Philae Temple, the High Dam & the Unfinished Obelisk
Overview
Aswan's three headline sites in half a day, including a short boat ride to the island temple of Isis.
Philae was moved stone by stone from an island that now sits permanently underwater. It is reached by motorboat, which makes the arrival the best part.
The Unfinished Obelisk is more interesting than it sounds — a 42-metre monolith abandoned in the quarry when it cracked, still attached to the bedrock, showing exactly how they were cut.
Highlights
- The Temple of Isis at Philae, by motorboat
- The Aswan High Dam
- The Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries
What you will see, in order
Morning start, around 8:00 AM.
A short stop for the scale of it and the view over Lake Nasser.
Motorboat to Agilkia Island and around ninety minutes at the temple.
The northern quarries, then back to your hotel.
What is and is not included
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
- All entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary
- Bottled water during the day
- All service charges and taxes
- Lunch at a local restaurant (drinks not included)
Not included
- International flights and Egypt entry visa
- Drinks with meals
- Optional extras listed on this page
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
What it costs, at every group size
The whole table, published up front. The per-person rate falls as your group grows because a private guide and vehicle cost roughly the same either way — and the total in the booking box is the total you pay.
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $117 |
| 2–3 travellers | $72 save 38% each |
| 4–6 travellers | $58 save 51% each |
| 7+ travellers | $49 save 58% each |
Children aged 3–11 travel at 70% of the adult rate. Infants under 3 are free and do not count toward the group size.
Traveller reviews
Questions about this tour
There is no payment on this website. Send us your booking request, we confirm availability by email or WhatsApp within 24 hours, and you pay your guide in cash on the day. We accept USD, EUR, GBP and Egyptian pounds.
Yes, and the full table is published on this page. The per-person rate falls as your group grows, and the total you see in the booking box is the total you pay — there are no booking fees, service charges or surprises at the end.
Comfortable closed shoes and light layers. Sites are dusty and often unshaded, so bring a hat and sunscreen. For mosques and churches, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should carry a scarf for their hair.
Before you book
Meeting point
Your hotel lobby — we pick you up and drop you back.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour starts. Cancel later or miss the pickup and the tour is charged in full.
Not sure this is the right tour?
Tell us what you want out of the day and we will tell you honestly whether this is it — including when the answer is no.