Luxor to Aswan - Full Day Private Tour - High Dam and Philae Temple

Luxor , Egypt

Luxor to Aswan - Full Day Private Tour - High Dam and Philae Temple

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(9 reviews)

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will be picked up by a professional English-speaking tour guide and will drive south past picturesque villages to Aswan. Our first stop will be a modern wonder of technology. Built in the 1950s, the Aswan High Dam brought the Nile’s devastating floods to an end, reclaimed more than 100,000 acres of desert land for agriculture and made further crops possible on an additional 800,000 acres.
After lunch at a good local restaurant, we board a motorboat to Philae Island. After the construction of the Aswan Low Dam, it was completely submerged in the Nile but with help of UNESCO, it found a new home on the Island Agilkia. The first structure that greets visitors is the iconic Trajan's Kiosk, built in the 2nd Century AD by the Roman Emperor Trajan. The main structure on the island is the Temple of Isis; the goddess of health, marriage, motherhood, and wisdom. You will visit the temples and the ancient Nilometer.
At the end of the tour, you will be brought back to your hotel in Luxor.

Available options

Luxor to Aswan - Full Day Private Tour - High Dam and Philae Temple

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

*sightseeing tickets / admission fees… if option is selected

All Fees and Taxes

Lunch will be taken at a good local restaurant to let you encounter the Egyptian kitchen (food only).

*Motorboat Ride use as a ferry for Philae temple. … if option is selected

Air-conditioned vehicle

one Bottled water each person

*Private English-speaking Professional Egyptologist tour guide… if option is selected

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The first Aswan dam (1902) provided valuable irrigation during droughts but could not hold back the annual flood of the mighty Nile River. This is the so called Low Dam. In the 1950s, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser envisioned building a new dam across the Nile, one large enough to end flooding and bring electric power to every corner of Egypt. The giant reservoir created by the dam–300 miles long and 10 miles wide–was named Lake Nasser in his honor. The formation of Lake Nasser required the resettlement of 90,000 Egyptian peasants and Sudanese Nubian nomads, as well as the costly relocation of the ancient Egyptian temple complex of Abu Simbel, built in the 13th century B.C. and the Philae Temple which was relocated on the Island of Agilkia.
The Aswan High Dam brought the Nile’s devastating floods to an end, reclaimed more than 100,000 acres of desert land for agriculture, and made further crops possible on an additional 800,000 acres.
At the dam site is a small pavilion with displays detailing the dimensions and the construction of the dam; on the western side is a monument honoring Soviet-Egyptian friendship and cooperation.
Note that video cameras and zoom lenses are not allowed on site.

Stop 2

Built to honor the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the last outposts where the goddess was worshiped. The cult of Isis continued here until at least AD 550.
The last construction dates from the 1960s. After the construction of the Aswan Low Dam in 1902, the whole temple was submerged after the flooding of Lake Nasser. A major multinational UNESCO team relocated the temple to its new location on Agilkia Island which was landscaped to resemble the original sacred isle of Isis. You can still see the submerged original island a short distance away, punctuated by the steel columns used in the moving process.
The first structure that greets visitors is the iconic Trajan's Kiosk, built in the 2nd Century AD by the Roman Emperor Trajan. The main structure on the island is the Temple of Isis. The goddess Isis has different roles in different cultures. To some she is the sister-wife of the great god Osiris and mother of Horus, the falcon-headed deity. To most she is the goddess of health, marriage, motherhood, and wisdom.
There are some interesting finds as well like an inscription referencing Napoleon Bonaparte whose French army had recently conquered Alexandria. This graffiti was inscribed in 1799 and many Egyptologists believe Philae was the last place in the country where the ancient religion was practiced.

What's not included

Tips, Beverages, extra activities not mentioned, and personal spending

other Languages guides at supplement $20 per group to be paid in cash ,,,,

Available languages

Guide guide

AR DE EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This trip includes a motorboat ride

About Luxor

Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history and architecture. Known for its magnificent temples, tombs, and monuments, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past. The city is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum, with landmarks like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple attracting visitors from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Karnak Temple Complex

The Karnak Temple Complex is a massive temple complex dedicated to the god Amun-Ra. It is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed and a must-visit for its grandeur and historical significance.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a burial site for pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom period. It contains over 60 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun.

Historical/Architecture 3-4 hours Egyptian Pounds 240 (includes entry to 3 tombs)

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple is a large ancient Egyptian temple complex located on the east bank of the Nile. It was constructed around 1400 BCE and dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 160

Hatshepsut Temple

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut is a stunning temple dedicated to the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. It is uniquely designed and set against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Egyptian Pounds 120

Luxor Museum

The Luxor Museum is a small but impressive museum showcasing artifacts from the Theban Necropolis and the surrounding area. It provides a great overview of Luxor's rich history.

Museum 1 hour Egyptian Pounds 100

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kushari

A popular Egyptian dish made with rice, lentils, pasta, and fried onions, topped with tomato sauce and garlic vinegar.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Ful Medames

A traditional Egyptian breakfast dish made from slow-cooked fava beans, often served with eggs, falafel, and tahini.

Breakfast Vegan

Grilled Kebab

Marinated and grilled skewers of lamb or chicken, often served with rice and salad.

Main Dish Contains meat

Baklava

A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey syrup.

Dessert Vegetarian, contains nuts

Popular Activities

Hot air balloon ride Felucca sailing Horseback riding Nile River cruise Spa treatments Café hopping Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

October to April

This period offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and exploring the ancient sites. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Egyptian Pound (EGP)

Time Zone

GMT+2

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Luxor is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist sites.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour companies and guides
• Negotiate prices in advance for taxis and services

Getting there

By air

Luxor International Airport • 6 km from city center

By train

Luxor Train Station

By bus

Luxor Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are a cheap and common way to get around Luxor. They can be crowded and may not be the most comfortable option for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

East Bank West Bank

Day trips

Valley of the Queens

3 km from Luxor • Half day

The Valley of the Queens is a burial site for the wives and children of pharaohs. It contains over 70 tombs, including the famous tomb of Nefertari.

Dendera Temple Complex

60 km from Luxor • Full day

The Dendera Temple Complex is a well-preserved temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor. It is known for its beautiful reliefs and the famous Dendera zodiac.

Abydos Temple

140 km from Luxor • Full day

The Abydos Temple is a significant archaeological site dedicated to the god Osiris. It is known for its well-preserved reliefs and the famous Abydos King List.

Festivals

Luxor African Film Festival • Late March to early April Luxor International Folk Festival • Late October to early November Eid al-Fitr • Varies (end of Ramadan)

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Hire a knowledgeable local guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the ancient sites.
Stay hydrated and wear sun protection, as the sun can be intense, especially during the summer months.
Bargain politely in markets and with street vendors, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
Try local dishes like Kushari and Ful Medames for an authentic culinary experience.