Private Aswan Highlights Day Tour

Duration: 5 Hours
Location: Aswan
Tour type: Private
Pickup: Your hotel or Nile Cruise in Aswan
Availability: Daily
Explore the tour
Temple of Philae Sunset

Enjoy a memorable Aswan Tour with MSM Travel Egypt. Discover the city’s top landmarks in comfort and privacy. This private Aswan day tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who want a relaxed experience.

Your guided Aswan Tour starts at the beautiful Philae Temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis. It stands on a quiet island in the Nile River and offers great photo opportunities.

Next, visit the famous Aswan High Dam. This modern structure played a key role in Egypt’s development. From the dam, enjoy wide views of Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.

Continue your Aswan Tour to the Unfinished Obelisk and the nearby granite quarries. Learn how ancient Egyptians carved huge stone monuments. You can still see tool marks in the stone today.

An expert Egyptologist guide explains the history in a clear and simple way. This private Aswan tour is perfect for cruise guests, couples, families, and solo travelers. It offers culture, comfort, and flexibility in just a few hours.

Book the tour

Why You’ll Love This Tour:

Explore Aswan’s Top Landmarks

Visit the city’s most iconic sites in a single private tour—Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the High Dam. Perfect for travelers wanting to maximize their time in Aswan while seeing Egypt’s rich history up close.

Breathtaking Views

Take in sweeping panoramas of the Nile River, the majestic Lake Nasser, and the surrounding desert landscapes. Ideal for photography enthusiasts or anyone who loves stunning natural vistas combined with historical settings.

Experience Philae Temple

Step back in time to the Temple of Isis, perched on its scenic island. Admire its intricate hieroglyphs, massive pylons, and grand columns, and learn the fascinating story of its relocation to protect it from the rising waters of the Nile.

Ultimate Comfort & Convenience

Enjoy private hotel or cruise pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation, and a stress-free schedule. Your journey is fully tailored to your comfort, so you can focus on experiencing the sights without worrying about logistics.

Fully Customizable

Adjust the itinerary to your pace and interests. Whether you want more time at the temple, a relaxed stop at the quarries, or extra photo opportunities along the Nile, the tour can be tailored to your preferences.

Expert Egyptologist Guide

Benefit from a knowledgeable guide who provides deep historical context, shares little-known stories about pharaohs and ancient Egyptian life, and brings every site to life with vivid storytelling.

Perfect for All Ages

From families with children to solo travelers and history buffs, this tour offers something for everyone. Your guide ensures the content and pace suit all ages and interests.

Efficient for Limited Time Travelers

See Aswan’s highlights in just a few hours, making this tour ideal for visitors on a short schedule, cruise passengers, or anyone looking for a comprehensive, time-efficient experience.

Cultural Immersion

Learn about ancient Egyptian religion, engineering marvels, and daily life while exploring temples and quarries. Engage with local traditions and understand the cultural significance behind each landmark.

Photo Opportunities

Capture Instagram-worthy shots of temples, the Nile, Lake Nasser, and massive granite monuments. Your private guide ensures you get the best angles without feeling rushed.

Historical Stories & Legends

Discover fascinating legends about the gods, pharaohs, and architects who shaped these sites. Your guide shares insider stories that aren’t in guidebooks, making the history come alive.

Relaxing Pace

Enjoy a leisurely exploration without feeling rushed. Ample time at each stop allows for reflection, photos, and simply soaking in the atmosphere of ancient Aswan.

Optional Experiences

Add extra layers to your tour, such as a traditional felucca ride along the Nile, a local market visit, or a brief stop at the Nubian villages to meet locals and see colorful architecture. These optional experiences can make your day even more memorable.

Memorable Souvenirs & Shopping

Stop by local markets or artisan shops near the attractions to pick up unique souvenirs, from handmade jewelry to papyrus art, providing a tangible memory of your Aswan adventure.

Safe and Private

Your tour is conducted in a private vehicle with an experienced driver, ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind throughout the journey.

Tour Highlights: Discover Ancient History

DAY TOUR 112

Philae Temple

Dedicated to the goddess Isis, this temple is one of the last great temples of ancient Egypt and was an important religious center for centuries.

Originally located on Philae Island, it was moved block by block to nearby Agilkia Island during the 1960s to save it from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Visitors can admire the intricate hieroglyphs depicting rituals, myths, and royal decrees, as well as massive stone columns and monumental pylons.

The island setting offers stunning views of the Nile, making it not only a historical site but a photographer’s paradise.

Walking through the temple, you’ll learn about Egyptian mythology, the cult of Isis, and the fascinating stories of ancient priests who served there.

Aswan High Dam

Completed in 1970, the Aswan High Dam is a modern engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s economy and landscape.

The dam controls the annual flooding of the Nile, provides hydroelectric power, and created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.

Visitors can view the dam from observation points that offer panoramic views of the lake and surrounding desert.

The scale is awe-inspiring—its construction used 18 times the material of the Great Pyramid of Giza, making it a true modern wonder.

