Egypt Discovery
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Excursion Aswan

High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk – Aswan Day Tour

At a glance

Length
1 days · 0 nights
Departs
Daily

The short answer

High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day Tour is a 1-day excursion covering the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
1 day

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are generally milder and sightseeing is easier on foot. From May to September, heat can be intense, so an early departure is preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and visitor volumes can change, so advance planning is recommended.

02 Overview

A first look

We arrange a private, full-day visit from Aswan to the High Dam, Philae (Agilkia Island) and the ancient granite quarries. Our Egyptologists explain the dam's modern engineering, Philae's relocation and traditional granite quarrying techniques.

Background

The facts

This Aswan sightseeing excursion visits three of Upper Egypt’s best-known monuments in one day: the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, and the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern quarry. The High Dam was completed in 1970 and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, by regulating the annual Nile flood and supplying hydroelectric power.

Philae Temple was originally built on Philae Island and later relocated stone by stone to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO salvage campaign of the 1970s and 1980s, after the construction of the High Dam raised the water level around the original site. The temple complex is mainly associated with the goddess Isis and includes pylons, courtyards, sanctuaries, and reliefs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Access to the island requires a short motorboat transfer from the landing stage.

The Unfinished Obelisk lies in the granite quarries north of Aswan and is believed to date to the reign of Hatshepsut in the 18th Dynasty, around the 15th century BCE. It is the largest known ancient obelisk left in situ, showing quarry marks and cracks that prevented its completion. The site is useful for understanding how ancient obelisks were extracted and dressed before transport.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time visitors to Aswan, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want a structured introduction to the city’s most important Pharaonic and modern engineering landmarks. It is also a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable with walking on uneven ground and boarding a small boat for the Philae transfer.

What lingers

  • 01 Boat crossing to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island; relocated during UNESCO’s 1970s–1980s Nubia campaign, now easier to access.
  • 02 View Aswan High Dam’s 111-metre crest; completed in 1970, it altered Nile flood cycles and modern agriculture.
  • 03 Walk at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry; see the planned 42-metre height and visible cut marks.
  • 04 Guided by our Egyptologist; private car and boat transfers included, standard site entrance fees included; lunch and gratuities excluded.
  • 05 We avoid large coach tours: private-car itinerary ensures quieter visits compared with typical cruise shore excursions.
  • 06 Expect uneven stone, low light inside some chapels, and limited shade at midday – bring sun protection and sensible shoes.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance fees to the sites listed
  • Local Egyptologist guide

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses and optional activities not listed
  • Transfers or pickups outside central Aswan unless arranged in advance

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How long is the High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk tour?
    This is a one-day excursion from Aswan, typically 4–5 hours on-site plus transfer time. Unlike cruise ship shore calls, this visit gives extended time at Philae and the northern quarries rather than a brief stop. Order and timings are flexible; most clients visit the High Dam, then the Unfinished Obelisk, finishing at Philae with the motorboat crossing.
  2. 02 Do we take a boat to Philae Temple?
    Yes – visitors cross by motorboat to Agilkia Island to reach Philae Temple. The crossing is short and included in the tour price, and Philae is part of the Nubian Monuments UNESCO World Heritage listing. Boat trips depend on Nile and weather conditions; we plan crossings to avoid the busiest boat times where possible.
  3. 03 Are entrance fees and a guide included?
    Yes – standard site entrance fees and one of our Egyptologists are included in the tour price. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate the private car and private motorboat used on the day. Gratuities and any optional extras (photography permits where applicable) are not included unless stated.
  4. 04 Is the Unfinished Obelisk site safe for children?
    Children can visit the Unfinished Obelisk, but the quarry involves uneven rock and open drops. There are few protective barriers and limited shade, so close supervision and sturdy shoes are essential. Toddlers on shoulders or laps are not recommended near exposed edges.
  5. 05 Can visitors with reduced mobility access Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk?
    Philae has a level quay and ramps, but the temple contains steps; the Unfinished Obelisk requires walking on uneven granite. Boarding the motorboat usually involves a small step; we can provide assistance if advised in advance. Please contact us before booking so we can assess specific needs and plan suitable vehicle or ramp arrangements.
  6. 06 What should I bring and wear for the High Dam, Philae and Unfinished Obelisk visit?
    Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen), bottled water, sturdy closed shoes and a light cover-up for temples. Temples and mosques expect modest dress: shoulders covered and knees not exposed. Also carry a small amount of local currency, a camera, and expect limited shade at midday – an early or late visit is cooler in summer.

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

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-ASW-328591

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