High Dam and Philae Temple Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Aswan’s most iconic landmarks with this High Dam and Philae Temple Tour. This private guided excursion combines the marvels of modern engineering with the mystique of ancient Egyptian spirituality. Begin by exploring the Aswan High Dam, a monumental project that reshaped Egypt’s landscape and created the vast Lake Nasser. Then, enjoy a serene boat ride across the Nile to reach the picturesque island of Philae, home to the magnificent Temple of Isis. Surrounded by tranquil waters and lush scenery, this sacred site is celebrated for its graceful archite

Duration1 days
TypeClassic
BaseAswan

Overview

Highlights

The Aswan High Dam and the reservoir behind it
Philae Temple, moved stone by stone when the water rose
Two Aswan landmarks taken in on one outing

Itinerary

1High Dam and Philae Temple Tour
Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Aswan by your professional guide and driver. Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle as you head to your first destination, the Aswan High Dam. Here, you’ll learn about the dam’s construction and its vital role in controlling the Nile’s flow, generating electricity, and supporting Egypt’s agricultural development. Take in the sweeping views of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and capture memorable photos of this modern engineering triumph. Next, continue to the nearby marina for a short motorboat ride across the Nile to Philae Island. As you approach, the majestic Temple of Isis comes into view, rising gracefully from the water. Explore the temple’s courtyards, pylons, and sanctuaries while your guide shares stories of ancient rituals, myths, and the temple’s remarkable relocation to save it from flooding after the dam’s construction. The island’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings make it one of Egypt’s most romantic and spiritual sites. After your exploration, return by boat to the mainland and enjoy a relaxing drive back to your hotel in Aswan, concluding a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Meals: None Overnight: Not included (Day Tour)

What’s included

All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
Pickup and drop-off from your hotel
Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
Entrance fees to all listed sites
One bottle of mineral water during the tour
All taxes and service charges

Not included

Any personal expenses or optional activities not mentioned
Tipping

How booking works

Send your dates
Use the enquiry form with your travel dates and how many people are coming. Nothing is charged and nothing is held at this point.
We reply with a plan
You get a written itinerary and a full price back — what is included, what is not, and what the alternatives are if a date or a hotel does not work.
You change what you want
Go back and forth as many times as you need. The itinerary is not fixed until you say it is.
Confirm and travel
Once the plan is right, we confirm the bookings and send you the final documents with your guide and driver details.

Frequently asked questions

How long is High Dam and Philae Temple Tour?

1 day in total.

Is there a day-by-day itinerary?

Yes — 1 day is written out above, with what you see and where you sleep on each one. Every day can be changed before you book.

How much does High Dam and Philae Temple Tour cost?

It starts at $30 per person. The final price depends on your dates, your group size and the hotel level you choose, so we quote it for your specific trip rather than selling a fixed package.

What is included in the price?

6 things are included, listed in full above. In short: all transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle; pickup and drop-off from your hotel; private english-speaking egyptologist guide; entrance fees to all listed sites, and more.

What is not included?

The exclusions are listed above in full. The main ones are any personal expenses or optional activities not mentioned; tipping. Ask us before you book if you want any of them added — most of them can be.

Where does High Dam and Philae Temple Tour start?

It starts in Aswan. If you are arriving somewhere else, or on a different day, tell us and we will adjust the first and last days around your flights.

Can this trip be changed?

Yes. Nothing on this page is fixed. Days can be added or dropped, sites swapped, hotels moved up or down, and the whole route rebuilt around what you actually want to see.

What to pack

Clothing

Loose cotton or linen — it is hot in the sun and cold on the water after dark
A light long-sleeved layer for evenings and for sun cover at open sites
Shoulders and knees covered for mosques and churches; a scarf for women at mosques
One warm layer between November and February — desert nights drop sharply

Feet

Closed walking shoes you have already broken in — temple ground is uneven stone and sand
Sandals or slip-ons for the boat and the hotel

Sun and heat

A wide-brimmed hat — there is almost no shade at Giza, Karnak or Abu Simbel
High-factor sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Sunglasses
A refillable water bottle

Practical

A universal adapter — Egypt uses European two-pin type C and F sockets at 220V
Any medication you take, in its original packaging
Small notes in local currency for tips and small purchases
A power bank — you will be off a socket for most of each day

Gallery

The Temple of Isis at Philae standing on its island in the Nile at Aswan