Aswan

A Nile-side city in Upper Egypt at the traditional border with Nubia, where the river widens around pink granite outcroppings and palm-covered islands. The view from the west bank at dusk, across the Nile to the city's minarets and the orange-lit sand hills of the desert beyond, is among the classic Nile panoramas. Felucca sailboats navigate the gentle currents between the islands, including Elephantine Island, which carries ruins of several ancient periods. The local Nubian villages maintain a distinct cultural character, with brightly painted houses and a preserved dialect.