Philae Temple, Kalabsha Temple and Nubian Museum Tour

Duration: 6–7 hours
Style: Private Tour
From, per person: $50

Three of Aswan's best visits fit into one relaxed day: two temples saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, and the museum that tells the story of the Nubian people. This private tour is for travelers who want to understand Aswan, not just tick off its sights.

You travel by motorboat to Philae, the island sanctuary of the goddess Isis, and to Kalabsha Temple, a Roman-era temple dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. Both were taken apart and rebuilt on new ground when the High Dam was built. Your guide shows how the moves were carried out and why they matter.

After a late lunch at a local restaurant, the Nubian Museum fills in the human story with its art, crafts and exhibits on Nubian history from the earliest times.

The day involves a good amount of walking and two short boat rides, so it suits anyone with an interest in history and photography. Carry a hat and water, and expect the temples to be warm, especially in summer.

Your itinerary

01

Kalabsha Temple, Philae Island and the Nubian Museum

Your Egyptologist guide meets you at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise boat and drives you to the High Dam area, where the motorboats leave. First is Kalabsha Temple, dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis and built in the Roman period. It was moved here in the 1960s, stone by stone, as Lake Nasser began to rise. Allow about an hour.

Next a second boat ride takes you to Philae, the island sanctuary of the goddess Isis. Walk through the pylons, the court and the main temple with your guide, and spend time on the colonnades overlooking the water; roughly an hour and a half is enough. Philae was itself rescued and rebuilt on a higher island.

After a late lunch at a local restaurant, finish at the Nubian Museum, where your guide leads you through galleries on Nubian history, art and daily life. You are then driven back to your hotel or cruise boat.
Lunch

Sandstone pylon and entrance gateway of Kalabsha Temple under a clear blue sky

Entrance of the Nubian Museum in Aswan, a stone building with an arched doorway and triangle patterns

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise boat
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Private Egyptologist guide in your language
Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
Motorboat rides to Kalabsha and Philae
Late lunch at a local restaurant
Bottled water during the day
All service charges and taxes

Not included

Drinks with meals
Tipping (recommended)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Good to know

We confirm your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before the trip.
Pick-up areas: hotels and Nile ships in Aswan.
Private trip: the day is for your group only. Vehicle: a car for up to 3 to 4 guests, a minivan for up to 7 to 8, and two vehicles for larger groups.
Walking at the sites, often in the sun. Suitable for most ages, with rests for young children and older guests.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and modest clothing for temples and religious sites.
Runs all year. October to April is the most comfortable; in summer we start early.
The price shown is the starting price per person. The final price depends on your dates, group size and hotel area, and we confirm it on WhatsApp before you book.
Children: under 6 travel free, ages 6 to 11 pay half the adult price, and ages 12 and over pay the full price.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up. After that the trip is not refundable.

Questions

Why were Philae and Kalabsha moved?

When the High Dam was built in the 1960s, the rising water of Lake Nasser threatened many Nubian monuments. An international rescue effort led by UNESCO dismantled Philae and Kalabsha and rebuilt them on safe ground, and your guide explains the story on site.

How do we reach the temples?

Both temples stand on land reached by short motorboat rides from the High Dam area. The boats leave from a landing there and the rides are brief, giving you views of the lake and the islands as you go.

How much walking is involved?

There is a fair amount of walking on uneven stone paths at both temples, plus steps when boarding the boats. Wear comfortable shoes. The museum is mostly on level ground, so you can rest there.

Is lunch a set time?

Lunch is late in the day, between the temples and the museum, at a local restaurant. Your guide can suggest dishes if you want to try Nubian and Egyptian food. Tell us in advance about dietary needs.