Philae Temple Half-Day Tour, Aswan
Morning departures from Aswan quayside, includes a 10 to 15 minute motorboat to Agilkia Island and a 90-minute guided visit, hotel pickup.
At a glance
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Philae Temple half-day tour in Aswan is a 1-day excursion covering Philae Temple, Agilkia Island, and the Aswan quayside in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Half Day (about 4 hours)
- Time of day
- Half day
- Travel style
- Private Guided Excursion
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Philae Temple · Agilkia Island · Aswan quayside · Aswan · Nile River
- Includes
- Round-trip transport from central Aswan · Boat crossing to Agilkia Island · Entrance fees for Philae Temple · Egyptologist guide or licensed guide
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Aswan · Families with older children · Travelers with limited time · Photography-focused visitors
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The best time to visit is from October to April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are generally milder and walking around the open temple site is more comfortable. Early morning departures are preferable year-round because heat and visitor numbers increase later in the day, especially around peak holiday periods and during school vacations. During Ramadan, some services may run on adjusted schedules, so departure times should be confirmed in advance.
- 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 or licensed guide included for the visit
- Round-trip transport arranged from central Aswan hotels or an agreed meeting point
- Entrance fees included as stated at booking
- On-the-ground support for pickup, timing, and site logistics
02Overview
A first look
By 08:00 the Nile at the Aswan quayside is often mirror-flat, and the motorboat's slap against the hull is the sound that announces Agilkia Island. The Kiosk of Trajan and the rebuilt pylons of the Temple of Isis sit close enough for clear photographs, while our Egyptologist explains the Ptolemaic reliefs and later Roman inscriptions as you move between shaded doorways and open colonnades.
We favour early departures to avoid midday heat and the busiest cruise-ship windows; unlike large coach tours, we run private, small-group visits with flexible timing. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your pickup from central Aswan and the licensed Egyptologist who guides the visit will stay with your party for the whole short excursion.
Background
The facts
Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island in the Nile near Aswan and is reached by a short motorboat transfer from the Aswan quayside. The temple complex was moved from Philae Island to Agilkia in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the UNESCO Nubia campaign, after rising water from the Aswan High Dam threatened the original site.
The main monuments visited on a Philae excursion include the Temple of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan, and the processional colonnades and courts associated with the late Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Construction and decoration at the site continued under successive rulers from the 4th century BCE through the Roman era, so the reliefs and inscriptions reflect both Egyptian religious traditions and later imperial additions.
Logistically, the visit usually begins with hotel pickup in central Aswan or an agreed meeting point, followed by a drive to the quayside and a boat crossing to the island. The site is fully outdoors, with uneven stone paving, steps, and shaded areas limited in some sections, so early departures are typically preferred in warmer months.
Because Philae sits on the Nile with open views toward the river and Aswan skyline, it is also one of the most photographed temple sites in southern Egypt. A guided visit usually focuses on the cult of Isis, the inscriptions, and the architectural phases visible across the temple courts and pavilions.
Named in this entry
Philae Temple·Temple of Isis·Kiosk of Trajan·Agilkia Island·Aswan quayside·Nile River·Aswan·Ptolemaic period·Roman period·UNESCO Nubia campaign·Aswan High Dam
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion suits travelers interested in ancient Egyptian religion, Ptolemaic and Roman-period architecture, and site interpretation by an Egyptologist guide. It is a good fit for adults, older teens, and families who prefer a short, low-complexity outing rather than a long desert transfer.
What lingers
- 01Private motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island (Philae) – roughly 10–15 minute crossing from Aswan Corniche.
- 02Our Egyptologist provides guided commentary at the Temple of Isis, including the island’s 1970s relocation.
- 03Site entrance fee to Philae included; boat gratuities and optional felucca sunset cruise are additional.
- 04Unlike cruise-boat timetables, we arrange departures to avoid midday heat and the busiest boat times.
