Africa

The 2027 Total Solar Eclipse Over The Nile & Luxor

12 Days, Departs 29 July to 9th Aug 2027. From AUD $16,559pp.
Small Guided Groups
Details

Overview

Step into the land of pharaohs and timeless wonders on this once-in-a-lifetime journey through Egypt. Explore the treasures of Cairo, from the legendary Pyramids and Sphinx to the world’s greatest collection of Pharaonic artefacts at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Journey south by sleeper train to Sohag and Abydos, then board your Nile cruise for five unforgettable days of temples, tombs, and golden sunsets.

The highlight of your adventure is a rare celestial spectacle — witness the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse in Luxor, a breathtaking moment against the backdrop of ancient fields and monuments. Along the way, visit Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with opportunities to discover Abu Simbel and hidden Coptic monasteries. End your adventure in Cairo with vibrant bazaars, historic mosques, and serene Dahabiya sailing on the Nile.

This extraordinary journey combines ancient wonders, authentic cultural encounters, and a cosmic event thousands of years in the making — a truly unmissable Egyptian experience.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Witness the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse in Luxor — a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event set against Egypt’s timeless landscapes.
  • Sail the legendary Nile River on a 5-day cruise from Luxor to Aswan, discovering temples, tombs, and ancient wonders along the way.
  • Explore Cairo’s greatest treasures — from the Pyramids and Sphinx to the world-class Grand Egyptian Museum.
  • Step into history at Abydos and Sohag with visits to sacred temples and optional tours of ancient Coptic monasteries.
  • Experience vibrant Cairo culture with bustling bazaars, local cuisine, and the option of a serene Dahabiya sail on the Nile.

Itinerary in Brief

  • Day 1 - 29 July: Arrive in Cairo & Transfer to your Hotel
  • Day 2 - 30 July: Pyramids & Grand Egypt Museum
  • Day 3 - 31 July: Optional Memphis & Saqqara Tour & Board Sleeper Train to Sohag
  • Day 4 - 1 August: Sohag & Abydos Temple Tour
  • Day 5 - 2 August: Sohag to Luxor - Embark your Nile Cruise & Solar Eclipse Viewing
  • Day 6 - 3 August: Day Two of Nile Cruise: West Bank & Karnak, then Sailing South
  • Day 7 - 4 August: Day Three of Nile Cruise: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo
  • Day 8 - 5 August: Day Four of Nile Cruise: Highlights of Aswan
  • Day 9 - 6 August: Day Five of Nile Cruise: Disembarkation, Optional Abu Simbel Day Trip by Private Car & Board Sleeper Train to Cairo
  • Day 10 - 7 August: Transfer to your Hotel & Khan El Khalili Bazaar - Evening Tour (Optional Dahabiya Sailing Tour)
  • Day 11 - 8 August: Al Muizz Street & Hanging Church Tour
  • Day 12 - 9 August: Depart Cairo

Tailor-made suggestions

  • Consider joining any of our 5 optional excursions to make the most of your time in Egypt. More details under Inclusions tab and under "What's not?"

Travelling with Eclipse

Peace of Mind
  • Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
  • 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
  • We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
  • No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
  • Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
  • Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
  • We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
  • Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
  • Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
  • Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.

Day 1 - Cairo: Airport to Hotel

Airport to Hotel
Upon arrival in Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for the adventure ahead.

Welcome to Cairo, a city where ancient wonders meet vibrant modern life. From the majestic Nile to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, your adventure begins in the heart of Egypt’s captivating capital.


Day 2 - Cairo: Pyramids & Grand Egypt Museum

Pyramids & Grand Egypt Museum
After breakfast, visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic treasures, including Tutankhamun’s masterpieces.

Enjoy lunch with pyramid views, then explore the Giza Plateau, the Pyramids, and the Sphinx.

Return to hotel for overnight stay.


Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 3 - Cairo: Hotel to Train Station

Hotel to Train Station
Enjoy breakfast and a free morning at leisure. Check out by12:00 noon.

Alternatively, join an optional tour to Memphis & Saqqara*.

