Luxor and Aswan 2 days trip from Cairo

It's not a must but definitely advisable and beneficial to learn a couple of day to day basic Arabic words and phrases such as greetings amongst others. If you are planning to dive deeper and explore more than the Popular destinations and famous tourist attractions learning some phrases is surely a smart move.

Aswan, a city along the Nile River in southern Egypt, is rich in history and natural beauty. Here are some of the best attractions to visit in Aswan:

Philae Temple: This beautiful temple complex is dedicated to the goddess Isis and was relocated to its current island location after the construction of the High Dam. The setting on Agilkia Island is stunning, especially when illuminated at night.

Abu Simbel Temples: While Abu Simbel is a bit of a journey from Aswan, it's one of Egypt's most iconic sites. The temples of Ramses II and Nefertari are carved into the mountainside and are a testament to ancient engineering.

Aswan High Dam: Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that has helped control the Nile's annual flooding and provides hydroelectric power to the region. You can also see Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, from here.

Nubian Village: Take a boat trip to a Nubian village, where you can learn about Nubian culture and enjoy a Nubian meal. The colorful houses and friendly locals make for a memorable visit.

Unfinished Obelisk: This massive obelisk, left unfinished due to a crack in the stone, offers insights into ancient quarrying techniques. It's located in the northern part of Aswan.

Nubian Museum: Located on an island in the Nile, this museum showcases the history and culture of the Nubian people with a collection of artifacts and exhibits.

Elephantine Island: Explore Elephantine Island, known for its archaeological sites, including the ruins of Abu, a once-powerful Pharaonic town. The island also offers scenic views of the Nile.

Kitchener's Island (Botanical Garden): Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the lush gardens on Kitchener's Island, which feature a wide variety of exotic plants and trees.

Tombs of the Nobles: These rock-cut tombs on the west bank of the Nile contain intricate reliefs and paintings, providing insights into the lives of the ancient nobility.

Felluca Ride: Take a traditional felucca boat ride on the Nile, a relaxing way to enjoy the river and the surrounding landscapes.

Sure! Aswan is a place with lots of things to see and do. It's also a good place to start if you want to go on a fun trip to Abu Simbel for a day.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, also known as Deir el-Bahri, is a magnificent archaeological site located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved temples in Egypt, and its history is closely tied to the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut. Here is an overview of the history of the Hatshepsut Temple:

1. Construction in the 15th Century BCE: The construction of the Hatshepsut Temple began during the 15th century BCE, during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut. She was one of the most remarkable pharaohs of ancient Egypt and the second historically confirmed female pharaoh.

2. Architectural Innovation: The temple is renowned for its unique architectural design, which features terraces and colonnades with rows of imposing columns. It was designed by Senenmut, the queen's chief architect, who incorporated innovative elements into the temple's structure.

3. Dedication to the God Amun: The temple is primarily dedicated to the god Amun, who was a principal deity in the Egyptian pantheon. It was built to honor Amun and the divine origin of Hatshepsut's rule.

4. Religious Significance: The temple is adorned with intricate reliefs and inscriptions that depict the divine birth and reign of Hatshepsut. It also features scenes of the queen's successful military campaigns and her extensive trading expeditions to Punt (modern-day Somalia).

5. Ongoing Restoration and Exploration: Over the centuries, the temple fell into disrepair, and sand buried many of its structures. In the 19th and 20th centuries, extensive restoration efforts were undertaken to uncover and preserve the temple's remarkable features.

6. UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Hatshepsut Temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important part of the larger Theban Necropolis, which includes other ancient Egyptian tombs and temples.

7. Decline and Vandalism: After the death of Hatshepsut, her successor, Thutmose III, tried to erase her legacy from history, and some of the temple's inscriptions were vandalized or removed.

Yes, you can visit religious sites in Cairo, and there are some dress code requirements to be aware of, especially when visiting mosques and churches.

1-Mosques
2-Coptic Churches

Yes, visiting Philae Temple at night is a popular option for tourists. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is located on an island in the Nile River near Aswan. The site is illuminated during special sound and light shows held in the evening, providing a magical atmosphere and a different perspective on the temple's ancient history.

The sound and light show at Philae Temple typically includes narrations, music, and light effects that showcase the history and legends associated with the temple and its deities. Visitors get to experience the temple grounds in a unique and captivating way as the lights accentuate the architecture and the stories are narrated against the backdrop of the ancient ruins.