Aswan is an ancient city in southern Egypt on the east bank of the Nile River, known for its rich history, vibrant Nubian culture, and stunning monuments like the Abu Simbel temples and Philae Temple. It served as an important trade hub connecting Egypt and Africa and was a major source of granite for ancient monuments. Today, Aswan is a popular tourist destination with attractions including the Nubian Museum, the Aswan Botanical Garden, and the Aswan High Dam, and is a key starting point for Nile River cruises. Make it stand out
Aswan: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk & High Dam Tour
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Overview Explore two of Upper Egypt’s best-preserved temples on this full-day guided tour departing from Aswan, with comfortable private transfer onward to Luxor at the end of the day. Visit Kom Ombo’s unique double temple and the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, enjoy a traditional felucca option along the Nile, and arrive in Luxor relaxed and ready to continue your journey.
Highlights
Visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and see its distinctive symmetrical design and ancient surgical instruments displayed on walls.
Explore Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s most intact temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Optional short felucca ride near Kom Ombo or Aswan (seasonal).
Professional Egyptologist guide at both sites.
Private air-conditioned vehicle and chauffeur.
Drop-off in Luxor at the end of the day.
Included
Pickup from Aswan hotels or Aswan train station/airport (timing confirmed at booking).
Entrance fees to Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.
Services of a licensed Egyptologist guide.
Private air-conditioned transfer Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor.
Bottled water during the trip.
All local taxes and service charges.
Not included
Lunch (available at local restaurants or packed lunch upon request).
Personal expenses and gratuities.
Felucca ride fee (optional, payable on-site if chosen).
Beverages other than bottled water.
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Itinerary (sample)
06:00–07:00 — Pickup from your Aswan hotel or arrival point.
07:30–09:00 — Visit Kom Ombo Temple: guided tour and free time to explore the temple complex and reliefs. Optional short stroll to the nearby Nilometer.
09:30–11:30 — Continue to Edfu: guided visit to the Temple of Horus, walk through the main hypostyle halls, courtyard, and inner sanctuaries.
11:45–12:30 — Optional horse-cart ride around Edfu village or time for refreshments (own expense).
13:00–14:00 — Lunch break (not included; local restaurant recommendations provided by guide).
14:00–16:30 — Scenic transfer along the Nile toward Luxor with photo stops as desired.
16:30–17:30 — Drop-off in Luxor at your hotel or the train station; timing depends on traffic and exact stops.
Practical information
Duration: Approximately 10–12 hours (depends on pickup location and traffic).
Best time to go: October–April for cooler temperatures. Hot summers may be uncomfortable for extended outdoor visits.
Dress code: Conservative, comfortable clothing recommended. Lightweight fabrics, sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes required for temple grounds.
Accessibility: Temple sites have uneven stone surfaces and steps. Not fully wheelchair accessible. Please inform us at booking of any mobility needs.
Payment: Confirm payment terms at booking; credit card and cash options typically accepted.
Tips: Bring small change for tipping the guide, driver, and any local helpers. Carry ID or passport copy for ticketing.
Booking and customization This day tour can be arranged
Aswan: Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk & High Dam Tour
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Overview Discover Aswan’s most iconic sites on a single guided tour. Visit the island sanctuary of Philae Temple, see the massive Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries, and view the engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam. Ideal for history lovers and first-time visitors who want a concise, well-paced introduction to Aswan’s cultural and engineering heritage.
Highlights
Philae Temple: Explore the beautifully preserved island temple complex dedicated to the goddess Isis. Enjoy a short boat ride to Agilkia Island and walk through colonnades, pylons, and finely carved reliefs.
Unfinished Obelisk: See the largest known ancient obelisk in situ, still attached to the bedrock. Learn about ancient Egyptian stoneworking techniques and why the obelisk was abandoned.
Aswan High Dam: View the modern engineering feat that controls the Nile’s flooding and created Lake Nasser. Learn about its construction, purpose, and impact on the region.
Expert local guide: Receive historical context and insights at each site from an experienced Egyptologist or licensed local guide.
Convenient transfers: Round-trip transfers from Aswan hotels or the cruise port included (pick-up/drop-off details specified at booking).
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Itinerary (Typical)
08:30–09:00 — Hotel or cruise port pickup in Aswan.
09:30 — Transfer to the Nile jetty and short boat ride to Philae (Agilkia) Island.
09:45–11:15 — Guided tour of Philae Temple complex.
11:30 — Visit the Unfinished Obelisk at the ancient granite quarries; on-site explanation of quarrying methods.
12:15 — Photo stop and panoramic view of the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser.
12:45–13:00 — Return to hotel or cruise port.
Duration Approximately 4–5 hours depending on pickup location and traffic.
Inclusions
Licensed English-speaking guide (other languages available on request)
Private or shared vehicle transportation (specified at booking)
Boat transfer to Philae Temple
Hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Bottled water
Exclusions
Meals and tips (recommended)
Personal expenses
Items not specified in inclusions
Practical Information
Wear comfortable walking shoes and sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
Modest dress recommended for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered).
Bring a camera; flash photography may be restricted in some areas.
Steps and uneven surfaces at temple complexes—be prepared to walk on stone and climb short stairways.
Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Accessibility Philae Temple requires a short boat ride and involves walking on uneven surfaces and steps. The Unfinished Obelisk site has some rough terrain. Not all locations are fully wheelchair accessible. Contact us to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Booking and Pricing Available as private or shared tours. Pricing varies by group size, vehicle type, and guide language. For accurate pricing and available pickup times, provide your travel dates, number of travelers, and pickup location when booking.
Why Choose This Tour This itinerary combines ancient religious art, industrial archaeology, and modern engineering to give a rounded view of Aswan’s historical and contemporary significance. It’s a compact, well-organized experience that maximizes time while providing expert commentary and comfortable logistics.