Best of Luxor and Aswan: Short Tour Planner

Aside from Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are the two most attractive cities in Egypt with numerous historical sites featuring monuments from over 4,000 years ago. If you are may need to decide between Luxor and Aswan (due to limited travel time), and are wondering which would be the best city to visit, help is at hand.

Here is a quick comparison of the best both places have to offer so that you can make an informed decision. Don't want the hassle of researching and comparing? Skip to the end and share your interests with us, and we will do our best to assist you with planning your trip.

Before making a decision, see a quick overview of what awaits in Luxor and Aswan.

Best of Luxor

Luxor is the perfect destination for history lovers, as it has several ruins, tombs, temples, and archeological museums. Luxor is often called the world's open-air museum due to its massive collection of ancient temples and monuments. Luxor is built atop an ancient city that the Greeks called Thebes.

The most popular attractions in Luxor are the majestic Karnak temple complex and the Valley of the Kings. Travelers can experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride and float over the valley at sunrise to appreciate the massive scale of the grand layout and the architectural prowess of the ancient Egyptians. There are many other monuments, temples, and ruins to see, reminiscent of the elegance and richness of the ancient Egyptians.

Please note that there are no shuttle buses in most of the temple complexes. Therefore, comfortable walking shoes are a must. Visitors should also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

There's no better place to spend a few days immersing yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Best of Aswan

Like Luxor, Aswan has countless ruins from the time of the ancient Egyptians. However, it has a more relaxed and tranquil vibe, with serene boat rides on the River Nile, palm-studded shorelines, authentic souks (bazaars), and picturesque sites. You can visit an exotic, traditional Nubian village (with African architectural and cultural elements, which stand out in sharp contrast with the surrounding Egyptian style and culture). Take a tour of the Daraw Camel Market, which is dedicated entirely to the trading of camels. Marvel at the engineering behind Aswan High Dam, which put an end to the cycle of flood and drought in the Nile River region.

The most famous site in Aswan is Abu Simbel, which is about a 3-hour drive from downtown. There are flights, too, which operate from Aswan to Abu Simbel, so travelers don't have to wake up early and spend 6 hours on the road, back and forth.

However, the most luxurious way to reach Abu Simbel is on a Nile cruise. Alternatively, visitors can hire a felucca (the traditional local-style boat) and enjoy the peaceful journey. The water transportation system in Aswan is highly developed compared to other destinations in Egypt.

Luxor or Aswan: Which One Suits You Most?

After reading the brief introduction above, you would have probably made your choice. If not, we have prepared a quick comparison list to make it easier for you.

Visit Both If Time Permits

Both Luxor and Aswan are cities in Upper Egypt, so traveling between them is quite quick. They are home to many ancient Egyptian temples that date back to about 4,000 years ago. Luxor has almost one-third of the ancient monuments in the world. As for Aswan, the locals call it the "Egyptian Paradise".

Photographers and travelers who enjoy ancient Egyptian history, culture, and architecture won't regret visiting both Luxor and Aswan for the ancient marvels that they have to offer.

The Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan

If you choose to visit both the cities, there are multiple ways to travel between them: domestic flights, by road, or a relaxing cruise on the Nile.

Typically, the upstream cruise (from Luxor to Aswan) takes 5 days, and the downstream one takes a day less (4 days). Of course, you can opt for a round-trip cruise (starting either at Luxor or Aswan and back to the same city).

During the cruise, you can escape the hassle of navigating through city traffic, do shore excursions (visit the attractions between cities) during the day, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings, witness golden sunsets (perhaps sunrises), and spend the night on the cruise. There are dance shows and banquets on board that will keep you engaged all the way to your destination.

Need a Local Expert?

Do you find it hard to choose between the two destinations? Let us help you by making the tour planning process easier. At Global Highlights, we can research, compare, and make reservations for different components of your trip. We specialize in turning your travel plans and ideas into a unique tour itinerary. Just share your ideas with us, and we can create an experience of a lifetime for you in return.