Tours & experiences

Aswan Private Tour: Philae Temple, High Dam & Obelisk

About this experience

Discover the highlights of Aswan on this private half-day tour led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide. Begin with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a remarkable feat of modern engineering that transformed Egypt's economy. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, where you'll uncover the fascinating techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to carve massive stone monuments. Finally, enjoy a scenic motorboat ride across the Nile to the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and renowned for its stunning island setting and remarkable history.

With private transportation, hotel or Nile Cruise pickup and drop-off, and a personalized itinerary, you'll enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace while gaining deeper insights into Aswan's rich heritage. Perfect for first-time visitors and history lovers, this unforgettable experience showcases the city's most iconic attractions in just a few hours. Book now and make the most of your time in Aswan!

At a glance

  • Duration: 4 hr
  • Private experience

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Car & Egyptologist Guide
Optional: Entry fees to historical sites
Non-English speaking tour guide (optional)
Pick-up & drop-off outside Aswan city (optional)
Private Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Bottled water
Vehicle: Limousine, Minivan, Van, Coaster car
Included: English speaking Egyptologist tour guide
Motor Boat ride to philae temple
Pick up & drop off from Aswan City side
Pickup included
Premium Private Guided Tour
Additional Price: Non-English speaking tour guide (optional)
Pick-up & drop-off outside Aswan city (Airport, Gharb Soheil, New Aswan, etc.
Private Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Bottled Water
Vehicle: Limousine, Minivan, Van, Coaster car
Included: Entry fees to historical sites
English speaking Egyptologist tour guide
Motor Boat ride to Phiale temple Island
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour4 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesArabic (live guide), German (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What is included

  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites
  • All taxes & service charge
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • Round-Trip Motorboat ride to Philae Temple
  • Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
  • Pick up services from your hotel in Aswan and return
  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities

Itinerary and highlights

Your guide will meet you at your hotel or Nile cruise on Corniche Street in Aswan. After a warm welcome, you'll begin a comfortable, air-conditioned drive to start your tour.

Start your Aswan tour through transferring to visit the unfinished obelisk, commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh (1490–1468 BC). The unfinished obelisk gives an excellent idea about the mason work techniques in ancient Egypt. If finished it would have been the largest and heaviest obelisk ever attempted, measuring around 42 metres and weighing nearly 1,200 tons.

Travel by motorboat across the Nile to the beautiful Philae Temple, one of Egypt's most enchanting ancient sites. Learn how this magnificent temple complex was carefully dismantled and relocated to Agilkia Island by UNESCO to protect it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Accompanied by your expert Egyptologist guide, explore the island's remarkable monuments, including the majestic Temple of Isis, dedicated to the goddess of love and magic, the elegant Kiosk of Trajan, and the charming Temple of Hathor, known for its beautifully carved reliefs and musical symbolism. Admire the impressive columns, towering gateways, detailed hieroglyphics, and breathtaking riverside setting while discovering the fascinating myths and history behind this sacred sanctuary.

After your guided tour, enjoy some free time to stroll around the island, take memorable photos, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before returning by motorboat.

Visit the impressive Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt's greatest modern engineering achievements and a symbol of the country's development. Standing atop the dam, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the vast Lake Nasser on one side and the mighty Nile River on the other. Your guide will explain how the dam was constructed between 1960 and 1970 to control the annual Nile floods, provide irrigation for millions of acres of farmland, and generate hydroelectric power for Egypt. Take in the incredible scale of this monumental structure, capture memorable photos from the viewing area, and learn about its significant impact on Egypt's economy and daily life. After your visit, relax as you are comfortably transferred back to your hotel in Aswan.

Meeting and pickup information

  • • Your tour guide / driver will pick you up from your location in Aswan City.

Languages and tickets

  • Arabic — Guide
  • German — Guide
  • English — Guide
  • Italian — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Nile Holiday

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional supplement applies to guided services provided in languages other than English.
  • Airport, Gharb Soheil, New Aswan pickup and/or drop-off are available at an additional cost.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 4 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
• Your tour guide / driver will pick you up from your location in Aswan City.
Which guide languages are listed?
Arabic (live guide), German (live guide), English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 6–11; Adult tickets: age 12+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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