Aswan Philae Temple,High Dam and unfinished obelisk

Overview

You will explore the granite quarries that supplied the ancient Egyptians with much of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples. The quarries still hold the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive piece of stone left in situ. It was possibly intended as a companion to the Lateran Obelisk, which was originally at Karnak but now stands in Rome. The Unfinished Obelisk would have weighed over 1,100 tons and would have been the world's largest piece of stone ever handled. On the island of Agilka you will see the Temple of Philae. The temple was dedicated to Isis, who is described as the sister and wife of Osiris and as the patroness of Ptolemaic rule. Along the way you will encounter these two very different pieces of ancient Egypt: the industrial scale of the quarries and the religious presence of Philae, each illustrating a distinct aspect of how stone and faith shaped the landscape.

Highlights

• ✦Private tour
• ✦Hotel pickup

What's included

Frequently asked questions

How long is this experience?

4 hours 30 minutes

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.

What's included?

Private transportation · Hotel pickup and drop-off · Private tour · Bottled water · Air-conditioned vehicle