Aswan Philae Temple and High Dam Tour — 3

Aswan Philae Temple and High Dam Tour

Duration
Approx. 4-5 Hours
Route
Philae Temple, High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk
Style
Private Day Tour
Schedule
Available daily

Overview

Discover the jewels of the Nubian capital with our comprehensive Aswan Philae Temple and High Dam Tour. This journey bridges the gap between ancient devotion and modern engineering. You will witness the power of the High Dam, a marvel that changed the face of Egypt by taming the Nile River. Then, travel back in time to the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite monument that reveals the secrets of ancient stonemasonry. Finally, take a magical boat ride to the island of love to visit the Philae Temple, the sanctuary of the goddess Isis, rescued from the rising waters by UNESCO.

Highlights

Philae Temple
High Dam
Unfinished Obelisk

Tour Itinerary

Tour Itinerary
Your exploration of Upper Egypt begins when a Nile Empire representative picks you up from your hotel or cruise ship in Aswan. Your Aswan Philae Temple and High Dam Tour starts with a visit to the High Dam. Built between 1960 and 1970, this engineering miracle provides water and electricity to the whole of Egypt and safeguards the country from the annual Nile floods. It offers a panoramic view of Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. Next, we move to the granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk. Had it been completed, it would have been the heaviest obelisk ever cut, weighing nearly 1,200 tons. It offers a rare glimpse into the techniques used by the Ancient Egyptians to cut these huge stone pillars. The highlight of the day awaits as you board a motorboat to Agilkia Island. Here stands the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis. The temple was famously dismantled and moved stone by stone to its current location to save it from being submerged. If you enjoy the magical atmosphere of this island, you might also want to return in the evening for the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple. This tour provides a perfect overview of the city. However, if you have more time and wish to explore further south, we highly recommend adding a Private Tour to Abu Simbel from Aswan to witness the grandeur of Ramses II. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. For those looking to experience the local culture afterwards, a Nubian Villages Tour in Aswan is a colorful and delightful addition to your itinerary. If you are continuing your journey north towards Luxor, consider our Day Trip to Kom Ombo and Edfu. For travelers arriving or departing, we can also organize smooth Aswan Airport Transfers. If you prefer a slower pace on the river, many visitors choose to arrive via a Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise.

Experience Highlights: Ancient vs. Modern Engineering

FeaturePhilae Temple (Ancient)The High Dam (Modern)
Primary PurposeSpiritual (Worship of Isis)Functional (Water & Power)
LocationIsland (Requires Boat)Mainland (River Barrage)
Key FeatureIntricate Carvings & ColumnsMassive Scale & Lake Nasser View

What’s Included

Included

  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Pick up services from your hotel/cruise & return.
  • Private Egyptologist guide.
  • Bottled water during your trip.
  • All taxes & service charges.

Not Included

  • Any Optional Tours not mentioned.
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites.
  • Tipping.
Pricing Information

Prices are shown in US dollars per person. Seasonal supplements may apply during Christmas, New Year and Easter unless a specific seasonal price is displayed.

Children’s Policy
0-5.99 years
Free of charge
6-11.99 years
Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years
Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children travelling with their parents. Where accommodation is included, a maximum of one child per room applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do we reach Philae Temple?
Philae Temple is located on an island (Agilkia Island). The tour includes a transfer to the marina, where we will board a local motorboat for a short and scenic ride to the island temple.
What is the significance of the Unfinished Obelisk?
The Unfinished Obelisk provides crucial evidence of how ancient Egyptians cut and shaped stone. It was abandoned because a crack appeared in the granite, leaving it attached to the bedrock, which allows us to see the tools and marks left by the workers.
Is photography allowed at the High Dam?
Yes, photography is allowed. The High Dam offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Nasser on one side and the Nile River flowing north on the other, making it a great spot for landscape photos.
How much are the entrance fees to the sightseeing listed in the itinerary ?
Entrance fees in Egypt generally range from EGP 200 to EGP 1500 (4 USD to 30 USD), depending on the site, and all major attractions accept credit card payments or online booking. You can learn more details by reading the following article: Egypt Attractions Entrance Fees Guide.
Can this tour be done from a Nile Cruise?
Absolutely. We can arrange pick-up and drop-off directly from your Nile Cruise ship docked in Aswan. Just provide us with the name of your ship when booking.
Is the tour suitable for seniors or those with limited mobility?
Generally yes, but please note that Philae Temple requires getting in and out of a small boat and walking on uneven surfaces. The High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk are accessible by vehicle, but some walking is required at the quarry.

Why Book With Nile Empire

Local experts

An Egypt-based team that lives and breathes these journeys.

Private & tailor-made

Every trip built around your dates, pace, and budget.

Certified Egyptologists

Your own private guide at every temple and tomb.

Confirm before you pay

We confirm availability and your final price first. A deposit is only due once you are happy to proceed.

What Our Travellers Say

★★★★★
We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
Sommerstar · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.
Abdelaziz · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.
CE · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.
Mangesh Satpute · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.
Priyanka Kannan · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.
M & S Krebs · TripAdvisor
★★★★★Rated excellent on TripAdvisorRead reviews

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$100 /pp