If you’re looking for an Aswan 2 day itinerary, look no further! In this article we will cover everything you need to know in order to make the most of your short stay in Aswan. We’ll start with what to do and then move on to where to stay. Aswan is certainly worth spending a couple of days of your holiday there, for what feels like a true step back in time.
Getting to Aswan can be the biggest challenge that travellers face when visiting. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but it is possible! The best way to get there is by plane, which takes around two hours from Cairo. You can also take a train or a bus, but these are much slower and can eat into your time when you only have 2 days in Aswan.
Quick note – This is a realistic itinerary for your 2 days in Aswan, we don’t want to stuff your time with an activity every hour and visit every temple known to exist. Remember, you’re on holiday, so take you’re time and enjoy soaking in the view and stopping for a drink now and then.
Day 1 in Aswan
Afternoon Tea At The Old Cataract Hotel
A good place to start your Aswan adventure is booking in for afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel. This iconic hotel has been gracing the banks of the Nile since 1899 and was once a playground for the rich and famous, including Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie, who wrote Death on the Nile here.
Afternoon tea is served in The Winter Garden which has stunning views over the river. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in your surroundings before heading out to explore some more of Aswan.
Usually this service is for residents of the hotel only, as the terrace is quite exclusive with its stunning views of the Nile and 5 star service. We’d highly recommend staying here, even just for 1 night. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but if you contact the hotel reception staff, they might be able to squeeze you in on the terrace even if you’re not a resident at the hotel for the night.
Visit Elephantine Island By Boat
Depending on the time you arrived and finished your afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, why not take a stroll around Elephantine Island. This island is home to many ancient ruins, as well as some stunning natural scenery. It’s the perfect place to get a taste of what Aswan has to offer.
The only way to get to Elephantine island is by boat, so you can either catch the ferry for just 5EGP ($0.26 or £0.22) or you can hop on a small private boat service for a similar price.
Explore the Philae Temple
In the late afternoon, we recommend heading over to Philae Temple. This temple was originally built in honour of Isis, but was later rededicated to Osiris when Christianity began to spread through Egypt. It’s an incredibly well-preserved temple and is definitely worth a visit.
Again this is another island, just past the Aswan dam, so you’ll need to hop on a ferry service which runs frequently throughout the day.
The Philae Temple complex is quite large, so we recommend allocating at least an hour or two to explore everything it has to offer.
Take A Sunset Felucca Ride On The Nile
After exploring Philae Temple, why not take a sunset cruise down the Nile? There’s no better way to end your day in Aswan than by watching the sun set.
Aswan is famous for its feluccas, so it would be a crime to visit the city and not take a ride on one! These traditional wooden boats are a great way to see the sights of Aswan from the water. You can even enjoy a traditional tea on board if you fancy it.
Prices for a felucca ride are usually around 150EGP per boat (around $11/£13), which can fit up to six people. This price is usually negotiable, so if you feel comfortable and you’re on a tight budget then you can always haggle a little. You don’t have to book this in advance, just head down to the water and you’ll see where they are setting off all along the river.
A sunset Felucca is truly a magical experience and is the perfect way to end your first day in Aswan.
Day 2 In Aswan
Explore The Abu Simbel Temples
Now you’re in Aswan, you simply have to add the amazing temples of Abu Simbel to your list. These were built by Ramses II and are some of the most impressive ancient Egyptian monuments that still exist today. They are located about three hours away from Aswan, so you’ll need to factor in travel time when planning your trip.
This is one of the main activities when visiting Aswan, and although it takes a 2-3 hour drive to get there, you wouldn’t want to miss it. There are tours that will pick you up around 4am and drive to Abu Simbel, some tours even include a breakfast box. Once you’re there, you’ll spend around 2 hours wandering around the site, exploring and taking photos, before getting back on the bus and returning to Aswan.
EXTRA: If you are planning on staying for the 2nd night of your 2 days in Aswan, you could skip the return to Aswan and stay over in Abu Simbel. The reasoning being the awe inspiring 7pm night light show at the Abu Simbel temple, where the temples are lit up under the night sky with minimal light pollution.
Return to Aswan
After taking in the sights at Abu Simbel, you’ll probably be shattered from the 10 hour trip. Take some time to relax in a local café and kick your feet up with a view of the Nile. There are plenty of cafe’s to be found along the Nile, some with terraces and balconies for the perfect view.
This should be enough to fill your 2 days in Aswan and hopefully our guide has given you some inspiration for your visit.
Where To Stay in Aswan?
The Old Cataract Hotel:
This hotel is famous for its luxury and style. It’s been visited by many celebrities over the years and offers stunning views of the Nile.
Nile Valley Hotel:
This is a great mid-range option which offers comfortable rooms and good service. It’s located right on the river so you can enjoy the views from your room or from the rooftop terrace.
Nile Garden Hotel:
This is a great budget option which is still centrally located and within walking distance of all the main sights. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the staff are very friendly.
Aswan Sun Island Resort:
This resort is located on an island in the middle of the Nile, so you can expect some amazing views! It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing stay.
We hope you have a great time in Aswan! Let us know in the comments if you’d change anything about the 2 day Aswan itinerary based on your own experience in Egypt. Thanks for reading!
