Basking under the sun, sailing on the Nile, hopping islands, visiting ancient temples, playing with crocodiles, mingling with local Nubians and riding hot air balloons! It’s time to enjoy one of the most extraordinary places you will ever come across in Egypt: Luxor and Aswan.
Get ready to meet the kindest people there, awesome food and breathtaking views! With the tourism in Egypt hitting rock bottom, the people of Luxor and Aswan are suffering the most. Depending on tourists as a means of income, the vendors, tour guides, hotels, lodges and activity centres have lost a great deal of money and are unable to provide for their families anymore.
With #ThisIsEgypt campaign reminding us how beautiful the hidden gems of Egypt are, it’s time to do more than just share and support our country anyway we know how to, and guess what, you’ll be spending a magnificent time with so little costs!
Omar Attia shares his 6 days of awesomeness and tips of how to get the most out of your travel experience below:
Day 1: Discovering the 1899 Sofitel Legend Old Cataract
Every corner not only portrays beauty, but unveils thousands of legendary stories.
This is where King Farouk, Winston Churchill, Agatha Christie, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana stayed.
Where in the world (above the equator) where it’s supposedly winter now, can you take off your shirt, take a dip in the pool and enjoy some beautiful sun on this incredible view??!! ONLY IN EGYPT.
Day 2: Visiting the magnificent Abu Simbel Village
King Ramses II was considered to be one of the most powerful pharaohs in Ancient Egypt. Not only does his temple have multiple statues glorifying him, but numerous carvings showing him in battle.
In this picture, King Ramses II meets 2 powerful Libyan warrior enemies, he steps on one after he falls to the ground out of fear of facing him, while King Ramses steps on him and the other is defeated easily by him!
I’ve always wanted to pose with the One Egyptian Pound and the temple in the background ever since I was a kid. That was a breathless experience.
Day 3: Arriving the Nubian Village in Aswan
You’re free to wander about the magnificent place filled with heritage, culture and play with the live baby crocodiles.
Eating traditional Nubian food with a view at El Dokka
Situated on an island in the middle of the Nile, you can get the most delicious oriental food with a stunning view. For a full course meal, you’ll pay around 100 Le per person. We took a boat ride to the restaurant from the Sofitel for just 5 pounds, but depending on where you’re taking your ride from it could cost up to 50 Le.
Day 4: Taking a 3 hour train from Aswan to Luxor
I know my good friend Mohamad Sherif El Dib already posted this before, but I can’t help but share the great experience of the train ride from Aswan to Luxor, too.
The train was super clean, the seats were wide and comfortable (as shown in pic), the ride was smooth and we departed/arrived on time!! We also saw great sceneries of green fields and the Nile on the way.
Day 5: Visiting Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank
My Cleopatra Queen in Karnak Temple, Luxor
Discovering the ancient Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the West Bank near the Valley of the Kings
Taking a hot air balloon ride
We took the hot air balloon ride and watched the sunrise over the green fields and Valley of the Kings in Luxor! It was truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever done and a major highlight of the trip.
Tips and Recommendations:
- The entire trip can cost you around 4,000 LE
- You don’t need an agency, you can book your hotels and airlines online. And then, you can book all your activities there when you arrive.
- Airline tickets from Cairo to Aswancost 800-1,400 LE according to airline timing.
- Hotel Accommodations start from 400 LE per night if you’re staying at lodges (I’d recommend Anakato in Aswan). If you prefer staying at hotels, I’d recommend Winter Palace or Hilton in Luxor and Sofitel Old Cataract in Aswan.
- Temples’ Entries: 5-20 LE per person according to temple. Go visit Philae and Abu Simbel Temples in Aswan and visit, Karnak, Hatshepsut Temples and Valley of Kings & Queens in Luxor.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride costs 300 LE per person
- Train Ride (from Aswan to Luxor if you’re not taking the Nile cruise): 50 LE per person.
All you need is 6 days max for both Aswan and Luxor! Go support your country’s tourism and plan your next trip (January-March) there. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss Why Luxor Should Be at the Top of Your Bucket List