Philae Temple Sound and Light Show, evening excursion from Aswan
Evening motorboat to Agilkia Island for the Philae illumination, with an Egyptologist, hotel pickup in central Aswan and return after the show.
At a glance
- Length
- 1 days · 0 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
Philae Temple sound and light show evening tour is a 1-day excursion covering Philae Temple on Agilkia Island in Aswan, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 Day / Evening Excursion
- Time of day
- Evening departure
- Travel style
- Private or Small-Group Guided Tour
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Agilkia Island · Philae Temple · Nile
- Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan and the Corniche area · Air-conditioned vehicle transfers · Round-trip motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island · Philae Temple sound and light show ticket · Egyptologist guiding · Local taxes
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors · Families with older children · Travelers avoiding midday heat
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The best time is from October to April, when Aswan temperatures are usually more comfortable in the evening and the site is less affected by daytime heat. Summer evenings can still be warm, but the night show is generally easier to manage than a midday temple visit. During Ramadan and major Egyptian holidays, pickup timing and crowd levels can vary, so advance confirmation is advisable.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist-guided excursion
- Hotel pickup and drop-off arranged in Aswan
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
02Overview
A first look
By dusk the Nile at Aswan takes on a cool, papery stillness, lamps along the Agilkia Island causeway picking out the temple silhouette as the sun falls. The sound and light narration moves across Philae's pylons and colonnades, and you stand on the island forecourt listening to the reliefs and restoration history illuminated in sequence.
We time the evening to avoid daytime heat and the busiest visitor hours; one of our Egyptologists accompanies the outing to add archaeological context and answer questions. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange your hotel pickup, short motorboat crossing, and return transfer so you only need to arrive at the meeting point on time.
Background
The facts
Philae Temple is located on Agilkia Island near Aswan, following the relocation of the original temple complex during the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The original temple site on Philae Island was submerged for much of the year after the dam changed Nile water levels, and the monuments were moved in a UNESCO-led rescue project completed in the 1970s. The sound and light show is staged after dusk and uses illuminated projections and narration to explain the temple’s history and major architectural features.
The excursion usually begins with hotel pickup in Aswan, followed by transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the Nile landing point and a short motorboat crossing to Agilkia Island. Visitors typically walk through the temple forecourt, pylons, courtyards, and colonnaded areas while the show narration highlights the cult of Isis, Roman additions, and later restoration work. The site visit is brief and mostly outdoors, so footwear suitable for uneven stone surfaces is recommended.
Philae is one of Upper Egypt’s best-known temple complexes and is closely associated with Isis worship, with construction phases spanning the Ptolemaic and Roman periods. The temple setting on an island in the Nile makes it especially distinctive at night, when the illuminated stone reliefs and columns are easier to view than during a daytime visit. Return transfer to Aswan is generally arranged after the show ends, with the total outing commonly lasting about half a day.
Named in this entry
Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Aswan·Nile·Temple of Isis·Aswan High Dam·UNESCO·Ptolemaic period·Roman period
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This excursion suits travelers who want a low-to-moderate walking evening activity in Aswan, especially first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and couples. It is also a good fit for guests who prefer cooler temperatures and a shorter itinerary rather than a long daytime temple circuit.
What lingers
- 01Attend the official Philae Temple sound and light show on Agilkia Island after dusk, with narrated illumination of the pylons and colonnades
- 02Short motorboat crossing from Aswan to Agilkia Island, followed by a guided walk around the temple forecourts and island perimeter
- 03An Egyptologist accompanies the excursion to explain the temple's temples to Isis restoration and relief scenes
- 04Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan and the Corniche area, travelling by air-conditioned vehicle
- 05Smaller-group format available, unlike large coach evening transfers which can be crowded at show time
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a daytime temple visit, this excursion is timed for after dusk and includes the narrated sound and light presentation at the site. Compared with large coach transfers, the private or small-group format usually offers a shorter wait for the boat crossing and a more flexible pace during the visit. It also differs from standard sightseeing tours because the main focus is the illuminated temple complex rather than multiple monuments.
Stop by stop
Detailed itinerary
17:30 to 19:30 - Depending on Show Language & Time
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundled in
- Sound & light show
- All entry tickets
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Aswan and the Corniche area
- Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle
- Round-trip motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island (Philae)
- Philae Temple sound and light show ticket
- Guiding by one of our Egyptologists
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities for your Egyptologist and driver
- Food and drinks unless stated otherwise
- Personal purchases and souvenir shopping
- Any optional visits or add-ons requested on the day
Tailor it
Make it yours
The excursion can be arranged as a private or small-group outing, with hotel pickup from central Aswan and Corniche-area properties. On request, it can sometimes be combined with additional Aswan sightseeing or upgraded with a more personalized guiding pace, subject to show timing and availability.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Minimum age is 4 years for this excursion. Children aged 4–11 receive a child fare; infants under 4 may travel free on a guardian's lap but must be included in the booking. Motorboat boarding and the island route involve steps and limited space, so strollers are not practical on the boats and cannot be used on the island; bring a baby carrier if needed. Please advise us of any child under 12 requiring a child seat for the vehicle; we will provide one when available but cannot guarantee it without prior notice.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Hotel pickup — central Aswan and Corniche areaMap
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
·In summary
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan, air-conditioned transfers, a round-trip motorboat crossing to Agilkia Island, and entry to the Philae Temple sound and light show. One of our Egyptologists accompanies the excursion, and local taxes are included.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show evening tour?
This evening excursion typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours from your hotel pickup in Aswan to your return drop-off. The show itself runs for approximately 45 minutes, with additional time for transfers and the motorboat journey to Agilkia Island.02Where do pickups occur for the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show?
We arrange complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off from all accommodations located in central Aswan and along the Corniche area. Please confirm your hotel details when booking so we can coordinate your transfer directly.03What is included in the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show tour?
The tour includes round-trip transfers by air-conditioned vehicle from your Aswan hotel, the motorboat journey to Agilkia Island, your entrance ticket to the Sound & Light Show, and guiding by one of our Egyptologists. Local taxes are also covered.04What items are not included in the tour price?
Gratuities for your Egyptologist and driver are not included. Food, drinks, and any personal purchases or souvenirs are also excluded. Any optional visits or add-ons requested on the day will incur additional costs.05Is the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show accessible for all visitors?
The tour involves a motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island and some walking on uneven ancient stone paths at Philae Temple. While generally accessible, guests with mobility concerns should contact us to discuss specific requirements before booking.06Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes, the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show is generally suitable for children and families. The visual spectacle and storytelling can be engaging for younger visitors, though very young children might find the late timing challenging.07What should I wear and bring for the evening show?
We recommend comfortable walking shoes, as there is some walking involved. Evenings in Aswan can be cooler, especially by the Nile, so a light jacket or shawl is advisable. Insect repellent can also be useful.08Can I take photographs during the Sound & Light Show?
Photography is generally permitted during the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show, but flash photography is usually discouraged to maintain the atmosphere and protect the ancient structures. Video recording policies may vary, so please check on site.09What is the best time of year to experience the Philae Temple Sound & Light Show?
The show runs year-round, but the cooler months from October to April offer the most comfortable evening temperatures. During summer, while still enjoyable, evenings can remain warm, so dressing lightly is recommended.10How does the motorboat transfer to Agilkia Island work?
After your vehicle transfer, you will take a short, scenic motorboat ride across the Nile to Agilkia Island, where Philae Temple is located. This transfer is included and arranged by our team, ensuring a smooth journey to the 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 10 July 2026Product ID: EXC-ASW-358786
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