After sunset, transfer to the train station and board the sleeper train to Sohag.

*Optional: Memphis & Saqqara Tour with Lunch - Approx. USD 150 per person - Must be pre-booked
Start your day around 12:00 PM with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant near Saqqara, where you can enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine and prepare for an exciting afternoon of exploration.

After lunch, begin your journey to two of Egypt’s most iconic historical sites. Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, welcomes you with its open-air museum showcasing colossal statues, including the famous statue of Ramses II, and artifacts that reveal the grandeur of the Old Kingdom. Explore the ruins and learn about the city that once served as the political and cultural heart of ancient Egypt.

Next, visit Saqqara, the vast necropolis of Memphis and home to the world-famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone pyramid in history. Discover the fascinating burial complexes, intricate reliefs, and the architectural innovations that paved the way for the great pyramids of Giza. This half-day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and offers a rich blend of archaeology, culture, and local flavors.


Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4 - Sohag: Sohag & Abydos Temple Tour

Sohag & Abydos Temple Tour
Your journey begins as you arrive at Sohag Railway Station and transfer directly to your floating hotel on the Nile. After enjoying breakfast onboard, set out on a full-day excursion into the heart of Upper Egypt’s spiritual heritage.

Visit the sacred Temple of Abydos, built by Seti I and revered as the holy centre of Osiris worship.

After a day steeped in legend and history, return to your cruise for lunch and dinner, spending the night moored in Sohag.

*Optional: Red and White Monastery Tour - Approx. USD 125 per person - Must be pre-booked
Step back in time and uncover Egypt’s early Christian heritage with a journey to the Red and White Monasteries, two of the most ancient and revered Coptic sites in the world. Nestled amid Sohag’s serene desert landscape, these sacred monasteries stand as powerful symbols of faith, history, and art.

Your expert guide will lead you through centuries-old halls adorned with vivid frescoes, Coptic inscriptions, and Byzantine-style architecture that has withstood the test of time. Experience the tranquil atmosphere where monks once lived, prayed, and preserved some of Egypt’s most treasured religious traditions.

This exclusive tour offers a rare glimpse into Egypt’s Coptic Christian legacy, far from the crowds and tourist paths, perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters and spiritual inspiration.

Highlights:
• Visit two of the oldest monasteries in Egypt
• Admire ancient frescoes and Coptic art
• Learn about Coptic monastic life and history
• Enjoy a peaceful escape into Sohag’s desert beauty
• Duration: Half-Day Tour


Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5 - 9 - Sohag: Sohag to Luxor / 5 Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan - TIA Nile Cruise - Solar Eclipse 2027

Sohag to Luxor
This morning, travel by private bus to Luxor, the city of pharaohs and legends.

The distance between Sohag and Luxor is about 190 km, and the drive takes around 3 hours. We will depart early in the morning.


5 Day Nile Cruise: Luxor to Aswan - TIA Nile Cruise - Solar Eclipse 2027
Experience Egypt like never before on this extraordinary 5-day Nile cruise, where ancient wonders meet celestial spectacle. From witnessing a Total Solar Eclipse aboard your river vessel or in the serene fields of Luxor, to exploring majestic temples and timeless landscapes, each day offers a seamless blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With guided visits to iconic sites like Karnak, Philae, and Abu Simbel (optional), and tranquil moments sailing the Nile, this journey promises unforgettable memories beneath both sun and stars.

Day 1: Cruise Check-in & Solar Eclipse Viewing
Upon embarkation, you will be welcomed by the friendly team onboard. After check-in and dropping your bags, board the shuttle transfer around 10am to a specially prepared open-air field, where we have arranged comfortable seating, umbrellas, and refreshments so you can enjoy the occasion in comfort.

A barbecue lunch will be served on-site, along with drinks and light snacks, creating a lively picnic-style experience before the eclipse begins.

Experience the magic of the solar eclipse over Luxor’s breathtaking green fields in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.

