- DurationApprox. 6–7 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- PriceFrom $64 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Philae, Kalabsha and Nubian Museum tour tells the story of Nubia, the land between Aswan and Sudan that was largely flooded when Lake Nasser filled in the 1960s. It combines Aswan’s most famous temple with two places many visitors miss, and it explains what was saved, what was lost and how Nubian culture survives today.
After Philae, you take a boat to Kalabsha, a Roman-era temple to the Nubian god Mandulis that was moved block by block to a promontory beside the High Dam. You finish at the Nubian Museum in town, home to some of the finest objects rescued from the flooded valley. Boats, guide and all tickets are included.
Highlights
- Philae, the island Temple of Isis, reached by private motorboat
- Kalabsha, the largest free-standing temple of Egyptian Nubia, by Lake Nasser
- The rock-cut temple of Beit el-Wali and the Kiosk of Qertassi beside it
- The Nubian Museum’s statues, jewellery and model of a Nubian village
- Private Egyptologist, boats and all entrance tickets included
- Quieter sites than most Aswan tours, ideal for repeat visitors
Itinerary
08:00 – Pickup and boat to Philae
Your guide meets you at your hotel or Nile cruise and drives you to the Shellal landing, about 20 minutes away. A private motorboat takes you on the ten-minute crossing to Agilkia Island, where the Philae temples were rebuilt by UNESCO between 1972 and 1980.
08:30 – Temple of Isis at Philae
Explore the Temple of Isis, the birth house of Horus and the Kiosk of Trajan. Your guide shows you scenes of Isis and Osiris, the early Christian crosses carved into the walls and the 394 AD inscription, the last dated hieroglyphic text ever written.
10:30 – Boat to Kalabsha
Drive across the High Dam to the small harbour beside Kalabsha, then take a short boat ride to the temple. On a quiet morning you may have the site almost to yourselves, with Lake Nasser stretching away to the south.
10:45 – Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali and Qertassi
Kalabsha was built under Emperor Augustus for the Nubian god Mandulis and moved here in 1961–63 in some 13,000 blocks. Next to it stand the small rock-cut temple of Beit el-Wali, with lively reliefs of Ramesses II’s campaigns, and the Kiosk of Qertassi.
12:30 – Lunch break
Head back into Aswan for a break. Your guide can recommend a riverside restaurant serving Egyptian and Nubian dishes, or you can go straight to the museum if you prefer a shorter day. Lunch is not included in the price.
13:30 – Nubian Museum and return
The Nubian Museum displays statues of Kushite kings, jewellery, pottery and a life-size model of a Nubian village, together with the story of the UNESCO rescue campaign. After about 90 minutes, your driver takes you back to your hotel or cruise around 15:00.
What’s Included
Included
- Pickup and drop-off at your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide
- Return motorboats to Philae and Kalabsha
- Entrance tickets to Philae Temple, Kalabsha Temple and the Nubian Museum
- Bottled water and all taxes
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the guide, driver and boatmen
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $169 |
| 2 travellers | $105 |
| 3–5 travellers | $82 |
| 6+ travellers | $64 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalabsha worth visiting if I have seen Philae?
Yes. Kalabsha is larger and far quieter than Philae, with a different, more austere Roman style, and the reliefs at Beit el-Wali are some of the best-preserved in Nubia. It is a good choice if you want to see a temple without crowds.
Do we need a boat to reach Kalabsha?
Usually yes. Kalabsha stands on a promontory in Lake Nasser, and depending on the water level a short boat ride is needed from the harbour. The boat is included. In rare low-water periods the site can be reached on foot.
How long do we spend at the Nubian Museum?
Around an hour and a half, which is enough for the main galleries and the garden. If you love museums, we can extend the visit and shorten the lunch break. The museum is air-conditioned, which makes it a good stop in the early afternoon heat.
Can we do the sites in a different order?
Yes. Because the tour is private, your guide can adjust the order around your plans, for example starting at the Nubian Museum on a hot day or ending at Philae. Tell us when you book or speak to your guide on the day.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
