This private Aswan day tour covers the three sites first-time visitors ask about most: the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple. You travel with a licensed Egyptologist guide and a private air-conditioned car, so the pace and the photo stops are yours alone. It works equally well for hotel guests and Nile cruise passengers with a day in Aswan.
You'll stand on the High Dam that ended the Nile's annual floods and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes on earth. At the ancient granite quarries, you'll see the Unfinished Obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut still attached to the bedrock, tool marks visible where the quarrymen abandoned it. A short motorboat ride then brings you to Agilkia Island and Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and moved stone by stone in a UNESCO rescue operation to save it from the rising water. Because no group is waiting, your guide can slow down where you're curious and skip what doesn't interest you.
The route follows the logic of the ground: the High Dam first, the quarries on the drive back toward the city, then the boat across to Philae, with your guide and driver handling tickets, timing, and every transfer in between. The itinerary below walks through each stop. To adjust the route or ask about dates, send us a message on WhatsApp — we reply the same day.
Seasonal rates: Tour rates change during Christmas, New Year, and Easter periods in Egypt. If your travel dates fall around these holidays, confirm the price with us when you book.
Walking and physical effort: Expect easy to moderate walking. The quarry site of the Unfinished Obelisk involves some uneven ground and steps, and Philae Temple is reached by a short motorboat ride with a step on and off the boat. The High Dam visit is mostly viewing platforms with minimal walking.
Sun and heat: All three sites are largely open-air with little shade, and Aswan is one of Egypt's hottest cities. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes; tours start in the morning to make the most of the cooler hours.
Dress code: There is no strict dress code at these sites Philae is an ancient temple, not an active place of worship. Light, modest clothing that covers the shoulders works best for both comfort and sun protection.
Itinerary order: The order of visits may be adjusted on the day to avoid crowds or suit boat timings, but all three sites are always included.
tour.price_subtitle
| Group Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Single | $140 |
| 2-3 Person | $100 |
| 4-6 Person | $80 |
| 7-10 Person | $70 |
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All FAQ about Egypt
Light, comfortable clothing and walking shoes. All three sites are open-air with little shade, so a hat and sunscreen matter more than any dress code — Philae is an ancient temple, not an active place of worship, so there are no strict clothing rules.
Yes. Because the tour is private, the order of visits and time spent at each site can be adjusted around your group. Message us on WhatsApp before your tour with any changes you'd like — we reply the same day.
Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or Nile cruise ship in Aswan, and we can drop you at Aswan airport at the end of the tour if you're flying out the same day.
One full day comfortably covers Aswan's three essential sites: the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple. If you have a second day, most travelers add a day trip to Abu Simbel or a visit to a Nubian village.
Philae Temple sits on Agilkia Island in the Nile, so the only way to reach it is a short motorboat ride from the marina near the Old Aswan Dam. On this tour, your guide arranges the boat and accompanies you to the island.
Yes. Entrance tickets to all three sites — the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple — are included in the tour price, so there is nothing to pay at the gates.
The tour includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Aswan, an experienced Egyptologist guide throughout, entrance fees to the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, mineral water and soft drinks, and all taxes and service charges. Tips and any extra activities are not included
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