Aswan: Private Guided Tour to High Dam, The Obelisk & Philae Temple by Boat

Aswan, the serene city along the Nile, offers visitors a chance to explore its rich historical treasures. The private guided tour to the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Philae Temple promises an immersive experience that showcases the engineering marvels and cultural heritage of this iconic destination. With a knowledgeable guide navigating the tour, travelers can uncover the intricate stories behind these remarkable sites and gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s past. As the tour unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what captivating insights and breathtaking moments await.

Key Points

• A private guided tour of Aswan’s highlights, including the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, with a Nile River boat exploration.
• Knowledgeable guide providing engaging commentary on the history and significance of the sites.
• Air-conditioned transport, bottled water, and all necessary transfers and pickups included.
• Personalized experience for an immersive cultural heritage exploration.
• Cancellation policy with full refund for cancellations at least 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

This private guided tour takes visitors to the highlights of Aswan, including the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Philae Temple, which are explored by boat along the Nile River.

With a qualified guide providing engaging commentary, travelers will learn about the fascinating history and significance of these ancient Egyptian sites.

The personalized experience ensures guests can fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Transport is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, and bottled water is included to keep travelers hydrated.

This comprehensive tour offers an in-depth look at some of Aswan’s most iconic landmarks, providing an unforgettable glimpse into the past.

Inclusions

The private guided tour includes all necessary transfers and pickups, with transport by air-conditioned vehicle. Plus, the tour provides a qualified guide in the chosen language to lead visitors and share engaging commentary about the ancient Egyptian sites.

The tour also includes:

1. A Nile tour by motorboat to the breathtaking Philae Temple.
2. Complimentary bottled water to stay hydrated during the excursion.
3. All applicable taxes, fees, and charges.
4. Entrance fees to all the featured sightseeing destinations, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.

With these inclusions, the Aswan private guided tour offers a truly immersive and hassle-free exploration of the region’s iconic landmarks.

Pickup Details

Pickup for the tour is available from guests’ accommodation, whether it be a hotel or Nile cruise, in Aswan. This convenient service ensures a seamless start to the tour.

However, there’s a small additional charge of $10 per person for pickups from Gharb Sohile and West of Aswan.

The tour guide will arrive at the designated location to escort guests to the air-conditioned vehicle, ready to embark on the exciting journey through Aswan’s highlights.

This personalized pickup service allows for a stress-free experience, allowing guests to focus on the upcoming tour and soak in the ancient wonders.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is provided at the time of purchase. Wheelchair access is available, and the tour offers flexible start and end times to accommodate most travelers.

Suggested items to bring include sunglasses, a hat or headscarf, and light clothing, as well as a camera to capture the stunning sights. Students can enjoy a 50% discount on entrance fees by presenting a valid student ID, though these fees must be paid in Egyptian pounds.

The tour also includes:

1. Bottled water for refreshment throughout the day.
2. All taxes, fees, and charges covered in the package.
3. The option to add a small-cost lunch to the tour.
4. No refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours in advance.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can receive a full refund if they cancel the tour at least 24 hours in advance. However, no refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the tour, and no changes are accepted with less than 24 hours’ notice.

This cancellation policy allows the tour operator to effectively manage bookings and ensure the best possible experience for all participants. Clients should keep this policy in mind when planning their Aswan adventure, as it provides a clear and fair framework for handling tour cancellations.

Exploring the High Dam

The tour kicks off with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that transformed the Nile River and provided much-needed flood control and electricity to the region.

Constructed in the 1960s, the dam stands 364 feet tall and spans over 3 miles across the river. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of this colossal structure, which:

Regulates the Nile’s seasonal flood patterns, preventing devastating floods.
Generates hydroelectric power, serving as a vital source of renewable energy.
Creates Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake, behind the dam.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Nile River.

Exploring the High Dam provides a glimpse into Egypt’s engineering prowess and its transformative impact on the region.

Marveling at the Obelisk

Next, the tour explores the captivating Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal granite monument that provides a unique glimpse into the engineering feats of ancient Egypt.

This massive obelisk, had it been completed, would have stood at an impressive 137 feet tall, making it the largest known ancient obelisk.

The guide explains how the obelisk was abandoned mid-construction when cracks appeared in the granite, offering visitors a rare opportunity to see the intricate quarrying techniques used by ancient Egyptian stonemasons.

As the group examines the unfinished work, they gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and ambition of these ancient builders, who pushed the boundaries of what was possible with the tools and materials available to them.

Discovering Philae Temple

From the Unfinished Obelisk, the tour then takes visitors on a scenic Nile cruise to the tranquil island of Philae, home to the magnificent Philae Temple complex. This opulent ancient structure, dedicated to the goddess Isis, stands as a testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of the Ptolemaic period.

As the guide leads the group through the temple’s elaborately decorated halls and courtyards, they’ll uncover the rich history and religious significance of this captivating archaeological site. The tour highlights include:

1. The grand Entrance Pylon, with its towering columns and intricate carvings.
2. The breathtaking Hypostyle Hall, with its impressive array of papyrus-shaped columns.
3. The elegant Kiosk of Trajan, a well-preserved example of Ptolemaic architecture.
4. The serene setting of the island, with its lush vegetation and stunning views of the Nile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Purchase Lunch During the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase lunch during the tour. The tour package includes bottled water, but lunch is available at an additional small cost if you’d like to purchase it.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size. It’s a private guided tour, so you can book it for just yourself or your group. The guide and vehicle will be private, ensuring a personalized experience.

Can I Make Changes to My Booking After 24 Hours?

No, changes cannot be made to the booking less than 24 hours in advance. The cancellation policy states that no changes are accepted less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children?

No, there are no discounts specifically mentioned for children on this tour. The only discount noted is a 50% reduction for students with a valid student ID. The tour pricing appears to be the same for all adult participants.

Can I Pay the Entrance Fees in US Dollars?

The entrance fees for this tour can only be paid in Egyptian pounds. U.S. dollars are not accepted. Visitors should plan to have the required amount of local currency on hand to cover the entrance fees.

Recap

The Aswan Private Guided Tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks.

Visitors can discover the engineering marvel of the High Dam, marvel at the unfinished Obelisk, and embark on a boat tour to the scenic Philae Temple.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, the tour provides insights into the historical significance and cultural heritage of these sites, making it an excellent way to explore the wonders of Aswan.