Aswan: Guided Tour to High Dam, The Obelisk & Philae Temple by Motorboat

Aswan, a captivating city along the Nile, holds a wealth of ancient wonders that continue to enchant visitors. This guided tour promises an immersive exploration of three iconic sites: the mighty High Dam, the unfinished Obelisk, and the serene Philae Temple. With knowledgeable guides providing insightful commentary, travelers will explore the region’s rich history and engineering marvels. From a scenic motorboat ride to the option for a personalized lunch, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to the diverse interests of all travelers. What secrets and surprises await as you embark on this enriching journey through Aswan’s past?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Aswan.

Good To Know

• A full-day private tour showcasing Aswan’s rich heritage, including the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple.
• Personalized experience available in multiple languages with knowledgeable guides providing insights into engineering, ancient techniques, and cultural beauty.
• Flexible start and end times, and wheelchair accessibility, for a comprehensive and customizable tour experience.
• Includes a motorboat ride across the Nile to Philae Temple, as well as entrance fees, transportation, and bottled water.
• Opportunity to learn about the High Dam’s engineering marvel, the Unfinished Obelisk’s ancient construction techniques, and the history of Philae Temple.

Tour Overview

Offering a comprehensive glimpse into Aswan’s rich heritage, this full-day private tour guides visitors through the region’s captivating landmarks.

Titled "Aswan: Guided Tour to High Dam, The Obelisk & Philae Temple by Motorboat," the experience covers three iconic sites – the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Philae Temple.

With a badge of excellence and 95% recommendation from 36 reviews, the tour promises a personalized experience available in multiple languages.

Highlighting the engineering marvel of the High Dam, the ancient construction techniques at the Unfinished Obelisk, and the stunning beauty of Philae Temple, this tour provides an immersive look into Aswan’s history and culture.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour allows visitors to marvel at the engineering prowess of the High Dam, an iconic landmark in Aswan.

They’ll then visit the Unfinished Obelisk, where they can explore the ancient construction techniques used to create these massive monuments.

The highlight of the tour is the motorboat ride across the Nile to reach Philae Temple, renowned for its stunning beauty.

Throughout the day, the personalized experience allows guests to learn from knowledgeable guides in their preferred language.

With flexible start and end times, this full-day tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Aswan’s most significant historical and cultural sites.

Inclusions and Pricing

This guided tour includes all the necessary transfers, transportation, and services to provide a comprehensive Aswan experience.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel or Nile cruise and transported by air-conditioned vehicle and motorboat. A qualified tour guide, who speaks your language, will accompany you throughout the day.

The tour includes a motorboat ride across the Nile to the stunning Philae Temple. Bottled water, along with all service charges, taxes, and fees, are covered.

Entrance fees are $23 per adult, with a 50% discount for students and children. Lunch can be added at an additional cost.

Pickup and Accessibility

Typically, pickup from hotels in Gharb Sohile and West of Aswan incurs extra charges.

However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it convenient for travelers with mobility challenges. The tour also offers flexible start and end times, allowing visitors to customize their schedule.

To make the most of the experience, guests should bring a camera, sunglasses, a hat, and light clothing.

Plus, students can take advantage of a 50% discount on entrance fees by presenting their student cards.

Visitors should have Egyptian pounds on hand to cover the entrance fees, which are $23 USD per adult.

What to Bring and Expect

Travelers embarking on this guided tour of Aswan should come prepared with a few essential items. A camera is a must to capture the stunning sights, from the awe-inspiring High Dam to the serene Philae Temple.

Sunglasses and a hat will provide protection against the sun’s glare, while light clothing ensures comfort throughout the day. Those with valid student IDs should bring their cards to take advantage of the 50% discount on entrance fees.

Egyptian pounds will be needed to pay for the required entrance fees. With these items in hand, visitors can fully enjoy the captivating history and engineering marvels that Aswan has to offer.

Exploring the High Dam

After embarking on the guided tour, visitors are first taken to marvel at the impressive Aswan High Dam.

Standing at over 3,600 meters long and 111 meters high, this engineering marvel was completed in 1970 and transformed the Nile River. The guide explains how the dam controls the annual flooding, provides hydroelectric power, and regulates the water supply for the region.

Guests have the opportunity to walk along the top of the dam, taking in the sweeping views of Lake Nasser. This impressive structure represents Egypt’s commitment to harnessing the power of the Nile and showcases the country’s engineering prowess.

Visiting the Unfinished Obelisk

From the High Dam, the tour proceeds to the site of the Unfinished Obelisk. This massive granite monument offers a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian construction techniques. Visitors can examine the partially carved obelisk, which was abandoned due to cracks in the stone.

Feature	Description
Size	Over 40 meters long and weighing 1,200 tons
Purpose	Intended as a companion piece for the Lateran Obelisk in Rome
Construction	Carved directly out of the bedrock to minimize cracking
Challenges	Cracks discovered during carving led to its abandonment
Significance	Provides insight into the engineering prowess of ancient Egypt

The tour guide’s expertise brings this impressive relic to life, enriching the visitor’s understanding of Egypt’s ancient engineering marvels.

Discovering Philae Temple

The motorboat ride across the Nile transports visitors to the stunning Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks.

This ancient Egyptian temple complex is renowned for its beautiful setting on an island in the Nile River. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, which include ornate shrines, grand gateways, and intricate carvings.

The temple’s history dates back to the 4th century BC, with later additions from the Greek and Roman eras. Wandering through the site offers a glimpse into Egypt’s rich past, with the tranquil waters of the Nile adding to the serene atmosphere.

The guided tour provides valuable insights, making Philae Temple a captivating highlight of the Aswan experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is the Boat Ride to Philae Temple?

The motorboat ride across the Nile to Philae Temple takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, allowing visitors to admire the stunning views and setting of this ancient Egyptian site.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. The tour includes flexible start and end times, allowing travelers to customize the experience to their preferences and extend the time spent at each site if desired.

Can the Tour Be Combined With a Visit to Aswan’s Markets?

Yes, the tour can be combined with a visit to Aswan’s markets. Many travelers opt to extend their experience by exploring the lively local markets after completing the guided tour of the High Dam, Obelisk, and Philae Temple.

Are There Any Photo Restrictions at the Sites?

Visitors can freely take photos at the sites, though some restrictions may apply to filming or using tripods. Consulting the tour guide about specific photography policies is recommended to avoid any issues during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet your interests. The tour provider offers flexibility in the itinerary and language of the guide to ensure a personalized experience that aligns with your preferences.

The Sum Up

This guided tour of Aswan offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s iconic landmarks. Travelers can enjoy ancient Egyptian history, marvel at impressive engineering feats, and enjoy a scenic motorboat ride to Philae Temple. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible scheduling, this experience promises a personalized and unforgettable adventure along the Nile.