Two days Aswan and Abu Simbel trip from Cairo

Accommodations for travelers in Egypt fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, Egyptian hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale. The check-in time in most hotels in Egypt is around midday, 12 or 1 PM.

During your Aswan Day tour, you can find a variety of souvenirs and local crafts at several places around the city. Here are some of the best places to purchase souvenirs in Aswan:

Aswan Souk (Market): The Aswan Souk is a bustling market where you can find a wide range of souvenirs, including Nubian handicrafts, jewelry, spices, textiles, and clothing. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local shopping experience.

Nubian Village: If you visit a Nubian village during your tour, you'll have the opportunity to buy authentic Nubian crafts directly from local artisans. Look for items like handwoven baskets, pottery, and colorful fabrics.

Bazaars Around Philae Temple: Vendors often set up small stalls and shops near the entrance to Philae Temple. You can find items such as papyrus paintings, alabaster sculptures, and Egyptian-style jewelry.

Abu Simbel Souvenir Shops: If your tour includes a visit to Abu Simbel, there are souvenir shops near the temples where you can purchase unique mementos, including items featuring Ramses II and Nefertari.

Nubian Museum Gift Shop: The Nubian Museum on Elephantine Island has a gift shop that sells Nubian-themed souvenirs, books, and crafts. It's a great place to support the museum and find unique items.

Hotel Gift Shops: Many hotels in Aswan have their own gift shops offering a selection of local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. While prices may be higher than in local markets, the convenience is a plus.

Floating Markets: In some areas along the Nile, you might come across floating markets on traditional boats. These markets offer a unique shopping experience where you can buy local goods directly from vendors on the water.

Local Art Galleries: Aswan has several art galleries showcasing the work of local artists. If you're interested in purchasing paintings or other artwork, these galleries are worth exploring.

The Abu Simbel Temple is like a big house that was carved out of rocks a long, long time ago. It is actually two separate temples, or special houses, that were made for a king named Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari.

Aswan, located in the southern part of Egypt, offers some unique experiences for travelers, including night tours that allow you to explore its landmarks and enjoy the city's enchanting atmosphere after dark. While night tours in Aswan may not be as common as those in larger cities like Cairo or Luxor, there are still several options to consider. Here are some landmarks and activities you can explore on night tours in Aswan:

Philae Temple Sound and Light Show: The Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is beautifully illuminated at night. The Sound and Light Show, held in the temple complex, provides a magical experience as the history of the temple and its surroundings is narrated through light and sound.

Nubian Village Tours: Explore a traditional Nubian village, such as Gharb Soheil, which is known for its vibrant Nubian culture and colorful houses. Night tours to Nubian villages offer a unique opportunity to learn about local customs, enjoy Nubian music, and savor traditional cuisine.

Nile River Cruises: Many tour operators offer dinner cruises on the Nile River in Aswan. These cruises typically include a delicious meal, live entertainment, and stunning views of the river and the city's illuminated landmarks.

Aswan High Dam: While visiting the Aswan High Dam during the day is more common, some tours offer evening visits to this iconic engineering marvel. You can learn about its history and importance to Egypt's development.

Relaxation by the Nile: Aswan's waterfront along the Nile is a lovely place to relax in the evening. You can take a leisurely walk, enjoy a traditional Egyptian tea or coffee at a riverside cafe, or simply take in the views of the Nile.

Local Markets: While not traditional night tours, visiting local markets in the evening can be a unique experience. You can explore the Aswan Souk and enjoy shopping for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and more.

Aswan Corniche: Take a walk along the Aswan Corniche, where you can enjoy views of the river and visit cafes and restaurants that come alive at night.

Yes, it is possible to visit both the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in one day if you plan your time efficiently. However, it's essential to consider a few factors to make the most of your visit:

   Start Early.
   Pyramids First.
Lunch: Plan for a quick lunch or snack break in the vicinity of the Pyramids.
   Egyptian Museum.

Yes, it is possible to visit Abu Simbel from Aswan in a day, but it involves a fairly long journey. Abu Simbel is located about 280 kilometers (175 miles) southwest of Aswan, near the Sudanese border. The most common way to reach Abu Simbel from Aswan in a day is by road or air.
By Road:

   Private Car or Bus: A convoy of tourist buses and private cars usually departs early in the morning, around 4 AM, from Aswan to Abu Simbel. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours each way.
   Police Escort: The road trip is usually accompanied by a police escort, as it passes through the desert and remote areas.

By Air:

   Flight: There are also daily flights from Aswan to Abu Simbel operated by EgyptAir or other domestic airlines. The flight duration is about 30 to 40 minutes each way.
   Timing Consideration: If choosing this option, the challenge might be in coordinating the flight schedules to allow for a comfortable visit duration at Abu Simbel.