Aswan, located about 600 miles south of Cairo and 115 miles from Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere. In Aswan, the Nile river is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, around emerald islands covered with palm groves and tropical plants. Days can be spent strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish. Every night Nubian dancers and musicians perform in the Cultural Center, just off the Corniche. Folklore troupes recreate scenes from village life and perform the famous Nubian mock stick-fight dances. The bazaar runs along the Corniche, which continues past the Ferial Gardens and the Nubian Museum. You must visit the timeless Elephantine Island, with artifacts dating from pre-Dynastic times onward. Just beyond Elephantine is Kitchener's Island, famous for its Botanical garden and exotic plants.