High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan Day Tour
Half-day Aswan excursion with hotel pickup, private Egyptologist, motor boat to Agilkia Island, visit Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk, plus a High Dam walk
At a glance
- Length
- 1 days · 0 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day Tour Aswan is a 1-day excursion covering the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 Day / Full Day (about 8 hours)
- Travel style
- Private Guided Day Tour
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Agilkia Island · Unfinished Obelisk (northern quarry)
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan · Air-conditioned vehicle · Local Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees · Short motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island
- Best for
- First-time visitors to Aswan · History enthusiasts · Families with older children · Travelers wanting a guided city excursion
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are generally milder and outdoor walking is easier. From May to September, heat can be intense by late morning, so an early departure is preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours, traffic, and crowd levels can change, so timing may need extra flexibility.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Local Egyptologist guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan
- Standard entrance fees included unless stated otherwise
- 24/7 on-the-ground support for tour logistics
02Overview
A first look
Morning wind from the Nile brings diesel and riverweed, while motorboats gather at the Philae landing and granite columns rise from Agilkia Island. You move quickly between very different scales: the broad concrete crest of the High Dam, the intimate colonnades of Isis, and the vertical face of the Unfinished Obelisk with visible tool marks underfoot.
Our Egyptologists narrate each site on location and brief you before the short security screenings; we keep the day unhurried compared with many cruise shore excursions, so there is time for photographs and questions. We arrange hotel pickup from central Aswan and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you arrive relaxed and ready to start.
Background
The facts
The Aswan High Dam is one of Egypt’s major modern infrastructure projects. It was completed in 1970, stands about 111 meters high and roughly 3,830 meters long, and created Lake Nasser while transforming flood control, irrigation, and hydroelectric generation along the Nile. Visitors usually view the dam from designated terraces and walking areas rather than entering operational zones.
Philae Temple is a relocated Greco-Roman temple complex dedicated primarily to Isis. The original sanctuary was moved stone by stone to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO-led rescue campaign that followed the construction of the High Dam and the rising waters of Lake Nasser. The temple complex includes pylons, courtyards, colonnades, and sanctuaries that reflect centuries of worship from the late Pharaonic period through the Roman era.
The Unfinished Obelisk lies in the northern granite quarries of Aswan and is the largest known ancient obelisk left in situ. It is still attached to the bedrock, showing ancient quarrying marks and the likely stage at which a crack halted its extraction. The site helps explain how ancient Egyptian obelisks were cut from the Aswan granite bedrock before transport downriver.
A standard daytime visit between these sites is usually arranged by road and short boat transfer, with Philae reached by motorboat from the dock at the edge of Lake Nasser. Security screening is typical at the Philae landing and quarry area, and walking surfaces can be uneven at the temple and quarry sites, so closed walking shoes are advisable.
Named in this entry
Aswan High Dam·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Unfinished Obelisk·Lake Nasser·Isis·UNESCO rescue campaign·Aswan granite quarries
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion suits first-time visitors to Aswan, history-focused travelers, and adults or older children who want a guided overview of modern and ancient engineering in one day. It is also appropriate for travelers who prefer a private or small-scale sightseeing format with short walking distances and site-by-site commentary.
What lingers
- 01Boat crossing to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island; relocated during UNESCO’s 1970s–1980s Nubia campaign, now easier to access.
- 02View Aswan High Dam’s 111-metre crest; completed in 1970, it altered Nile flood cycles and modern agriculture.
- 03Walk at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry; see the planned 42-metre height and visible cut marks.
- 04Guided by our Egyptologist; private car and boat transfers included, standard site entrance fees included; lunch and gratuities excluded.
- 05We avoid large coach tours: private-car itinerary ensures quieter visits compared with typical cruise shore excursions.
- 06Expect uneven stone, low light inside some chapels, and limited shade at midday – bring sun protection and sensible shoes.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike cruise-based shore excursions, this day tour is arranged from central Aswan hotels and is not tied to a ship schedule, which can allow more time at each site. It also includes a licensed Egyptologist guide and all standard site entrance fees, so the itinerary is focused on sightseeing rather than logistics. Compared with self-guided visits, it adds transport coordination, the required boat transfer to Philae, and site-by-site explanation of the monuments and their historical context.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
08:00 AM
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Bundled in
- Hotel pickup
- All entry tickets
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off for central Aswan, typically within a 10 km radius of the city centre
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Guiding by a local Egyptologist
- Entrance fees for Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Short motor-boat transfer to Agilkia Island
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Gratuities for the Egyptologist and driver
- Personal expenses and optional activities not listed
- Transfers or pickups outside central Aswan unless arranged in advance
Tailor it
Make it yours
The tour can often be arranged as a private excursion or a small-group option depending on availability. Common modifications include adding extra time for photos, extending the visit with another Aswan site, or arranging lunch separately in central Aswan. Pickup outside central Aswan may be possible if requested in advance.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Minimum age for this excursion is 5 years. Children under 12 receive a reduced ticket rate where local site policies permit; state each child’s age when booking so we can apply the correct rate. Strollers are not practical at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry or on the Philae landing jetty because of steps and uneven surfaces. We can provide booster seats in the vehicle on request; high chairs are not available at the sites. For the boat crossing parents must supervise children at all times; lifejackets are provided by the boat crew.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Hotel pickup — central AswanMap
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
·In summary
This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, and a short motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island. It visits the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Lunch, drinks, gratuities, personal expenses, and transfers outside central Aswan are not included.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk day tour?
This Aswan day excursion is a full-day experience, typically lasting around 8 hours from your hotel pickup to your return. We allow ample time at each location for exploration and questions.02What are the pickup and drop-off arrangements for this tour?
We provide convenient pickup and drop-off directly from hotels in central Aswan, usually within a 10 km radius of the city centre. You will travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.03What is included in the price of this Aswan day tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a licensed Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk, plus the boat transfer to Agilkia Island.04What is not included in the tour price?
Lunch and drinks are not included in the tour price. Gratuities for your guide and driver, personal expenses, and any optional activities not listed are also excluded. Pickups outside central Aswan require prior arrangement.05Is this tour suitable for individuals with limited mobility?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone at Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk quarry, as well as a boat transfer. While many areas are accessible, some sections may be challenging for those with significant mobility limitations.06Can children participate in this Aswan day tour?
Yes, children are welcome on this excursion. The sites offer engaging experiences, and our Egyptologists can adapt their commentary for various age groups. Please ensure children are prepared for a full day of sightseeing and walking.07What should I wear and bring for the Aswan day tour?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Modest dress is advisable for religious sites. Bring sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and your camera to capture the sights.08What is the best time of year to take this tour in Aswan?
The cooler months from October to April are generally the most comfortable for visiting Aswan, ideal for winter sun holidays. Summer months, May to September, are very hot, so early morning starts are essential to avoid the midday heat.09What makes Philae Temple unique compared to other Egyptian temples?
Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was meticulously relocated block by block to Agilkia Island during the 1970s UNESCO rescue project. This extraordinary preservation effort gives it a particularly unique and picturesque setting.10Is photography permitted at all the sites on this tour?
Photography is generally permitted at the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk. However, specific restrictions may apply in certain areas or for video cameras; your guide will provide on-site advice.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: EXC-ASW-328591
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