PHILAE TEMPLE
UNFINISHED OBELISK
THE HIGH DAM
Where Ancient Craft Meets
Modern Egypt
Discover the essence of Aswan, Egypt’s serene southern city, where ancient sanctuaries and modern engineering sit side by side along the Nile. Begin at Philae Temple, the island refuge of Isis, defined by elegant colonnades and a setting shaped by water and rock. Continue to the High Dam, the 20th-century project that reshaped Egypt’s relationship with the Nile. Conclude at the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries, a rare, tangible record of ancient stone-working techniques. A day that traces devotion, ingenuity, and the landscape that shaped them both.
ITINERARY
Morning Pickup — Aswan Hotel or Nile Cruise
Your private Egyptologist and driver will meet you for a journey through the highlights of Aswan, a city that bridges engineering brilliance with sacred heritage.
Scenic Motorboat Ride to Philae Island
Board a private motorboat and glide across the tranquil waters of the Nile toward Agilkia Island, where the Temple of Philae stands surrounded by shimmering light and river breeze.
Stop 1 — The Temple of Philae
A temple complex situated on an island in the Nile, known for its elegant colonnades, reliefs, and harmonious proportions. The entire sanctuary was relocated during the construction of the High Dam to preserve it from rising waters. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it reflects a long continuum of religious activity that extended into the Greco-Roman period.
Motorboat Ride Back to the East Bank
Return across the Nile by motorboat, enjoying the serene views of the river and the golden hills of Aswan — a fitting close to your day of history and beauty.
Stop 2 — The High Dam
One of Egypt’s greatest modern achievements, completed in 1960 to control the Nile’s annual floods and create Lake Nasser. This immense structure symbolizes Egypt’s modern resilience and its enduring relationship with the river that shaped civilization.
Stop 3 — Unfinished Obelisk
A massive obelisk left incomplete in the granite quarries of Aswan, still attached to the bedrock. Its size indicates it would have been one of the largest obelisks ever erected. Tool marks, fissures, and the visible crack that caused its abandonment offer a clear view of ancient quarrying methods and the challenges of large-scale stone construction.
Return Transfer — Aswan Hotel or Nile Cruise
After your visit, relax as your private driver returns you to your hotel or Nile cruise, surrounded by the calm rhythm of Aswan’s golden riverbanks.
INCLUSIONS
Pickup and return in a private vehicle from your hotel or Nile cruise in Aswan
All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
Private round-trip transfer on the Nile by motorboat
Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Bottled water during the tour
All service charges and taxes
EXCLUSIONS
Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
Meals — available upon request