Is the Philae Temple half day tour guided?

Yes – this is a guided half-day visit to Philae Temple led by one of our Egyptologists. Guiding language depends on your booking; tell us your preference at reservation. Our Egyptologists focus on the island relocation (1970s–1980s) and the temple’s architecture rather than quick, surface commentary.

Are entrance fees and the boat transfer included?

Yes – standard site entrance fees and the motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island are included unless your confirmation states otherwise. Optional extras such as private vehicle upgrades or after-hours entry are not included. If any additional fees apply we list them clearly on your booking confirmation.

How long does the tour take and when does it run?

This is a half-day program, run as a morning or an afternoon visit in Aswan. Pickup time depends on your hotel location and we schedule to fit local traffic and boat availability. Compared with typical cruise shore stops, a dedicated half-day visit spends more time on-site and avoids an overly rushed visit.

What should I wear and bring to Philae Temple?

Wear modest, sun-protective clothing and comfortable shoes; bring a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Temples require shoulders and knees to be covered; light layers work well for sun and shade. Surfaces are uneven ancient stone–shoes with good grip and steady footing are recommended.

Is Philae accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility travelers?

Accessibility is limited: boat boarding, steps, and uneven stone make access difficult for many wheelchair users. Small motorboat transfers require stepping down; ramps at the quays and temple areas remain limited. Tell us the exact mobility needs before booking so we can advise practical workarounds and local assistance options.

Can I take photos or film at Philae Temple?

Personal photography is generally permitted at Philae Temple; flash, tripods, and commercial filming may be restricted. Drone use and professional filming require local permits and advance notice–contact us early if you plan commercial shoots. Your guide will brief you on any on-site limits during the visit.

Are you a licensed operator for tours in Aswan?

Yes – we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator operating tours in Aswan and the Nile Valley. As a local operator we arrange guides, boats, and on-the-ground logistics and accept responsibility for coordination. Tell us any special requests at booking so we can note them on your confirmation.

Day Tour Aswan

Philae Temple Half-Day Tour, Aswan

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

Philae Temple Half Day Tour is a 1-day excursion covering Philae Temple on Agilkia Island in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best time to go

The best months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Aswan are more comfortable and humidity is lower. In summer, especially May to September, early morning departures are strongly recommended because midday heat can become intense. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, opening patterns and road traffic can be less predictable, so advance timing confirmation is useful.

02 Overview

A first look

A short motorboat ride from the Aswan Corniche brings you to Philae Temple on Agilkia Island. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide a local Egyptologist for the visit.

Background

The facts

Philae Temple is a Ptolemaic and Roman-period temple complex located on Agilkia Island near Aswan. The monuments were relocated from Philae Island as part of the UNESCO-led salvage campaign connected to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, with dismantling and reassembly completed in the late 20th century. The site is reached by a short motorboat transfer from the Aswan quayside, which is part of the standard visitor experience.

The main complex includes the Temple of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan, a processional colonnade, pylons, and later additions that reflect the long religious use of the sanctuary. Inscriptions at the site record Egyptian, Ptolemaic, Roman, and early Christian phases, making Philae one of the key monuments for understanding religious continuity in southern Egypt. Visitor time on the island is usually enough for a guided circuit, photography, and a short independent walk.

For a half-day excursion from Aswan, the practical logistics are straightforward: hotel pickup or a fixed meeting point, transfer to the jetty, motorboat crossing, guided visit, and return to the city. Early departures are commonly preferred because temperatures rise quickly in Aswan, especially from late spring through early autumn. The site is best visited in the cooler morning hours when lighting is also better for photographs across the Nile and toward the Aswan skyline.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This excursion suits travelers who want a focused historical visit without a long day of travel, especially adults and older children interested in ancient temples, inscriptions, and UNESCO rescue projects. It is also a good option for first-time visitors to Aswan who prefer a short walking itinerary with guided interpretation and minimal logistics.

What lingers

01 Private motorboat from Aswan Corniche to Philae (Agilkia Island), 10 to 15 minute crossing; boat transfer included.
02 Our Egyptologist guide leads a 90-minute on-site visit; entrance fee to Philae Temple is included.
03 We schedule morning departures to avoid cruise-boat crowds and midday heat; expect limited shade on island.
04 Private hotel pickup in Aswan (Corniche area) and return transfer included; no taxi negotiation.
05 Unlike full-day Aswan excursions, this half-day keeps afternoon free for Nubian Village or felucca options.
06 Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we arrange boat permits, local crew, and guide credentials.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Round-trip transportation from central Aswan hotels or agreed meeting point
Entrance fees for Philae Temple as stated at booking

Not included

Gratuities for Egyptologists, guides or drivers
Meals, snacks and drinks unless specified at booking
Hotel transfers outside central Aswan or pickup beyond the agreed meeting zone
Personal travel insurance and any optional extras

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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 Is the Philae Temple half day tour guided?

Yes – this is a guided half-day visit to Philae Temple led by one of our Egyptologists. Guiding language depends on your booking; tell us your preference at reservation. Our Egyptologists focus on the island relocation (1970s–1980s) and the temple’s architecture rather than quick, surface commentary.
02 Are entrance fees and the boat transfer included?

Yes – standard site entrance fees and the motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island are included unless your confirmation states otherwise. Optional extras such as private vehicle upgrades or after-hours entry are not included. If any additional fees apply we list them clearly on your booking confirmation.
03 How long does the tour take and when does it run?

This is a half-day program, run as a morning or an afternoon visit in Aswan. Pickup time depends on your hotel location and we schedule to fit local traffic and boat availability. Compared with typical cruise shore stops, a dedicated half-day visit spends more time on-site and avoids an overly rushed visit.
04 What should I wear and bring to Philae Temple?

Wear modest, sun-protective clothing and comfortable shoes; bring a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water. Temples require shoulders and knees to be covered; light layers work well for sun and shade. Surfaces are uneven ancient stone–shoes with good grip and steady footing are recommended.
05 Is Philae accessible for wheelchairs or limited mobility travelers?

Accessibility is limited: boat boarding, steps, and uneven stone make access difficult for many wheelchair users. Small motorboat transfers require stepping down; ramps at the quays and temple areas remain limited. Tell us the exact mobility needs before booking so we can advise practical workarounds and local assistance options.
06 Can I take photos or film at Philae Temple?

Personal photography is generally permitted at Philae Temple; flash, tripods, and commercial filming may be restricted. Drone use and professional filming require local permits and advance notice–contact us early if you plan commercial shoots. Your guide will brief you on any on-site limits during the visit.
07 Are you a licensed operator for tours in Aswan?

Yes – we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator operating tours in Aswan and the Nile Valley. As a local operator we arrange guides, boats, and on-the-ground logistics and accept responsibility for coordination. Tell us any special requests at booking so we can note them on your confirmation.

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-572026

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