Your guide will explain its significance in modern Egypt, including its role in agriculture, electricity generation, and flood control.

Unfinished Obelisk & Granite Quarries

Located in the northern quarries of Aswan, the site provides insight into ancient Egyptian stone-working techniques.

The Unfinished Obelisk is an enormous granite monolith still attached to the bedrock. Had it been completed, it would have measured 42 meters in length and weighed over 1,200 tons, making it the largest obelisk ever attempted.

Visitors can see the tool marks left by ancient workers, gaining a unique perspective on how pharaohs sourced materials for temples, statues, and monuments.

The quarry site also offers an opportunity to learn about Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most remarkable pharaohs, and the ambitious construction projects under her reign.

Walking through the granite quarries, you’ll feel the scale and ingenuity of ancient Egyptian engineering.

Optional Scenic Stops

Some itineraries allow for a short Nile felucca ride near the temples, offering a tranquil experience on the water.

There’s also an opportunity to explore nearby local Nubian villages, known for their colorful architecture, traditional crafts, and warm hospitality.

What’s included

Hotel Pickup & Drop-off: Convenient transfers from your accommodation in Aswan.

Air-conditioned Vehicle: Comfortable and safe transportation throughout the tour.

Expert Egyptologist Guide: Learn fascinating insights from a professional tour guide.

Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

Bottled Water: Stay hydrated with complimentary bottled water.

All Service Charges & Taxes: No hidden fees or extra costs.

What’s not included

Personal Expenses: Any extra purchases like souvenirs, additional snacks, or drinks.

Gratuities (Tips):Tips for the guide and driver (optional but appreciated).

Optional Activities: Additional experiences such as a felucca ride (can be added for an extra charge).

Meals Not Mentioned: Lunch or dinner if not specified in the itinerary.

Itinerary

Pickup & Welcome

Start your private Aswan tour with a convenient hotel or Nile cruise pickup. Meet your expert Egyptologist guide who will accompany you throughout the day, providing fascinating insights into the history, culture, and legends of Aswan.

Philae Temple

Board a motorboat to Philae Island, home to the magnificent Temple of Isis, one of Egypt’s last great ancient temples. Explore its stunning hieroglyphs, massive columns, and monumental pylons. Learn about its incredible relocation to Agilkia Island during the 1960s to protect it from the rising waters of the Nile. Enjoy panoramic views of the Nile and capture perfect photographs of this iconic site.

Aswan High Dam

Next, visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s landscape. Stand in awe of this colossal structure, which used 18 times the material of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Learn from your guide about its vital role in controlling the Nile’s annual flooding, generating electricity, and creating Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding desert scenery.

Unfinished Obelisk & Granite Quarries

Continue to the ancient granite quarries where pharaohs sourced stone for their monuments. Discover the Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to the bedrock, measuring 42 meters long and over 1,200 tons, making it the largest ever attempted. See the tool marks left by ancient stone workers and learn about the impressive engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. Hear fascinating stories about Queen Hatshepsut and her ambitious construction projects.

Optional Scenic Stops

Enhance your tour with optional experiences such as a short felucca ride on the Nile, offering a peaceful perspective of Aswan’s riverside beauty. Alternatively, visit nearby Nubian villages to experience local culture, colorful architecture, and traditional crafts.

Return Transfer

After exploring Aswan’s iconic landmarks, relax on your private air-conditioned transfer back to your hotel or Nile cruise. Reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Suggestions

  • 👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes Essential for navigating sandy, uneven terrain around the pyramids and museums.
  • 👕 Lightweight, Breathable Clothing Stay cool and relaxed throughout the tour. In winter, bring a light jacket or warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • 🧢 Sun Protection Bring a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and protective lip balm. The Egyptian sun is intense year-round.
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses Protect your eyes from the desert glare and strong sunlight during outdoor visits.
  • 📷 Camera or Smartphone Capture unforgettable moments at historic sites and take in the breathtaking views of the Nile.
  • 💵 Cash in Egyptian Pounds (EGP), USD, or Euros Useful for tipping, shopping, and local vendors, many places may not accept credit cards.
  • 🎟️ Keep Tickets Handy Your guide will provide all necessary entrance tickets—just keep them easily accessible for quick entry at each site and smooth coordination during the tour.

Tour Pricing

Group Size
Price per Person (USD)

• 1 Person: $130 • 2–4 Persons: $95 • 5–8 Persons: $75 • 9–16 Persons: $70 • 17–40 Persons: $65

Kids Policy

0-5 years old
Free of charge (must sit on parents’ lap; separate seats may require extra payment).
6-11 years old
50% of the adult price.
12 years old
Full adult price applies.

Notes

Pricing & Booking Info

  • Custom Services: Prices may vary based on special requests like private guides or custom timings.
  • Currency Fluctuations: Final prices may change due to exchange rate variations.
  • Book Early: Early booking ensures smooth planning, confirmed reservations, and the best available guides for an exceptional experience.
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