Aswan is a pleasant town at the end of the rail line in Upper (southern) Egypt, 425 mi/680 km south of Cairo. It doesn't have the wealth of sights that Luxor has, but it's one of the most relaxing and scenic spots in Egypt.
Horse-drawn caleches parade along the Corniche, and feluccas drift down the river against a backdrop of sand dunes. In Aswan, you actually have the feeling that you're in Africa.
Because Aswan can get very hot, do your sightseeing in the early morning or late afternoon. The Old Cataract Hotel is a nice spot for a break. Enjoy tea on the veranda, made famous in Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. We recommend a minimum of two nights for the Aswan area.
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