Full-Day Tour of Aswan: Philae Temple, High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk (Private)
Discover the beauty and history of Aswan on this full-day private tour. Visit the magnificent Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, admire the engineering marvel of the High Dam, and explore the fascinating Unfinished Obelisk that reveals the secrets of ancient stone carving. Enjoy a comfortable ride with your Egyptologist guide and learn the stories behind Aswan’s iconic landmarks.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- We will pick you up wherever you stay in Aswan, Hotel, Apartment, Nile Cruise or pick up from The airport. (Arrangeable meeting time 8:00am -12:00pm)
The High Dam
The Aswan High Dam stands as a symbol of modern Egypt’s strength, ambition, and progress. Constructed between 1960 and 1971 with the help of international engineering expertise, the dam forever changed the course of the Nile. Stretching nearly 4 kilometers in length and rising 111 meters high, it holds back the mighty waters of the river to form Lake Nasser — one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. This monumental project provides hydroelectric power and protects Egypt from the destructive floods that once threatened its farmlands. From the top of the dam, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Nile Valley, the lake, and the desert beyond. Your guide will explain the dam’s fascinating history, its engineering challenges, and its impact on Egypt’s people, economy, and environment — making it a vital landmark of 20th-century Egyptian achievement.
Philae Temple
Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most enchanting monuments, is dedicated to the beloved goddess Isis — the symbol of motherhood, love, and magic. Originally located on Philae Island, the temple was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and carefully relocated to nearby Agilkia Island during the UNESCO Nubia Campaign. As you approach by motorboat, you’ll see its graceful pylons rising from the river, surrounded by the serene beauty of Aswan’s landscape. Inside, discover beautifully preserved reliefs depicting the myths of Isis and Osiris, ancient rituals, and royal offerings. The temple complex also includes chapels dedicated to Hathor and Osiris, revealing the spiritual richness of Egypt’s past. Walking through its courtyards and halls, you’ll feel the sacred atmosphere that made Philae a place of worship for over two thousand years.
The Unfinished Obelisk
The Unfinished Obelisk, resting in Aswan’s ancient granite quarries, offers a unique window into the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian builders. Intended to be the largest obelisk ever erected — measuring an astonishing 42 meters and estimated to weigh around 1,200 tons — it cracked during construction and was left in place, frozen in time. Today, the site reveals chisel marks and tool impressions that tell the story of how the ancient stonemasons worked with incredible precision using only primitive tools. This incomplete masterpiece helps historians understand the methods used to carve, polish, and transport massive stone monuments across Egypt. Walking through the quarry, you can almost imagine the echo of ancient workers shaping the granite destined for temples and obelisks that still awe visitors today. The Unfinished Obelisk remains a silent tribute to the skill and ambition of Egypt’s ancient craftsmen.
End of Tour with Opportunity for Pictures
At the end of the tour, enjoy some free time to take photos and capture the beauty of the temple at your own pace. Your guide will be happy to help you find the best spots for memorable pictures before we begin the return journey.
Drop off at your Accommodation
At the end of your journey, relax as we drive you back and drop you off safely at your hotel or chosen accommodation in Luxor—leaving you with wonderful memories of the day.
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Licensed Egyptologist tour guide
Private Transportation (van)
Fuel, toll, parking fees
Hotel pick up and drop off
Bottle of water during the tour
Service charges & local taxes
Entrance fees of all sightseeing of the tour
Any optional tours
Tipping
Tour Important Information
What to bring
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses and a hat
• Sunscreen
• Camera or smartphone
• Light clothing suitable for warm weather
Important message from the supplier
I am available for tours every day of the week.
My tour is covering (can start from) Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Dendera, Abydos and Hurghada. Multi-day tours and Last-minute requests are welcome when possible—simply send me a message and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Ali S.
Welcome to Egypt!
My name is Ali, and I am a licensed Egyptologist tour guide with over 5 years of professional experience. Throughout my career, I have developed a deep understanding of travelers’ interests and expectations, allowing me to deliver informative, engaging, and memorable experiences.
It is my pleasure to guide you in my hometown of Luxor, where ancient history comes to life. I also offer guided tours in other remarkable destinations across Egypt, including:
I also offer guided tours in:
● Alexandria
● Cairo & Giza
● White Desert & Oasis
● Aswan & Abu Simbel
● Edfu & Kom Ombo
● Dendera & Abydos
● Dahabiya Nile Cruises
● Private Meditation Tours
● Private Cruise Guided Tours
● Day Trips from Safaga to Luxor
● Day Trips from Hurghada to Luxor
● Day Trips from Marsa Alam to Luxor
● Day Trips from Cairo to Luxor by Flight
Fully Personalized Egypt Tours with an Expert Guide
Please feel free to contact me anytime for:
● Tailor-made trips
● Customized private tours
All tours are fully customized and privately guided to ensure comfort, flexibility, and a high-quality experience. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the wonders of ancient Egypt with you.
Best regards,
Ali
Reviews
Anna H.
“You’re in the best hands ”
This was truly one of the most enjoyable excursion. Ali is a genuinely kind and authentic person with great knowledge of Egyptian history. His English is excellent, and he had clear, detailed answers to every question we asked. We traveled in a very comfortable car, and along the way he shared insights about modern Egyptian life as well as the history of various temples. The entire trip was absolutely wonderful. I would happily recommend him as a guide—even to my own family when they visit.
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Ali S.
Thank you so much for your kind words—it truly means a lot to me. I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the excursion and felt comfortable throughout the journey. It was a pleasure spending the day with you, sharing the history and stories of Egypt, as well as a glimpse into everyday life here. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and it would be an honor to welcome your family or friends in the future. Wishing you all the best, and I hope to see you again in Egypt someday!
Aleem G.
“Well paced and well organised tour with Waleed”
We were playing cked up on time in a large vehicle and the 4 of us had plenty of space to relax on the journey. There were 2 drivers who swapped over every hour before we met our guide Waleed in Luxor. He was knowledgeable but also understood our capacity to take in detail and we went at a good pace without too many specifics. It's hot and the kids can only take in so much in that heat! Food was great, the felucca boat ride was great and everything ran like clockwork. Highly recommended and good communication both before the trip and throughout.
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Ali S.
Thank you very much for your kind review. It was truly a pleasure organizing your trip. We’re glad to hear that everything ran smoothly and that you were comfortable throughout the journey. Waleed will be very happy to know that you enjoyed his guiding style and the pace of the tour—especially in the Luxor heat. It’s great to hear that you and your family enjoyed the food, the felucca ride, and the overall experience. We always aim to make our tours enjoyable, well-organized, and stress-free from start to finish. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again in Egypt in the future.
Richard F.
“Great communication”
Ali is quick to respond to questions
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Ali S.
Thanks so much for your kind words, I appreciate it
$70/ per person
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