Philae Temple Sound & Light Show in Aswan

Ancient stories told through light and sound at a temple that was moved to save it from the Nile.

The Philae Temple Sound and Light Show is an evening activity in Aswan where you watch multimedia displays illuminate the temple while a guide narrates the mythology and history of the site. The show tells how the temple was relocated in 1960 to escape annual flooding, and walks you through the sanctuary of Goddess Isis and God Osiris as the narrative unfolds. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a specialized guide in your language, boat passage to the temple, and entry are all included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Philae Temple Sound and Light Show

• Meet NASCO Tours representative
• Sail to Philae Temple
• Attend Sound and Light Show
• Sail back from Philae Temple
• Return to hotel

The Experience

You start with pickup from your hotel in Aswan, then travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the dock. From there, you sail to Philae Temple on the Nile—the boat ride itself gives you a first look at the island and the scale of what you're about to see. The temple sits on its own island, which is part of why the 1960 relocation was such an engineering feat; when the Aswan High Dam threatened to flood it, the entire structure was moved stone by stone to higher ground.

The Sound and Light Show begins once you arrive. Multimedia displays illuminate the temple's columns, sanctuaries and courtyards while your guide walks you through the mythology—the stories of Isis searching for her husband Osiris, the rituals that took place in these rooms, the way the temple functioned as a center of worship. The lights and narration move together, so the physical space and the history it holds become one thing. You're not standing outside watching a projection; you're inside the temple as it's being explained to you.

The show runs for the full evening experience, then you sail back across the Nile and return to your hotel. Your guide speaks English, French, German or Arabic depending on the option you choose at checkout.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• boat passage to Philae Temple.
• entry to the temple.
• the Sound and Light Show with multimedia displays.
• a specialized guide in English, French, German or Arabic.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by NASCO Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have an evening free and prefer to watch the temple's story unfold through sound and light rather than read plaques—the guide narrates while you sit, making it purely passive.

Top questions

What's the story behind Philae Temple being moved?

Philae Temple was relocated in 1960 to save it from the annual flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam. The entire structure was moved to higher ground on the island, which is why it stands where it does today and why the Sound and Light Show can take place there without threat of water damage.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the temple?

No. Hotel pickup in Aswan is included, along with the air-conditioned vehicle and the boat ride to Philae Temple. You're picked up, driven to the dock, sailed to the island, and returned to your hotel after the show.

What language is the guide in?

Your guide speaks English, French, German or Arabic. You choose your language when you book, and the same guide stays with you throughout the evening to explain the mythology and history as the show unfolds.

How long does the whole experience take?

The full experience is about two and a half hours from pickup to return, which includes travel time, the boat ride, and the Sound and Light Show itself at the temple.

Is this suitable if I'm not in great physical shape?

Yes. The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You travel by vehicle and boat, then walk through the temple grounds during the show, but there's no strenuous hiking or climbing involved.