Ancient Swenett

Arriving at the last port of call you can reach on a Nile river cruise coming from Luxor, it is now the time to visit the large city of Aswan, ancient Swenett which was the southernmost city during the Egyptian civilization. Located just by the First Cataract of the Nile River, and north of the Aswan Dam, it is another of such places where you will find spectacular places and constructions within the city itself and the areas around it, with countless temples some of which in islands between the two dams and the greater dam itself in Lake Nasser beyond south towards Sudan. Remember the fact when speaking this is Lower Egypt and in the opposite direction, north towards Alexandria, is Upper Egypt, as it might contradict your though when considering the river flows from the south (Lower Egypt) to the north (Upper Egypt). This is the gateway to Nubia, the once major rival civilization to the Egyptians with whom they fought for thousands of years until they were absorbed into one.

Aside from the historical sites and monuments, Aswan is, as opposed to Luxor, a rather pleasant and beautiful city, and very vibrant! The river traffic is constant with plenty of cruise ships, fishing boats, cargo ships and hundreds of feluccas navigating from dusk till dawn. You can also experience was was back during the British colonial times a very posh and upscale destination with glorious buildings and elegant river front, noteworthy to mention the top historic, world famous and amazing Old Cataract Hotel with a countless list of guests including presidents, kings and queens, singers, writers and legends, but largely known for being  one of the main setup places where Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile.

Visiting the city itself is easy and straightforward, however bear in mind you will need plenty of time if you are coming here o your own and not part of an organised trip, and why is that? Because you will constantly need negotiate either a driver, a felucca and depend on taxis, not to mention the dependency of some boats to reach the temples in several islands. Nevertheless “almost” every tourist coming here is on a tour, hence no need to worry about anything. In any case and like everywhere else when on a river cruise, while it is very probably you sleep in the boat during your stay in the city, and after doing the programmed tours during the day, coming the afternoon you are free to roam at your own pace and do as you please, and here comes the best you can do: negotiate the cost and time for a tour on a felucca up and down the river and around the islands within the city. This is without hesitation, one of the best activities we could do. It was one of the most pleasant and relaxed moments in the entire trip and one to always remember. The landscapes, the views, quietness and such a beautiful sunset, all during at least 3 hours and for so little money per person (we were more people from our group hiring it together thus sharing the costs). (more…)