Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam & Unfinished Obelisk

Highlights / General details

A day tour to the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in 1960 protecting Egypt from annual floods from the Nile. Proceed to visit the Unfinished Obelisk which shows the techniques used by the ancient Egyptians to cut obelisks. Most probably this obelisk belongs to Queen Hatshepsut, one of the rulers of the 18th dynasty and the royal wife of king Thutmosis II. This queen was the owner of Al Deir El-Bahari temple in the eastern bank of Luxor. Also there is an opinion said that it belongs to Queen Nefertiti. Then onto the majestic Philae Temple which was built on the honor of goddess Isis the chief deity of the island.

Take a private tour to explore three of Aswan most popular and well known sites. Walk on the High Dam which separates Lake Nasser from the Nile, be astounded at the size of the Unfinished Obelisk, and enjoy the beauty of Philae Temple's island location.

Depart your Aswan hotel or cruise ship and travel to the High Dam of Aswan, an engineering miracle when it was built in the 1960s. From the top of the High Dam you can gaze across Lake Nasser to Kalabsha temple in the south and the huge power station to the north.

Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries of Aswan where much of the red granite used for ancient temples and colossi came from. The Unfinished Obelisk still lies where it was carved when a crack was discovered as it was being hewn from the rock.

Continue to Philae Temple was carefully moved to its current location (around 500 meters from the original site) when the construction of the High Dam caused surrounding Nile waters to rise. A short motorboat ride takes you to the island where your guide will take you on a walking tour through the temple before allowing you free time to explore further on your own.

Dedicated to the goddess Isis, Philae Temple has a beautiful setting on an island in the river.

Inclusion

Hotel/port pickup and drop off; Transport by air-conditioned minivan; Qualified Egyptologist guide; Entrance fees.

Exclusion

Gratuities (optional); Food and drinks, unless specified.

Duration Approximately 3 hours.

Duration

Approximately 3 hours.

Hours of operation Available: Daily; Departs at 9:00am (later departures are available until 12:00pm (midday) if required, please advise at time of booking).

Location Departs Aswan hotels or Port area. Returns to original departure point.

Location

Departs Aswan hotels or Port area. Returns to original departure point.

Policies This tour require 2 passengers minimum in order to operate. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation