# Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day Tour

> Book a High Dam, Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk day tour in Aswan with hotel pickup, boat transfer and an Egyptologist guide. Reserve now.

Source: https://discoverytoursegypt.com/day-tours/aswan/high-dam-philae-temple-unfinished-obelisk-day-tour-aswan/
Operator: Discovery Tours Egypt

At the Philae landing, spray from the Nile cools the air as pink granite columns rise from Agilkia Island, and small motor boats set the rhythm for the day. We move between very different scales: the broad concrete crest of the Aswan High Dam, the intimate colonnades of Isis, and the raw vertical face of the Unfinished Obelisk where tool marks are still visible.

Our Egyptologists narrate each site on location and brief you before the short security screenings; we arrange hotel pickup from central Aswan and an air-conditioned vehicle, so you arrive relaxed and ready to ask questions.

## Key Facts
- Duration: 1 day
- Locations: Aswan, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Agilkia Island, Unfinished Obelisk (northern quarry)
- From: $225 per person

## Highlights
- Visit the Aswan High Dam with our Egyptologist, learning its 1960s construction and Lake Nasser's creation.
- Two-hour visit to Philae Temple island; entrance fees included, boat transfer and guided tour by our Egyptologist.
- See the Unfinished Obelisk at the northern quarry, evidence of ancient stone-working techniques and abandoned plans.
- We include hotel pickup and private transport – no group bus; flexible stops for photos and shopping.
- Unlike cruise excursions, we schedule Philae before the main boat crowds; more time, quieter views.

## Included
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels in central Aswan (typically within a 10 km radius of the city center)
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Local Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk
- Short boat transfer to Agilkia Island

## 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

## Itinerary
### Day 1: High Dam, Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk
Skip the morning hassle with pickup from your Aswan hotel lobby or Nile cruise deck, meet your driver and your private, licensed Egyptologist from Discovery Tours Egypt, then board a modern, air-conditioned vehicle with complimentary bottled water. Visit the Aswan High Dam, see Philae Temple on Agilkia Island where Isis was worshipped, then inspect the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarry. We return you to your Aswan hotel or ship after the guided visits.
- Aswan High Dam visit
- Philae Temple on Agilkia Island
- Unfinished Obelisk quarry
Sites: [Aswan High Dam](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/high-dam/), [Philae Temple](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/philae-temple/), [Unfinished Obelisk](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/the-unfinished-obelisk/)
Duration: 30 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 2: Aswan High Dam
You arrive at the crest of the Aswan High Dam, completed in the 1960s to control the Nile floods and generate electricity for Egypt. Your Egyptologist explains the dam's construction and social impacts while you walk the top deck. On one side you see Lake Nasser stretching to the horizon; on the other, the Nile winding north. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges pre-booked entrance access, avoiding the public ticket lines.
- View across Lake Nasser
- Walk the dam crest
- Panorama of the Nile
Sites: [Aswan High Dam](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/high-dam/)
Duration: 1 hour · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 3: Northern Quarries & the Unfinished Obelisk
A short drive brings you to Aswan's red granite Northern Quarries where the 1,200-ton Unfinished Obelisk still lies in its bedrock. Your Egyptologist explains why carving stopped after a structural crack, then demonstrates how ancient stonemasons used wet wooden wedges and diorite pounding balls to detach granite. You'll walk around the exposed face, view original tool marks, and photograph the scale of this unfinished monument from a raised platform close to the worksite.
- 1,200-ton monolith in situ
- Visible ancient tool marks
- Explanation of quarrying techniques
Sites: [Unfinished Obelisk](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/the-unfinished-obelisk/)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 4: Agilkia Island and Philae Temple
Meet at the Shallal docks where your Discovery Tours Egypt guide handles marina permits and fast-tracks you onto a private motorboat. You cross the Nile to Agilkia Island, watching the columns and stone pylons of Philae Temple rise above the granite islets. Your Egyptologist explains the temple's Ptolemaic reliefs and Isis cult history as you walk the raised causeway and return to Shallal afterwards.
- Private motorboat transfer
- View Philae's towering columns
- Guided walk on Agilkia Island
Sites: [Philae Temple](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/philae-temple/)
Duration: 25 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 5: Philae Temple, Agilkia Island
You disembark on Agilkia Island to explore Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, goddess of love and magic. Your Egyptologist leads you through the grand First Pylon and the atmospheric hypostyle halls, then to Trajan’s Kiosk overlooking the Nile. The guide recounts the myths of Osiris and Isis and explains the 1970s UNESCO rescue project that moved the complex stone by stone from its original, now-submerged site. We time this visit early to avoid peak boat traffic.
- Walk through the First Pylon
- Explore hypostyle halls
- See Trajan’s Kiosk by the Nile
Sites: [Philae Temple](https://discoverytoursegypt.com/attractions/aswan/philae-temple/)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

### Day 6: Island Terrace Refreshments & Photos
Before leaving the island, you pause at the shaded terrace café overlooking the Nile. Your Egyptologist explains the river-framed colonnades while you photograph the water reflections and temple outlines. Sit with a cold local fruit juice or a hot cup of Nubian mint tea, and browse a small selection of locally made handicrafts at your own relaxed pace, before returning to the meeting point for onward transfer.
- Shaded terrace café
- Nubian mint tea and juices
- Browse local handicrafts
Duration: 35 minutes · Meals: Refreshments included: local fruit juice or Nubian mint tea.

### Day 7: Motorboat Return and Transfer, Aswan
You re-board your motorboat at the island dock for the short ride back to the Aswan mainland pier. Your private vehicle and driver are waiting at the dock exit; your Egyptologist will be with you until you reach the car. Recline in air-conditioned comfort, open a chilled mineral water, and enjoy a smooth drive back into Aswan city that afternoon. Unlike larger group transfers, this meeting-point pickup keeps wait times to a minimum.
- Private vehicle at dock
- Air-conditioned comfort
- Chilled mineral water provided
Duration: 45 minutes · Meals: No meals at this stop.

## FAQ
### How long is the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk day tour?
This Aswan day tour is a full-day excursion, lasting approximately 8 hours from your hotel pickup to drop-off. It allows for a relaxed pace at each of the three main sites.

### What are the pickup and drop-off arrangements for this tour?
We arrange pickup and drop-off directly from hotels located in central Aswan, typically within a 10 km radius of the city center. Transport is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

### What is included in the price of this Aswan day tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a local Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk, plus the short boat transfer to Agilkia Island.

### What 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. Transfers outside central Aswan require prior arrangement.

### Is this tour suitable for individuals with limited mobility?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone at Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk quarry, plus a boat transfer. While accessible, some areas may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations.

### Can children participate in this Aswan day tour?
Yes, children are welcome on this tour. The sites are engaging, and our Egyptologists can tailor commentary to different age groups. Please ensure children are prepared for a full day of sightseeing and walking.

### What should I wear and bring for the Aswan day tour?
We recommend wearing 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.

### What 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. Summer months, May to September, are very hot, so early morning starts are essential to avoid midday heat.

### What is unique about Philae Temple compared to other Egyptian temples?
Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was meticulously relocated block by block to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding after the Aswan High Dam's construction. This preservation effort makes its setting particularly unique.

### Is 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 advise on site.

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Full page (with photos, live pricing, and booking): https://discoverytoursegypt.com/day-tours/aswan/high-dam-philae-temple-unfinished-obelisk-day-tour-aswan/