Aswan: High Dam, Philae Temple & Unfinished Obelisk Day Tour
Half-day Aswan excursion with hotel pickup, private Egyptologist, motor boat to Agilkia Island, walk the High Dam crest and visit the Unfinished Obelisk
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
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.
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
- 01Visit the Aswan High Dam with our Egyptologist, learning its 1960s construction and Lake Nasser's creation.
- 02Two-hour visit to Philae Temple island; entrance fees included, boat transfer and guided tour by our Egyptologist.
- 03See the Unfinished Obelisk at the northern quarry, evidence of ancient stone-working techniques and abandoned plans.
- 04We include hotel pickup and private transport – no group bus; flexible stops for photos and shopping.
- 05Unlike cruise excursions, we schedule Philae before the main boat crowds; more time, quieter views.
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
- Pickup and drop-off from hotels in central Aswan (typically within a 10 km radius of the city centre)
- 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
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, subject to available seats; please state ages on booking. Strollers are not practical at the Unfinished Obelisk quarry or on the Philae landing jetty due to steps and uneven surfaces. We can provide booster seats in the vehicle on request; high chairs are not available at the sites. For safety on the boat crossing, parents must supervise children at all times and lifejackets are provided by boat crews.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Hotel pickup in central Aswan (within 10 km)Map
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 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.02What 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 centre. Transport is 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, 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.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. Transfers 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, plus a boat transfer. While accessible, some areas may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations.06Can 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.07What 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.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. Summer months, May to September, are very hot, so early morning starts are essential to avoid midday heat.09What 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.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 advise on site.
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 2026Product ID: EXC-ASW-328591
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