Added: 05/22/2006 |
Aswan Holidays - Combining History and Entertainment for a Perfect Holiday ExperienceEgypt's southernmost city, which is the country's gateway to Africa, is Aswan. During the ancient times, Aswan was called a garrison town then known as Swnet. Located on the Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile, it was the main town and temple area of Swenet. The ruins and temples found in Aswan are not very impressive and well preserved as those found elsewhere in the country. As in Cairo, great Egyptian feats of engineering are visible in Aswan in the form of the High Dam.
Situated near Aswan, the world famous High Dam was an engineering miracle when it was first built in the 1960s. To this very day it provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt. This is also a spectacular view to experience on Aswan holidays. At the top of the two Mile long High Dam you can look across Lake Nassar. This huge reservoir was created when it was built, to Kalabsha temple in the south and the huge power station to the north.
The most ancient sites of Aswan holidays, Elephantine Island is the largest of the Aswan area islands with artifacts which date back to the pre-dynasty periods. The ancient town which was located in the southern part of the island was once a fortress through much of its history. The island is definitely beautiful while many of the artifacts are in ruins, you will never get tired of wondering around the island. There are plenty to see for the whole family. Elephantine Island - opposite modern Aswan in the Nile - has been settled since time immemorial, and its fortress-town of Yebu became the border post between Egypt and Nubia early in the Old Kingdom.
Local governors were responsible for border security and trade with Nubia, for huge quarries for fine red granite, and mining in the desert hinterland of amethysts, quartzite, copper, tin and malachite. Military outposts further south could summon help from the Yebu garrison by signal fires and an Egyptian fleet patrolled the river between the First and Second Cataracts.
Another site to visit on your Aswan holidays is Edfu, located just 105 kilometers from Aswan. Here you will see the best preserved cult temple in Egypt, known as The Temple of Horus at Edfu. This is definitely the place for archaeological enthusiasts. The early Egyptians called the town Tbot, the Greeks called it Apollinopolis Magna and as Atbo during the Coptic times. This was also the capital of the second nome of Upper Egypt. A Nile Cruise is one of the greatest experiences during Aswan holidays. You will get to see the impressive temples and monuments of the Pharaohs.
One of the features of The Ten Tour fleet is that it consists of modern and luxurious "floating hotels" with top quality engines, air conditioning systems, and sanitary installations. All these features contribute to the comfort and security of the guests. Each room is very spacious and they have a wide panoramic view of the river. The food served on board equals that of the best restaurants.
Aswan holidays are really rich and diverse: during the day you can go swimming - or you could go in search of alligators, by boat; at night there's the Philae Sound and Light show and nightclubs to consider.
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