Aswan Private Obelisk and Philae Temple Tour

Aswan, Egypt
Duration4h - 5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesHindi, German, Pashto, Portuguese, Filipino, Croatian, Hungarian, Hakka Chinese, Ukrainian, Urdu, Malayalam, Marathi, Malay, Greek, English, Italian, Burmese, Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Japanese, Persian, Romanian, Dutch, Norwegian, Xiang Chinese, Finnish, Russian, Chinese, Cantonese, Javanese, Bangla, French, Chinese, Wu Chinese, Slovak, Serbian, Swedish, Korean, Kurdish, Tamil, MNP, Gujarati, Czech, Telugu, Punjabi, Thai, Chinese, Polish, Hebrew, Danish, Turkish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover Aswan’s ancient heritage on a **fully private and customizable tour** visiting the **Unfinished Obelisk** and the iconic **Philae Temple**. Learn how ancient Egyptians carved massive monuments at the granite quarries, then reach Philae Island by a **comfortable motorboat ride included in all options**, offering beautiful river views.

We provide **three clear pricing options**: Self Guided Transfer Only, Private Tour with Guide, or All Inclusive Private Tour with entrance tickets included. **Prices are per group, all taxes included, with no hidden costs**.

Perfect for history lovers, families, couples, and first-time visitors, this tour is operated by **local Aswan experts**. Travel in **new, clean, air-conditioned private vehicles** with professional local drivers who know Aswan well. Licensed guides are available in your preferred language to enrich your experience. We promise a **smooth, enjoyable, and professionally organized journey** showcasing the true wonders of Aswan

Options

Self Guided Transfer Only

Private Sedan or SUV: Private AC vehicle with English-speaking local driver. Philae motorboat included. No guide, no tickets.
Pickup included

Private Tour with Guide

Private Minivan: Licensed local guide speaking your language. Philae motorboat included. Tickets not included.
Pickup included

All Inclusive Private Tour

Private Minibus: Licensed guide + all entrance tickets included. Philae motorboat included. Price per group.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Motorboat ride included to Philae Temple in all tour options.
  • Choose between Self Guided, Guided, or All Inclusive options.
  • Perfect for families, couples, and culture lovers.
  • Learn from licensed local guides with deep historical knowledge.
  • Explore Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, on a beautiful island.
  • Fully private and customizable tour at your own pace.
  • No hidden costs, professional organization, and local Aswan expertise.
  • Travel in new, air-conditioned private vehicles for maximum comfort.
  • Visit the Unfinished Obelisk, revealing ancient Egyptian stone-carving techniques.

What to expect

  1. Aswan
    20m
    Your Transfer to the Unfinished Obelisk

    Begin your Aswan adventure with a seamless pickup directly from your hotel lobby. Your professional English-speaking guide will meet you at reception, holding a personalized sign with your name. Settle into a comfortable, private air-conditioned vehicle as you embark on your journey to ancient Egypt’s most fascinating quarry site.

    The transfer from central Aswan hotels to the Unfinished Obelisk takes approximately 20 minutes, offering glimpses of local life as you travel through the city. Your driver navigates the routes efficiently while you enjoy complimentary bottled water, preparing for the historical exploration ahead.
  2. Unfinished Obelisk
    1h · Admission ticket included
    At the Unfinished Obelisk, you will have the opportunity to witness a remarkable ancient monument that offers insights into the art and craftsmanship of the ancient Egyptians. The Unfinished Obelisk is an enormous stone monument that was abandoned during its construction due to a crack. It is located in a granite quarry in Aswan, Egypt.
    During your visit, you will be able to marvel at the sheer size and scale of the Unfinished Obelisk. Standing at a height of around 42 meters and weighing an estimated 1,200 tons, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Egyptian techniques of quarrying and monument construction.
    Our knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the experience, providing you with detailed information about the history and significance of the Unfinished Obelisk. You will learn about the tools and methods used by ancient Egyptians to carve and shape the obelisk, as well as the purpose and symbolism behind this monumental structure
  3. Unfinished Obelisk
    15m · Admission ticket included
    Unfinished Obelisk to Philae Temple Boat Dock Transfer
    After exploring the ancient wonders of the Unfinished Obelisk, your journey continues with a comfortable transfer to the Marina Philae Temple boat dock. Settle into your air-conditioned vehicle as your driver navigates away from the historic quarry site, beginning the 20-30 minute scenic drive through Aswan’s diverse landscape.

