After a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Aswan, your private guide will meet you and escort you to start your day of exploration.
Your first stop will be the Aswan High Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. Completed in 1970, this hydroelectric dam regulates the flow of the Nile River, provides irrigation for Egypt’s agricultural land, and produces the majority of the country’s electricity. Standing at an impressive 2,100 meters in length and 130 meters in height, the dam has profoundly impacted Egypt’s development. Learn from your guide how it has transformed agriculture, flooded the Nubian region, and led to the creation of the Lake Nasser reservoir. The viewpoint overlooking the dam offers breathtaking panoramic views of the vast reservoir and the surrounding desert landscape.
Next, you will head to Philae Temple, located on an island in the Nile River. To get there, you’ll enjoy a motorboat ride that gives you a relaxing view of the river’s serene waters. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Isis, one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion. This stunning Ptolemaic-era temple complex is famous for its hieroglyphic carvings, beautiful columned halls, and monumental entrances. Explore the hypostyle hall and the sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis, learning about the temple’s religious significance, especially in the context of the Isis and Osiris myth.
After Philae Temple, your guide will take you to the Unfinished Obelisk, located in an ancient quarry just outside of Aswan. This giant obelisk, estimated to have weighed 1,200 tons, offers an incredible insight into the methods of stone carving used by the ancient Egyptians. The obelisk was abandoned before it could be completed, leaving it partly cut from the granite bedrock. The marks left by ancient tools on the surface of the stone still remain visible, providing a fascinating look at the ancient Egyptians’ craftsmanship and their ambition to create grand monuments.
For lunch, you will be taken to a local restaurant with a beautiful Nile-side view, where you can enjoy a variety of traditional Egyptian dishes such as koshari, fatta (rice and lamb stew), and falafel, allowing you to experience authentic flavors while enjoying the relaxing atmosphere by the river.
After lunch, you’ll have some free time to relax or explore local markets in Aswan, known for their colorful handicrafts, spices, and Nubian souvenirs.
By the end of the day, your guide will return you to your hotel in Aswan for an overnight stay. You can enjoy a peaceful evening by the Nile, reflecting on the ancient wonders you’ve explored today.