Important Safety Note:
Eclipse viewing glasses are not provided. Each guest is responsible for bringing their own certified, original ISO-approved eclipse glasses to safely watch the event. This is essential to prevent eye damage.

After the eclipse has ended, shuttle buses will be available for a smooth return transfer to your cruise, departing approximately one hour after the viewing concludes.

In the evening, step ashore to explore the illuminated Luxor Temple, glowing with history under the night sky.

Return onboard for dinner and spend the night moored in Luxor.

Please note: The Eclipse viewing area is reserved for approx. 600 guests. We will have shuttle buses running constantly between different locations (hotels, and boats). If you would like to return to your cruise earlier, there will be buses every 20 minutes. This experience is optional, guests can also choose to stay on the cruise and witness the Eclipse form the cruise's deck.

Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 2: West Bank & Karnak, then Sailing South
Rise early to cross the Nile to Luxor’s fabled West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings reveals the tombs of Egypt’s mighty pharaohs.

Continue to the elegant Temple of Hatshepsut, a masterpiece of terraces rising from the desert cliffs, and pause before the towering Colossi of Memnon, silent guardians of the Theban necropolis.

Returning to the East Bank, explore the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex of the ancient world.

In the afternoon, your cruise sets sail southward, gliding along the timeless river towards Edfu, where you spend the night onboard.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 3: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo
This morning, step ashore in Edfu to explore the grand Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved sanctuaries in all of Egypt, where towering columns and intricate carvings still honour the falcon god.

As your ship continues its graceful journey along the Nile, you arrive at Kom Ombo, home to the remarkable twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon god.

Later, sail onwards to Aswan, where your cruise moors for the night beneath the southern skies.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 4: Highlights of Aswan
Begin the day in Aswan, where modern engineering meets ancient history.

Visit the monumental High Dam, before continuing to the vast quarries to see the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in the rock as though its carvers had just stepped away.

Then sail to the enchanting island of Philae, where the Temple of Isis rises gracefully from the waters.

In the afternoon, relax aboard a traditional felucca, under the golden Aswan sun.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.

Day 5: Disembarkation & Optional Abu Simbel Day Trip by Private Car
Rise before dawn for an optional but unforgettable journey to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel*, carved by Ramses II and guarded for eternity by colossal statues gazing over the desert.

This is one of Egypt’s most magnificent monuments, and witnessing it is an experience not to be missed.

In the evening, bid farewell to Aswan as you transfer to the station and board the sleeper train, settling in for an overnight journey back to Cairo.

*Optional: Abu Simbel Day Trip by Private Car - Approx. USD 250 per person - Must be pre-booked

Embark on an unforgettable full-day excursion to Abu Simbel, home to two of the most breathtaking temples in Egypt.

Your day begins with an early morning pick-up from port. You will travel in comfort in a private, air-conditioned car with a professional driver, enjoying the scenic desert drive to Abu Simbel (approx. 3.5 hours each way).

Upon arrival, your licensed Egyptologist guide will introduce you to the two massive rock temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II over 3,000 years ago. The main temple is dominated by four colossal seated statues of Ramses II, each towering 20 meters high, guarding the entrance. Inside, you will discover beautifully carved halls depicting Ramses II’s military victories and devotion to the gods.

Nearby, you will visit the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to the Pharaoh’s beloved queen — a rare honor in ancient Egypt. Your guide will explain the incredible story of how these temples were relocated piece by piece in the 1960s to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, a feat recognized as one of the greatest achievements of modern archaeology.

Entrance fees are included, and you will have time to take photographs and soak in the incredible atmosphere before returning to Aswan in the early afternoon.

What’s Included:
- Private, air-conditioned car & driver
- Professional licensed Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to both Abu Simbel temples
- Bottled water during the trip
- Pick-up and drop-off in Aswan

Breakfast included.


Day 10 - Cairo: Khan El Khalili Bazaar - Evening Tour

Khan El Khalili Bazaar - Evening Tour
After an early breakfast, arrive in Cairo, where your tour leader will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel for check-in.

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon, or choose to book a 2-hour sailing aboard a traditional Dahabiya*

In the evening, join a guided tour of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can wander through its lively night markets and shop for souvenirs.

