Highlights of Cairo & Aswan

About the destination: Cairo, one of the largest cities in both Africa and the Middle East, is the capital of Egypt. Cairo has been a center of great importance to many civilizations, cultures, and religions. From Pharaonic and Greco-Roman to Ottoman and European, and encompassing Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influences, each of its identities has left a strong imprint on Cairo, making it one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The Giza Plateau, which includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, is the only remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the country's most famous tourist attraction. The sheer mass of the pyramids is awe-inspiring. Islamic Cairo, the center of historic Cairo, is best explored on foot. Located east of downtown, it is full of charming little mosques and water fountains. The most important sites to visit are the Citadel, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Khan el Khalili, the main bazaar, some historic mosques, and displays of medieval architecture, as well as some of Cairo's Turkish baths or Hammams. No visit to Cairo is complete without seeing the Egyptian Museum. With its exotic atmosphere, chaotic traffic, thousands of minarets, noise, and charming people, Cairo is a fascinating city. Few cities in the world surpass Cairo in the number of monuments or architectural styles. Cairo is not an ordinary city; Cairo is a whole world.

About the destination: Aswan is a city located in the southern part of Egypt, approximately 680km south of Cairo, situated just below the Aswan Dam and Lake Nasser, and is home to about 275,000 people. Compared to Cairo and Luxor, Aswan is much more relaxed and smaller in size. Among the three major tourist cities on the Nile, Aswan is the smallest. It is known for its calming and relaxing atmosphere and its laid-back vibe. Aswan boasts some unique attractions. The rock-cut monument Abu Simbel, located to the south, is one of Egypt's most audacious symbols of power. The sanctuary temples of Philae and Kalabsha offer excursions that are reminiscent of Greece. Other notable places to visit in Aswan include: The dual temples of Sobek and Horus at Kom Ombo, and the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Aswan is the ideal location to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the Nile.