Aswan: Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple

As you wake up our ship will already be docked in the city of Aswan. After breakfast, we will board a bus and take a short trip through the city to an old rock quarry. Here we will see the largest known obelisk of the ancient world nestled into the rock. You will be guided through the quarry by our Egyptologist where they will share with you why the obelisk was not completed. You will also see signs of the techniques that were used to harvest these massive structures and learn how they possibly transported them south to areas such as Cairo and the Giza Plateau.

Afterwards we will make a short visit to a local papyrus shop. Here we learn how the papyrus is harvested, cut, and formed into paper. You will have free time to roam the store, see some of the amazing works of art utilizing papyrus, and possibly buy a few to take home with you.

Our next stop on our journey for the day will be to the Temple of Philae. This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Isis and is located on an island. In order for us to get there we will need to take a short boat ride. On the boat you will have a panoramic view of the island as we approach along with a view of the low dam on the opposite side of the boat. Once on the island our Egyptologist will guide us through the grounds and they will explain the history of the island and the Goddess Isis. You will have some free time to take photos as the many structures provide a great background for your photos.

Once we get back to the docks we will make a visit to a local jewelry shop where you will have the opportunity to purchase uniquely crafted items exclusive to Egypt.

Once we return to our ship, lunch will be ready. After a few hours of rest you will have the option to pick one of the following choices:

1. Visit a Nubian Village: Here you will visit a school and learn the Nubian language, walk through a local market, and then be invited to a locals home to enjoy the view of the Nile with some light snacks and drinks.
2. Visit the Botanical Gardens: On the Island of El Nabatat you will be able to see several rare, exotic, and subtropical plants and trees. The gardens provide a tranquil atmosphere to walk the grounds, enjoy the sites, and take photos.
3. Stay on the boat and relax: Take this opportunity to catch up on some sleep, visit the spa, or enjoy a nice drink on the sun deck as you watch the sun set.

Dinner will be served on the ship and you can enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.