The tour begins with a visit to the High Dam, a remarkable feat of modern engineering. Standing over 360 feet tall, the dam holds back the waters of Lake Nasser and provides irrigation and hydroelectric power to Egypt and Sudan. Visitors can walk along the top of the dam for breathtaking views stretching to Sudan in the distance. Guests will learn how over 16 years the dam transformed the landscape and impacted local populations and industries. Today it remains one of the largest dams ever constructed using ancient Egyptian techniques adapted for the 20th century.
Next, a short boat ride will ferry guests to the picturesque island of Agilkia, home to the stunning Philae Temple. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the ornate temple complex pays tribute to the goddess Isis and was an important pilgrimage site in ancient times. Upon disembarking visitors will be amazed by the towering columns and intricate carvings that line walkways and fill porticoes. Stories of Egyptian mythology come to life in the carvings that share tales of kings and gods. The tranquil Nile setting makes for beautiful photos and a step back in time.
The final stop is one of the more unique sites - the Unfinished Obelisk. Located in the northern region of the Aswan quarries, this partially constructed ancient monument offers clues into how obelisks were originally crafted over 3,000 years ago. Stone tools and indentations left by craftsmen remain on the pink granite slab, estimated to stand over 130 feet tall if completed. Guests will learn how this was an engineering failure and the potential reasons it was abandoned mid-construction. The secrets of how monumental Egyptian architecture and sculpture were created will fascinate history and science buffs alike.
This full-day tour of Aswan's highlights provides a comprehensive overview of this culturally rich city's history and sights. Guests had the opportunity to experience magnificent landmarks like the Aswan High Dam that has reshaped the region, explore the beautifully preserved Philae Temple and its ancient carvings, and gain unique insights into stoneworking techniques from the Unfinished Obelisk. With professional and knowledgeable guiding, comfortable transportation, and attention to service details, this tour delivers great value in experiencing Aswan's most iconic attractions. Whether discovering Egypt for the first time or returning for more adventures, this tour promises an insightful look at this southern city's treasures from antiquity through the modern era.
Absolutely! We understand that time constraints vary for each traveler. Let us know your preferences, and we will tailor the tour accordingly.
Experience the Beauty and History of Aswan
Visiting Aswan offers travelers the opportunity to step back in time and explore this ancient city along the banks of the mighty Nile River. With over three millennia of rich history and culture, there is no better way to immerse yourself in the wonders of Aswan than with our comprehensive full-day tour package. Led by an expert local guide with extensive knowledge of the area and its significance, visitors will feel transported as they learn about Aswan’s past and present.
The Impressive Aswan High Dam
Our tour begins at one of Aswan’s most iconic modern landmarks – the Aswan High Dam. At over 360 feet tall and stretching over a mile wide, it remains an extraordinary feat of 20th century engineering that transformed the entire landscape of upper Egypt and northern Sudan. Guests can admire the steep sloping sides of the dam rising up out of the desert terrain, enjoying sweeping views of Lake Nasser and beyond. Our guide will share the fascinating details about its construction over 16 years and the immense impacts it continues to have on irrigation, hydroelectric power supply, and control of annual flooding in the region.
Exploring Philae Temple by Boat
After taking in the impressive scale of the High Dam, we board a short ferry ride across to nearby Agilkia Island. Here among scenic botanical gardens sits the beautiful Philae Temple Complex, one of the Nubian Monuments from ancient Egyptian times. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the structures pay homage to the goddess Isis who was an important deity in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. Visitors are sure to be awestruck walking down colonnades lined with towering columns and intricately carved hieroglyphic tales that burst with vibrant colors even after millennia. The peaceful island setting makes for phenomenal photo backdrops as well while learning about the mythology and history that shaped its design.
Secrets of Ancient Stonemasonry Revealed
Our final stop on the tour holds further surprises – the Unfinished Obelisk. Located within the 4,000 year old granite quarries of Aswan, this partially constructed monument gives fascinating clues into how the famous obelisk structures were originally crafted by ancient Egyptian stonemasons. Towering over 100 feet in projected height, indentations and tools left by artisans remain embedded in the pink granite, clearly showing the techniques used to shape obsidian-like stones without the use of metal. Guests can envision the massive engineering challenge this would have posed if completed. Together with our guide, visitors will piece together why this particular attempt was ultimately abandoned mid-construction after more than 1,168 tons of granite had already been chiseled away.
Exceptional Service and Local Expertise
Throughout the tour, guests will be impressed by the seamless service, comfort and attention to detail provided. Air conditioned vehicles ensure a pleasant journey between destinations while professional local guides bring history to life. Whether learning about how communities were impacted by modernization or myths surrounding deities, all inquiries are enthusiastically answered making this an educational experience for those of any background or age. Back at their Aswan hotel, guests are sure to feel they have gained a rich appreciation and new favorite memories of experiences Egypt’s beauty, cultural heritage and tales of ancient magic.
Experience Egypt like never before with Travel Joy Egypt. Our tailor-made trips, knowledgeable team, and strong local partnerships ensure an unforgettable journey. Start planning today!
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