Aswan | Romance at the Source of the Nile π
Continuing from the last post β after flying from Cairo to Aswan, we rested a bit at the hotel π¨. We had booked a private car at 4:30 PM to Abu Simbel π for 3000 EGP round trip. The drive from the east bank of Aswan to Abu Simbel takes about 3.5β4 hours one way. Youβll cross the Sahara Desert ποΈ and witness a breathtaking desert sunrise π on the road. Donβt forget to bring some filling snacks πͺ for breakfast β Egyptian attractions are not big on food options (I miss those grilled sausages at Chinese scenic spots π). β Abu Simbel Temple We arrived around 8:25 AM β still not too crowded. Five minutes later, tour buses started pouring in π. To avoid crowds, come half an hour earlier or an hour later. The Great Temple was built by Ramses II for himself, and the Small Temple for Queen Nefertari β a grand love letter in stone πππ. If itβs packed, try taking photos on the right side of the temple (P6 location) β the wall blocks most tourists π§±. Super photogenic spot inside the right chamber of Ramsesβ hall! Spent about 2 hours exploring before heading back. β Old Cataract Hotel Overlooking the most beautiful stretch of the Nile. Entry is 1000 EGP per person, redeemable against food/drinks π§Ύ. We sat at a riverside table and ordered burgers π + fresh juice π§. The burger was amazing β even -approved level of goodness! Made with freshly grilled beef, super crispy and huge portion. Fries were great too π! Heads-up: light eaters might skip dinner after this. β Nile Felucca Ride β΅ Go to the hotel pier 1 hour before sunset. Experience the traditional sailboat and watch the stunning Nile sunset π. We paid 600 EGP for a private 1-hour ride (can be cheaper, but only two boatmen were available β slight monopoly π ). You can ask the boatman to drop you at your hotelβs pier β super convenient to head back and rest. β Philae Temple We booked a car for Philae + Luxor transfer β 3000 EGP via highway. Philae Temple is located on an island in the Nile ποΈ, dedicated to Goddess Isis of love and beauty. It blends Greek architecture π¬π· and contains some of the last hieroglyphic inscriptions. With water and greenery π², itβs extremely photogenic πΈ! But note: after the ticket check, you need to pay extra for a boat to the island. We paid 500 EGP for a private boat (1-hour wait included). One hour is enough to explore β but remember your boat and boatman πβ¦ the pier is packed with identical boats! Then we continued by car to Luxor β a 3.5-hour drive. Reached our Luxor hotel at 2:30 PM and had lunch there. Luxor 2-day itinerary? See you in the next post! ππ» #Egypt #Aswan #AbuSimbel #PhilaeTemple #NileFelucca #ExploreEgypt #DesertSunrise #NileSunset π β΅ποΈ