Day Tour to Philae Temple, High Dam, Lunch Break, and the Unfinished Obelisk

Embark on an unforgettable day tour that will take you through some of Aswan’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks: the Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk. Each site offers a glimpse into Egypt’s long-standing architectural and engineering achievements, showcasing the incredible skill and devotion of the ancient Egyptians. This detailed itinerary ensures a seamless journey into Egypt’s deep history, with time for relaxation and reflection over a delicious lunch break.

Early Morning: Departure and Arrival at Philae Temple

Departure from Hotel

The day begins with an early morning departure from your hotel in Aswan. Aswan’s morning weather is usually mild, providing a comfortable start to your day of exploration. Your guide will pick you up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring you have everything you need for the day. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as you’ll be spending most of the day outdoors.

Arrival at the Boat Dock to Philae Temple

After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the boat dock, where you’ll board a motorboat that will ferry you to Philae Temple, located on Agilkia Island in the Nile River. The scenic boat ride takes around 10 to 15 minutes, offering stunning views of the river and the lush vegetation along its banks. You’ll feel a sense of anticipation as the boat approaches the island, with the temple complex coming into view, its stone structures standing proudly against the backdrop of the river.

Arrival at Philae Temple

Philae Temple is one of the most picturesque temples in Egypt, and its location on an island adds to its magical atmosphere. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion. Your guide will lead you through the temple complex, sharing stories of its history, mythology, and significance.

Key Highlights:

• The First Pylon:
  • Grand Entrance: The imposing first pylon of the temple stands over 18 meters high, with reliefs depicting Ptolemaic kings making offerings to the gods. As you pass through this gateway, you’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time to an era when this island was a place of pilgrimage.
  • Historical Significance: The carvings on the pylon showcase scenes from ancient religious ceremonies, providing valuable insights into how the temple was used for worship.
• The Inner Courtyard:
  • Sacred Space: As you enter the courtyard, you’ll see several smaller chapels and shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, including Hathor and Horus. The open space allows you to admire the temple’s intricate architecture from all angles.
  • Religious Ceremonies: Your guide will explain how the temple played a central role in the worship of Isis and the annual flood festival that was celebrated here.
• The Sanctuary of Isis:
  • Spiritual Center: The heart of the temple is the Sanctuary of Isis, where the goddess was believed to reside. The room is dark and quiet, evoking a sense of reverence and mystery. Your guide will describe how this space was used for religious rituals and offerings to Isis.
  • Restoration Efforts: After being partially submerged by the rising waters of the Nile, Philae Temple was carefully relocated to its current location on Agilkia Island as part of a massive UNESCO project in the 1960s. Your guide will share the fascinating story of this relocation and how the temple was preserved for future generations.
• The Kiosk of Trajan:
  • Architectural Marvel: One of the most iconic structures at Philae Temple is the Kiosk of Trajan, a small, roofless pavilion with beautifully preserved columns. Built during the Roman period, this kiosk served as a ceremonial gateway for priests arriving by boat. Its elegant design and intricate carvings make it a highlight of the temple complex.
  • Visual Splendor: As you stand in front of the Kiosk, the views of the Nile and the surrounding landscape are breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for photography, capturing the harmony between ancient architecture and natural beauty.

Departure from Philae Temple

After a thorough exploration of the temple, it’s time to board the boat back to the mainland. As you leave the island, you’ll have a deeper understanding of Philae’s religious and cultural importance. The peaceful boat ride back is an ideal time to reflect on the serene beauty of the temple and the sacred rituals that once took place there.

Mid-Morning: Visit to the Aswan High Dam

Arrival at the Aswan High Dam

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Aswan High Dam, one of the most impressive engineering feats of the 20th century. Built in the 1960s, the dam was designed to control the Nile’s annual flooding and to provide a steady supply of water and electricity to Egypt. The dam’s construction marked a turning point in Egypt’s modern history, dramatically transforming the landscape and economy of the region.

Key Highlights:

• Engineering Marvel:
  • Scale and Scope: As you stand atop the dam, you’ll be struck by its sheer size. Stretching 3.6 kilometers in length and standing 111 meters high, the Aswan High Dam is one of the largest embankment dams in the world.
  • Technical Details: Your guide will explain the technical aspects of the dam’s construction, including how it was built and the challenges engineers faced during the project. You’ll also learn about the dam’s role in generating hydroelectric power and regulating water flow throughout the Nile Valley.
• Lake Nasser:
  • Vast Reservoir: On one side of the dam, you’ll see the vast expanse of Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. The lake stretches over 500 kilometers, extending into Sudan, and provides irrigation water for much of southern Egypt.
  • Environmental Impact: Your guide will discuss the environmental and social impacts of the dam, including the displacement of thousands of people and the loss of archaeological sites. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the dam’s complex legacy.
• Panoramic Views:
  • Stunning Landscape: The top of the dam offers panoramic views of the Nile River, Lake Nasser, and the surrounding desert. This is a great spot for photography, capturing the contrast between the calm waters of the lake and the arid desert landscape.

Departure from the Aswan High Dam

After exploring the dam and learning about its significance, it’s time to continue your journey. The next stop is a well-deserved lunch break, where you can relax and recharge before continuing your tour.

Lunch Break in Aswan

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

After a morning filled with exploration, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Aswan. The restaurant offers traditional Egyptian dishes, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.

Key Highlights:

• Local Cuisine:
  • Traditional Flavors: Your meal will include classic Egyptian dishes such as koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), stuffed vine leaves, and falafel. The fresh, local ingredients and aromatic spices will give you a true taste of Egypt’s culinary heritage.
  • Refreshments: Enjoy freshly squeezed juices, Egyptian tea, or coffee to accompany your meal.
• Relaxation and Reflection:
  • Scenic Setting: Many restaurants in Aswan offer beautiful views of the Nile River, providing a peaceful atmosphere to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
  • Friendly Hospitality: Egyptian hospitality is legendary, and you’ll feel welcomed by the warm and friendly staff who will ensure your dining experience is enjoyable.

Departure for the Unfinished Obelisk

After lunch, you’ll continue your tour with a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, one of the most intriguing ancient monuments in Aswan.

Afternoon: Visit to the Unfinished Obelisk

Arrival at the Unfinished Obelisk

The Unfinished Obelisk is one of the largest known obelisks in ancient Egypt, and it provides a unique insight into the techniques used by ancient stone masons. Located in a granite quarry in Aswan, the obelisk was abandoned during its construction due to cracks that appeared in the stone.

Key Highlights:

• Massive Scale:
  • Monumental Size: If completed, the Unfinished Obelisk would have stood over 40 meters tall and weighed around 1,200 tons, making it the largest obelisk ever attempted. As you stand next to the obelisk, its sheer size is awe-inspiring.
  • Engineering Ingenuity: Your guide will explain how the ancient Egyptians used simple tools to carve massive structures like obelisks from solid rock. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their engineering skills and the labor-intensive process of quarrying stone.
• Stone Quarrying Techniques:
  • Ancient Tools: The quarry where the Unfinished Obelisk is located was one of the main sources of granite used for temples, statues, and other monuments in ancient Egypt. Your guide will show you the marks left by workers using copper tools to carve the stone.
  • Incomplete Work: The obelisk was abandoned when cracks appeared in the granite during the carving process. This unfinished state offers a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by ancient builders and the decision-making process behind monumental construction projects.
• Cultural Significance:
  • Symbol of Power: Obelisks were symbols of the sun god Ra and were erected to honor the pharaohs. Your guide will explain the religious and political significance of obelisks in ancient Egypt and how they were transported and erected.
  • Modern Conservation: The site of the Unfinished Obelisk is now a protected archaeological site, and your visit helps to support ongoing efforts to preserve Egypt’s ancient heritage.

Departure from the Unfinished Obelisk

After exploring the quarry and learning about the ancient stone quarrying techniques, you’ll depart for a short drive back to your hotel.

Evening: Return to Hotel

Return to Hotel

Your day tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Aswan. As you relax on the journey, you’ll have time to reflect on the day’s experiences, from the majestic beauty of Philae Temple to the modern engineering marvel of the Aswan High Dam, and the ancient craftsmanship of the Unfinished Obelisk.

Evening at Leisure

Upon returning to your hotel, the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure. You might choose to relax by the pool, take a stroll along the Nile, or enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner.

Additional Tips for Your Tour

• Hydration and Snacks:
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and light snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
• Comfortable Clothing:
  • Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking.
• Cash and Tipping:
  • Carry some Egyptian Pounds for incidental expenses and tips for your guide and driver.
• Respect the Sites:
  • Follow all site guidelines, respect the historical monuments, and be mindful of restricted areas.

Conclusion

This day tour to Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk offers a comprehensive exploration of Aswan’s rich historical and cultural heritage. From the sacred island of Philae to the engineering marvel of the High Dam, and the unfinished monument that reveals the challenges of ancient construction, this itinerary provides an unforgettable journey through time. Whether you are fascinated by ancient history, intrigued by modern engineering, or simply looking to experience Egypt’s unique beauty, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Aswan’s incredible landmarks.

Price Inclusions:

• Assistance of our guest relations during your stay
• All transfers to/from hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle:
• All sightseeing tours (Private Tours)
• All Sightseeing tours as in the itinerary.
• English speaking Tour guide during your trips
• Bottled water during the trip
• All service charges and taxes

Price Exclusions:

• International airfare
• Entry visa to Egypt(your visa stamp at the bank desk before you queue for passport control and you need $25 cash for it!).
• Accommodation in Cairo
• All Entrance fees : Tickets to all sites as indicated in the itinerary.
• All Extra entrance fees
• Drinks and any personal expenses.
• Meals during the Tours
• Optional tours
• Tipping