    As you travel south from the ancient granite quarries, you’ll pass through parts of modern Aswan, offering glimpses into local Egyptian life. The route takes you along sections that parallel the mighty Nile River, where you might spot traditional feluccas sails gliding across the water.

    The landscape gradually transforms as you approach the southern outskirts of Aswan, where the terrain becomes more rugged with granite formations similar to those used by ancient Egyptian stonemasons. In the distance, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the Aswan Low Dam reservoir, signaling your approach to the marina.
  4. Temple of Philae
    15m · Admission ticket included
    Upon arrival at Marina Philae Temple, approximately 8 km south of Aswan, you’ll find yourself at a bustling waterfront area where colorful boats await to transport visitors across the reservoir. Your driver will guide you to ticket counter and the boat boarding area, where you can arrange your boat transfer. As you prepare for the next leg of your journey, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views of the reservoir and distant shorelines, building anticipation for the 15-minute scenic boat ride that will bring you face-to-face with one of Egypt’s most beautifully preserved ancient temples.
  5. Temple of Philae
    2h · Admission ticket included
    At the Temple of Philae, travelers will explore:

    Gateway of Nectanebo: Ancient entrance to the temple complex
    Mammisi (Birth House): Dedicated to Horus's birth
    Temple of Isis: Main attraction with intricate hieroglyphs
    Kiosk of Trajan: Elegant Roman-era structure
    Chapel of Osiris: Dedicated to the god of the afterlife
    Nilometer: Ancient device for measuring Nile floods
    Temple of Hathor: Smaller temple with beautiful reliefs
    Gate of Hadrian: Impressive Roman-period entrance
    Temple of Imhotep: Dedicated to the famous architect
    Sound and Light Show area: Evening entertainment spot
    Philae Obelisk: Ancient Egyptian monument
    Coptic crosses: Evidence of the temple's Christian phase
    Outer Colonnade: Impressive row of pillars
    Sanctuary of Isis: Most sacred part of the temple
    Philae Museum: Houses artifacts found on the island
    This list covers the main attractions of the beautifully preserved Philae Temple complex.
  6. Temple of Philae
    20m · Admission ticket included
    Philae Temple to Marina Return Boat Transfer

    After exploring Philae Temple, you'll board a motorboat at the island's harbor for a scenic 10-15 minute ride back to the mainland marina. During this peaceful journey, you'll enjoy stunning farewell views of the temple complex from the water, perfect for final photographs. The boat ride offers a refreshing transition and beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival at the marina, your driver will be waiting with your air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a seamless conclusion to your temple visit.
  7. Aswan
    20m
    After exploring Philae Temple and returning to the marina by boat, you'll find your air-conditioned vehicle waiting for you at the dock. Your driver will welcome you as you settle in for the comfortable return journey to your Aswan hotel. During this 20-30 minute drive, you can relax and reflect on the ancient wonders you've experienced throughout the day. The route offers final glimpses of the Nile River and Aswan's landscape as you make your way back through parts of the city. Your experience concludes with a convenient drop-off directly at your hotel entrance, providing a seamless end to your Aswan archaeological adventure.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We provide complimentary pickup from any hotel or accommodation in Aswan. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and will be holding a sign with your name for easy identification.

Please be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. When booking, kindly provide your hotel name and room number to ensure a smooth pickup process.

For guests staying on Elephantine Island or other locations requiring boat access, we will coordinate the necessary transportation arrangements at no extra cost.

If you're staying in a private residence or apartment, please provide the exact address and a nearby landmark to help our driver locate you efficiently.

Should your accommodation change after booking, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance so we can update our pickup arrangements.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$100.00 per group
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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From
$100.00 per group
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