you’ll spend your day watching the lush Nile Delta roll by.

☕ The “Agatha Christie” Experience

You don’t have to stay at the Old Cataract Hotel to enjoy it. This is where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

• The 2026 Move: Book Afternoon Tea on the Terrace. For about £30–£40, you get a full spread of scones and finger sandwiches with the best view of the Nile in the world. It is the ultimate “splurge” for British travelers.

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💡 Always Egypt Insider Tip:

Don’t swim in the Nile! As tempting as that blue water looks, stay out of the river near the city to avoid Bilharzia (parasitic worms). If you want a dip, head to the “Natural Pools” near the Nubian villages where the current is fast and the water is clean and safe.