Aswan, a beautiful winter resort, enjoying a dry temperate climate, is situated on the eastern bank of the Nile, 899km south of Cairo, linking

Egypt with Sudan, and is the gate to the African continent. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. The Nile is at its most beautiful at this point, flowing through the amber desert, granite rocks, and round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants.

Aswan has thus been a favourite winter resort since the beginning of the nineteenth century and still is the perfect place to get away from it all. In Pharaonic times, the town was known as "Suno" (the Market) later changed to "Aswan" by the Arabs.

Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly-caught fish. Alternatively, explore the souk, full of the scent and colour of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets.