Luxor or Aswan? How Many Days in Each
The difference between Luxor and Aswan, what to see in each, how many days you need, and the easiest ways to travel between them.
Luxor has far more ancient monuments, so give it two to three days. Aswan is smaller and more relaxed, with Philae Temple, Nubian villages and felucca sails; one to two days is enough, plus a day for Abu Simbel. If you can only choose one, choose Luxor. If you can do both, a Nile cruise between them is the easiest way.
Luxor: the monuments
Luxor was ancient Thebes, Egypt's capital for much of the New Kingdom. On the East Bank are Karnak and Luxor Temple; on the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut's temple, Medinet Habu and the Colossi of Memnon. Add the sunrise balloon and day trips to Dendera and Abydos, and there is easily enough for three days.
Aswan: the river and Nubia
Aswan sits where the Nile runs between granite islands and desert hills. The main sights are Philae Temple on its island, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, then a felucca around Elephantine Island and a boat to a colourful Nubian village. It's also the starting point for Abu Simbel, about three and a half hours south by road.
Travelling between them
The two cities are about 210 km apart, around three hours by car or train. The more relaxed way is a Nile cruise: three or four nights on board, stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo on the way, so the journey is part of the trip.
