HomeEgypt Solar Eclipse Tour 2027
On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse passes directly over Luxor, bringing around six minutes and twenty seconds of totality — one of the longest total eclipses of the century, and one of the few anywhere to fall over a major archaeological site. You'll watch it from Karnak Temple, as the moon's shadow crosses columns more than 3,000 years old.
The dates also fall squarely within the English school summer holidays, so families can travel without taking children out of term.
Cairo, the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The tour opens in Cairo with Egyptologist-guided visits to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum — home to the complete treasures of Tutankhamun, displayed together for the first time.
Luxor and the eclipse. After watching totality at Karnak, you'll board your Nile cruise in Luxor. Guided visits take in Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
The Nile, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Your four-night cruise sails south from Luxor through Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan, where you'll visit Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk before an excursion to the twin temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramesses II for himself and Queen Nefertari.
Back in Cairo. The final full day covers the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Hall, the churches of Old Cairo, and the Salah El-Din Citadel with its panoramic views across the city.
Egyptologist guides, domestic flights, hotel accommodation, full-board cruise cabin and entrance fees are all included.
A note on the heat: Upper Egypt in early August regularly passes 40°C. Touring days start early to avoid the worst of it, and the cruise gives you cool afternoons on board — but it's worth packing for real heat rather than a British summer.
- Meet and greet service by our representatives at airports
- Assistance with guest relations during your stay
- All transfers by deluxe A/C + wifi-equipped vehicle
- Domestic flight tickets from Cairo to Hurghada and from Aswan to Cairo
- Accommodation for 4 nights in Cairo hotel with breakfast
- Accommodation for 1 night in Hurghada hotel with breakfast
- Accommodation for 4 nights on the cruise on full board basis (breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo are group, and sharing our Memphis group in Luxor, Aswan, as mentioned in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking tour guide and Egyptologist during your tours
- Bottled water during outings outside of the hotel.
- Meals as mentioned in the above program
- Admission fees to all sites specified on the itinerary
- All meals mentioned on the itinerary
- International Airfare
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Any optional tours
- Entrance fees inside any of the Pyramids of Tutankhamen Tomb at the Valley of the Kings
- Solar Eclipse Glasses or equipment and Eclipse Permissions at Karnak Temples if there is
- Dinner at hotels (Cairo and Luxor) $75 per person per night
- Personal spending like water, soft drinks during meals, laundry, phone calls...etc
- Tipping
Welcome to Egypt! When you arrive at Cairo International Airport, your tour manager will be there to greet you and assist with everything you need before accompanying you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Once you arrive, enjoy a smooth check-in while your tour manager goes over your itinerary, including the scheduled pick-up times for your Cairo tours After your journey, take some time to settle in, relax, and get ready to begin your Egyptian adventure.
Overnight stay in Cairo, the vibrant capital of Egypt.
After breakfast at your hotel, check out and meet your private Egyptologist guide for a day exploring some of Egypt’s most remarkable sites. Begin at the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the iconic Sphinx and the historic Valley Temple, where ancient rituals once took place.
Following your visit to the pyramids, enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant before heading to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the impressive new museum located just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids. Discover its extraordinary collections and world-class exhibitions that bring thousands of years of Egyptian history to life.
After your tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).
After breakfast, check out of your Cairo hotel and begin your transfer to Hurghada. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hurghada.
Meals: Breakfast.
Start your day early with a pick-up from your hotel at around 4:00 AM for the drive to Luxor. The journey takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival, head to the magnificent Karnak Temple to experience the solar eclipse from one of Egypt’s most remarkable ancient settings.
Eclipse Schedule.
- Partial eclipse begins: 10:22:09
- Totality begins: 11:42:31
- Maximum eclipse: 11:45:16
- Totality ends: 11:48:01
- Partial eclipse ends: 13:08:04
- Total duration: 2 hours 45 minutes 55 seconds
- Totality: 6 minutes 20 seconds
After witnessing the eclipse, enjoy lunch before continuing to your Nile cruise in Luxor. Upon arrival, complete your embarkation and settle in aboard the cruise.
After breakfast, set out to explore the legendary West Bank of Luxor, home to Egypt’s royal necropolis. Begin at the Royal Cemetery and the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of 62 powerful pharaohs. Continue to the impressive Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari, a masterpiece of New Kingdom architecture dating back to the 15th century BCE. Conclude your tour at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Return to your Nile Cruise for dinner, evening entertainment.
Overnight in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Royal Cemetery, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon
Enjoy breakfast on board as your Nile cruise continues south toward Edfu. Once you arrive, visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples from ancient Egypt. Reach the temple by traditional horse-drawn carriage and take in the scenery along the way, including local Upper Egyptian villages and lush riverbanks dotted with banana and date palms.
After exploring Edfu Temple, return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Kom Ombo. From the river, walk through the town to reach the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique ancient complex dedicated to two gods and distinguished by its symmetrical design, twin entrances, and sanctuaries.
Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Aswan while enjoying lunch and dinner on board.
Overnight on the Nile Cruise in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: Temple of Edfu, Kom Ombo, Temple of Kom Ombo
Enjoy breakfast on board as your Nile cruise arrives in Aswan, a beautiful city known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of the Nile. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the High Dam, an impressive feat of modern engineering that transformed Egypt’s water management and energy production.
Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, located within Aswan’s ancient granite quarries, where you can learn more about the techniques used by ancient Egyptians to shape and transport enormous stone monuments. Then take a short boat ride to the picturesque Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and associated with Hathor, and beautifully situated on an island surrounded by the Nile.
After your sightseeing, return to your cruise and enjoy dinner as you relax and take in the peaceful Nile scenery.
Overnight on board in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visits: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Temple of Philae
Start your day early with a 4:00 AM pick-up from your hotel and travel by comfortable, air-conditioned coach to the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours each way and is shared with a small group.
Built during the reign of Ramses II, the temples of Abu Simbel are among the most impressive monuments of ancient Egypt. Their enormous statues, detailed carvings, and grand architecture reflect the power and artistry of the New Kingdom. The complex includes the Great Temple of Ramses II and the nearby Temple of Queen Nefertari, dedicated to the goddess Hathor.
Learn how the temples were carefully relocated in a major international preservation project led by the Egyptian government in cooperation with UNESCO to protect them from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam.
After exploring Abu Simbel, return to Aswan and board your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, meet your private Egyptologist guide and begin the day at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Explore its impressive collections, including the famous Royal Mummies Hall, and discover the story of Egyptian civilization across different periods of history.
Continue to Old Cairo, where you’ll explore historic churches and landmarks that reflect the city’s rich Christian heritage. Take a break for lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant before continuing to the Salah El-Din Citadel. Visit the magnificent Mohammed Ali Mosque and enjoy panoramic views across Cairo from the citadel’s elevated position.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visits: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Old Cairo, Salah El-Din Citadel
Enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel before checking out. At the scheduled time, your private transfer will take you from your Cairo hotel to Cairo International Airport for your flight home.
As your Egypt adventure comes to an end, take with you the memories of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. We wish you a safe and comfortable journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
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