Full Day Tour to Aswan Highlights from Luxor

Luxor , Egypt

Full Day Tour to Aswan Highlights from Luxor

Active

10h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the timeless beauty of Aswan, one of Egypt’s most captivating cities, on this full-day private tour from Luxor. Journey along the Nile Valley to explore the High Dam, a modern engineering masterpiece that controls the Nile’s flow and created the vast Lake Nasser.

Continue to the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and admire its elegant columns and sacred reliefs relocated to a serene island after the construction of the dam. End your adventure at the Unfinished Obelisk, where you’ll uncover ancient quarrying techniques and witness one of Egypt’s most fascinating archaeological sites.

Enjoy the comfort of private air-conditioned transport, the insights of a professional Egyptologist guide, and the flexibility of a personalized itinerary tailored to your pace. This journey perfectly blends ancient wonders and modern achievements, offering an unforgettable experience in Upper Egypt.

Available options

Full Day Tour to Aswan Highlights from Luxor

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance tickets to the mentioned archaeological sites

All local taxes and service charges covered

Services of a professional, licensed English Egyptologist guide throughout the tour

Bottled mineral water provided during the trip

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Luxor by a private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The High Dam of Aswan is one of Egypt’s greatest modern engineering achievements and a symbol of national pride. Built between 1960 and 1971, this massive structure was designed to control the annual flooding of the Nile River, provide irrigation, and generate hydroelectric power for millions of Egyptians.

Stretching over 3,600 meters long and standing 111 meters high, the Aswan High Dam created the enormous Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the lake, the Nile Valley, and the surrounding desert landscape — a breathtaking sight that shows the harmony between nature and human innovation.

A visit to the High Dam is an essential stop on any Aswan highlights tour, offering insight into modern Egyptian history and the country’s remarkable achievements in engineering and development.

Stop 2

The Temple of Philae is one of Egypt’s most enchanting ancient monuments, beautifully situated on Agilkia Island near Aswan, surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile River. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, protector of love, magic, and motherhood, Philae Temple is a masterpiece of Ptolemaic and Roman-era architecture, dating back to the 4th century BC.

Visitors reach the temple by a scenic boat ride, passing between lush riverbanks before arriving at the island’s breathtaking complex. The temple’s walls are adorned with well-preserved reliefs depicting the myths of Isis and Osiris, making it one of Egypt’s most spiritually significant sites.

After being threatened by flooding from the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the entire complex was carefully relocated stone by stone to its current island — a UNESCO-led preservation effort that saved this treasure for future generations.

Stop 3

The Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan offers a fascinating look into the engineering genius of ancient Egypt. Carved directly into the granite bedrock of the Aswan quarries, this colossal monument was commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut during the 18th Dynasty, over 3,500 years ago.

Had it been completed, the obelisk would have stood about 42 meters (137 feet) high and weighed over 1,000 tons, making it the largest ever constructed in ancient Egypt. However, a crack appeared in the stone during carving, leading the project to be abandoned — leaving behind an incredible open-air museum that reveals the techniques of ancient stone carving.

Visitors can still see the tool marks and chiseling lines, offering a rare and authentic glimpse into the craftsmanship and labor of ancient stonemasons. A licensed Egyptologist guide helps bring the site to life, explaining how obelisks were cut, transported, and erected in temples across Egypt.

What's not included

Meals and beverages (Optional)

Gratuities (tipping)

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.