Philae & Kalabsha Temples Aswan Private Tour French Guide

Two island temple complexes in four hours, with motorboats included to reach them

A private tour of Aswan's Philae and Kalabsha temples, both relocated island sites on Lake Nasser, with a French-speaking Egyptologist guide, air-conditioned car, and motorboat rides included. You visit the Temple of Kalabsha (the second-largest saved monument on the lake, with structures dating from the Roman and Pharaonic periods), then travel to Philae to see the Temple of Isis, the Temple of Hathor, and the Kiosk of Trajan.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Philae TempleEntry included1h 30m
2. Temple of KalabshaEntry included1h 30m

Visit Kalabsha and Philae temples

• Pickup in Aswan by private car
• Drive to Lake Nasser
• Take motor boat to Kalabsha island
• Visit Kalabsha temple and nearby monuments
• Return to car
• Drive to pier between Aswan dams
• Take motor boat to Philae island
• Visit temples of Isis, Hathor, and Trajan kiosk

The experience

The tour runs about four hours and begins with hotel pickup in Aswan. Your guide drives you by private car to the pier, where you board a motorboat to reach Kalabsha on Lake Nasser. The site holds several monuments that UNESCO moved to the island when the New Aswan Dam raised the water level: the Temple of Kalabsha itself, dedicated to the god Mandolis and dating from the Roman period; Beit El-Ouali, carved into rock with painted scenes still visible after 3,300 years from the time of Ramses II; two stelae from the Pharaonic era; the remains of the Temple of Gerf Hussein; and the Greek Kiosk of Quertassi. Historical graffiti carved nearly 3,600 years ago survives here as well.

After exploring Kalabsha, you return to the car and drive to the pier between Aswan's two dams, where a second motorboat takes you to Philae. The island of Agilkia now holds the monuments of Philae, which were submerged at their original site before UNESCO relocated them. The Temple of Isis dominates the complex, dedicated to the goddess of magic, while the Temple of Hathor, devoted to the goddess of love and motherhood, draws particular attention. The Kiosk of the Roman emperor Trajan completes the major structures. Your guide points out where the original Philae site now lies underwater.

Both sites are accessible only by motorboat, and the tour includes all boat rides and site entry tickets. The air-conditioned car remains private throughout, and your guide speaks French and holds Egyptology credentials.

What’s included

• Private motorboat rides to both island sites.
• entry tickets to Kalabsha and Philae.
• private air-conditioned car throughout the tour.
• French-speaking Egyptologist guide.

Information

Lasts 4h–5h, runs every day at 08:00, 09:00 and 13:00, from US$ 114 per person, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 09:00 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate1 group tour ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 29 pickup points.

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendly

Operated by Voyage sur Le Nil

Is this one for you?The four-hour duration fits between breakfast and a late lunch, leaving the rest of your Aswan day free. If you want to combine temple visits with other sites in the city, this tour's fixed schedule and private format mean you control when it ends and what comes next.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 5 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Temple of Kalabsha and why is it on an island now?

The Temple of Kalabsha dates from the Roman period and was dedicated to the god Mandolis. It is the second-largest monument saved on Lake Nasser. UNESCO moved it to the island of Kalabsha when the New Aswan Dam raised the water level and threatened to submerge the original site.

Can I see where the original Philae temples were before they were moved?

Yes. Philae's original site now lies underwater on Lake Nasser, and your guide will show you where it was during the boat ride and visit to the relocated monuments on the island of Agilkia.

How old are the painted scenes inside Beit El-Ouali?

The painted scenes carved into the rock at Beit El-Ouali date from the time of Ramses II and have survived for approximately 3,300 years, with color still visible on the walls.

Do I need to be able to walk long distances on these island sites?

The tour suits all physical fitness levels. Both Kalabsha and Philae are accessible by motorboat, and infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller.

What temples will I actually see at Philae?

Philae holds three main structures: the Temple of Isis, dedicated to the goddess of magic; the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and motherhood; and the Kiosk of the Roman emperor Trajan.