- 05Short walking on uneven stone and steps at the temple – wear covered shoulders for modesty in religious areas.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a self-guided visit, this tour includes coordinated hotel pickup, the boat transfer, and on-site explanation of the temple’s Ptolemaic and Roman phases. Compared with longer Aswan sightseeing programs, it focuses only on Philae, making it shorter and easier to schedule around the rest of a day in Aswan. It is also more efficient than arranging the quayside crossing independently, especially for first-time visitors.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
08:30 AM / 01:30 PM
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundled in
- Hotel pickup
- All entry tickets
- Private Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Round-trip transfer between central Aswan hotels or an agreed meeting point, by private vehicle
- Entrance fee for Philae Temple as quoted at booking
- Local Egyptologist or licensed guide for the duration of the visit
Not included
- Gratuities for Egyptologists, guides or drivers
- Meals, snacks and drinks unless specified at the time of booking
- Hotel transfers outside central Aswan or pickups beyond the agreed meeting zone
- Personal travel insurance and any optional extras
Tailor it
Make it yours
This excursion can be arranged as a private tour or with a small shared group depending on availability. It may also be adjusted with alternative pickup points, a slower pace for photography, or added Aswan sites if requested at booking. Meal or snack arrangements can sometimes be added separately, but they are not included by default.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Minimum recommended age is 2 years because the motorboat crossing and the island steps present safety challenges for very young children. Infants under 2 may travel free on a guardian's lap, subject to boat crew safety decisions. Child fares typically apply for ages 2 to 12; exact child pricing and any discounts are shown at booking. Strollers are not practical on Agilkia Island due to steps and uneven surfaces, and we do not provide high chairs. Please tell us each child’s age at booking so we can allocate correct seating and lifejackets.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan Corniche (Quayside) — Meeting PointMap
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
·In summary
This tour includes hotel pickup in central Aswan or an agreed meeting point, round-trip transport to the quayside, a short motorboat crossing to Agilkia Island, and a guided visit to Philae Temple. Entrance fees are included as stated at booking, and a local Egyptologist or licensed guide accompanies the visit. Gratuities, meals, drinks, and transfers outside the central Aswan pickup zone are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does the Philae Temple half-day tour last?
The Philae Temple half-day tour typically runs for approximately four hours from the moment of hotel pickup until your return. This duration includes all transfers, the motorboat journey to Agilkia Island, and a guided exploration of the temple complex.02What is included in the price of the Philae Temple tour?
Your tour price covers round-trip transport from central Aswan hotels, the entrance fees for Philae Temple, and the services of a qualified Egyptologist guide. The private motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island is also included.03What is not included in the Philae Temple tour?
Gratuities for your Egyptologist, guide, or driver are not included. Meals, snacks, and drinks are also excluded unless specifically noted. Transfers from hotels outside central Aswan or personal travel insurance are not part of the standard package.04Is the Philae Temple tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?
The tour involves a motorboat transfer and walking on uneven ancient stone at Philae Temple, which may present challenges. We recommend discussing any specific mobility requirements with us in advance so we can advise on suitability and potential adjustments.05What should I wear for the Philae Temple visit?
We suggest comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing, particularly during warmer months. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is appreciated when visiting religious sites in Egypt.06Can children join the Philae Temple tour?
Children are welcome on the Philae Temple tour. The amount of walking is generally manageable for most children, and our Egyptologists can adapt their explanations to engage younger visitors. Please ensure they have adequate sun protection.07What is the best time of day to visit Philae Temple?
We recommend an early morning visit to Philae Temple to avoid the midday heat and larger crowds from cruise ships. This timing typically offers a more peaceful experience and better conditions for photography.08What is the photography policy at Philae Temple?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted at Philae Temple. Restrictions may apply to certain areas or professional equipment; your guide will provide specific advice on the day of your visit.09How do we reach Agilkia Island for Philae Temple?
Access to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island is via a short, private motorboat ride from the Aswan quayside. This transfer is arranged by us and included in your tour, ensuring a smooth journey.10Will our Egyptologist explain the relocation of Philae Temple?
Yes, our Egyptologist will provide a detailed account of the remarkable UNESCO-led project in the 1960s, which saw Philae Temple dismantled and reassembled on Agilkia Island to save it from the rising waters of the Aswan High Dam.
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-572026
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