Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple Boat Tour

Three Aswan landmarks in one day, by boat and on foot

You visit three of Aswan's main sites in one day without arranging transport or managing entry fees yourself. A qualified guide meets you at your hotel, takes you across the High Dam, through the granite quarries to the Unfinished Obelisk, and by motorboat to Philae Temple on the island. The whole day is paced to your schedule, and you're back at your hotel or cruise ship by afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Aswan High Dam1h
2. Unfinished Obelisk45m
3. Philae Temple2h
4. Aswan Marketpassing by

Visit Aswan High Dam, Obelisk, and Philae Temple

• Pickup from hotel or cruise
• Drive to Aswan High Dam
• View Lake Nasser from dam
• Visit Unfinished Obelisk site
• Learn about obelisk carving
• Boat ride to Philae Temple island
• Guided walking tour of Philae Temple
• Free time to explore temple
• Return to hotel or cruise

The experience

"How long does it take to see all three?" That's what most people ask when they land in Aswan with a day to spare. The answer is one tour: pickup from your hotel, a drive to the High Dam where you walk across the 1960s engineering marvel and look out over Lake Nasser, then the granite quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk still lying where ancient workers abandoned it when a crack appeared. The Egyptologist guide explains how they carved it, why it matters, and what the quarry tells you about how temples got built.

After that comes the motorboat ride (a short one, maybe fifteen minutes), out to Philae Temple on its island. The temple was moved here around 500 meters from its original site when the High Dam raised the water level, and now it sits in a landscaped setting that's meant to echo where it used to be. Your guide walks you through first, pointing out the reliefs and the dedication to Isis, then leaves you free to wander on your own for a bit. The island location is the whole point. You don't get that view from shore.

The tour runs at whatever pace works for you: start times are flexible, and the guide speaks your language. You get a bottle of water, air-conditioned transport between sites, and all the entry fees are covered. If you want lunch, there are options for a small extra cost, and the Egyptian government only takes Egyptian pounds for entrance fees, so bring cash or know that in advance. Wear light clothes, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun on the dam is direct and there's not much shade at the quarry.

What’s included

Hotel or cruise ship pickup and drop-off in Aswan, air-conditioned transport between all three sites, entry fees to the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, a qualified Egyptologist guide in your chosen language, a motorboat ride to the island temple, a bottle of water, parking and landing fees, and all service charges and taxes. Lunch is available separately for a small additional cost.

Before you book

Lasts 6h, runs every day, 9 start times, from US$ 65 per person, with a live guide in English and Arabic, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transport

Operated by Egypt Best Holidays

Is this one for you?Right for travelers with one day in Aswan who want the three main sites without arranging transport or entry separately. The guide handles the history and logistics, which frees you to focus on the sites themselves, and the motorboat to Philae Temple is the part that makes the island setting worth the trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, motorboat to Philae Temple, entry fees to all three sites, a qualified guide in your chosen language, a bottle of water, and parking and landing fees. Lunch is available for a small extra cost.

How long does the tour take?

The itinerary covers one full day. Start and end times are flexible to suit your schedule.

Do I need to be fit to do this tour?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The High Dam and temple sites involve walking, but there's no strenuous climbing. Wheelchair-accessible transport and facilities are available.

What should I bring?

Sunglasses, a hat or head scarf, light clothing, and your camera. Bring Egyptian pounds for any additional purchases, as entrance fees are paid in local currency.

Is there a student discount?

Yes. If you have a valid student card, you get 50% off entrance fees at all Egyptian sites.

What if my hotel is far from central Aswan?

Pickups from hotels west of Aswan or in Gharb Sohile incur an extra charge of $10 per person.

Can I get lunch during the tour?

Lunch is available with different options for a small additional cost. Ask your guide about choices when you're picked up.

Is the motorboat ride included?

Yes. The motorboat to Philae Temple is included in the tour price.