For dinner, you have the option to dine at the Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant (not included), named after Egypt’s Nobel Prize–winning author.

Return to your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening.

*Optional: Dahabiya: Lunch & Nile Sailing in Cairo - Approx. USD 125 per person (minimum 10 guests) - Must be pre-booked

Set sail on a private Dahabiya, a beautifully handcrafted traditional wooden boat, and experience Cairo from a whole new perspective. Glide gently along the Nile River, surrounded by serene waters, city skylines, and timeless beauty that has inspired travellers for centuries.

As you sail, enjoy a freshly prepared Egyptian lunch onboard, blending authentic flavours with panoramic views. This peaceful cruise offers the perfect escape from the city’s bustle, combining relaxation, culture, and elegance in one unforgettable experience.

Highlights:
• Private traditional Dahabiya sailing experience
• Delicious Egyptian lunch onboard
• Scenic views of Cairo’s skyline and the Nile
• A relaxing and authentic cultural journey

Duration: 2 Hours
Minimum 10 Participants - Please register your interest with us and we will let you know once we have 10 guests confirmed.


Breakfast included.

Day 11 - Cairo: Al Muizz Street & Hanging Church Tour

Al Muizz Street & Hanging Church Tour
Start early at 7:00 AM with a guided tour of Al Muizz Street, led by a Ministry of Culture expert who will open rarely seen sites and mosques for a truly unique experience.

Enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast of falafel, eggplant, beans, and tea at a local café, then continue to Old Coptic Cairo to visit the Hanging Church and ancient monasteries.

Return to your hotel for free time.

In the evening, opt to see the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids*.

*Optional: Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids - Approx. USD 150 per person - Must be pre-booked
Experience the magic of the Giza Plateau after sunset as history comes alive in a breathtaking Sound and Light Show. Watch the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx illuminated under the night sky while the voice of the Sphinx narrates tales of ancient pharaohs, mystical legends, and 4,000 years of history.

Feel the wonder as music, color, and storytelling transform the world’s most iconic monuments into a living stage of ancient Egypt. This is not just a show; it is a journey through time, perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable evening in Cairo.

Highlights:
• Stunning night views of the Pyramids and Sphinx
• Immersive storytelling in multiple languages
• Comfortable seating and round-trip transfers
• A truly magical finale to your Egyptian adventure


Breakfast included.

Day 12 - Cairo: Depart Cairo

Depart Cairo
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.

As you leave Egypt behind, carry with you not just souvenirs but a lifetime of memories — from standing in awe beneath the shadow of the total solar eclipse, to wandering among temples that have stood for millennia, to sailing the timeless waters of the Nile.

This remarkable journey has woven together ancient wonders, celestial marvels, and moments of personal discovery — a farewell to Egypt, but an adventure that will remain forever in your heart.


Breakfast included.

Departs 29 July to 9th Aug 2027

SeasonTypeFromAdditional
29 Jul 2027 - 09 Aug 2027 AUD$16559ppExpand to view prices
Package price - Double RoomAUD$16697ppContact us
Package price - Single RoomAUD$28009ppContact us
Package price - Triple RoomAUD$16559ppContact us
  • Please note, on the Triple Room option, the third guest will share the room/cabin on an extra bed except during the Sleeper Train where the third guest will have a cabin to themselves.
  • There is no minimum age to join the tour. One child (age 2–6) can join free of charge, and children aged 7–12 get a 75% discount.
Package price - Double Room

Cairo, Egypt - Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi

Cairo, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Cairo to Sohag)

Sohag, Egypt - Sohag Floating Hotel - MS Coral I

Luxor, Egypt - TIA Nile Cruise

Aswan, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Aswan to Cairo)

Package price - Single Room

Cairo, Egypt - Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi

Cairo, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Cairo to Sohag)

Sohag, Egypt - Sohag Floating Hotel - MS Coral I

Luxor, Egypt - TIA Nile Cruise

Aswan, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Aswan to Cairo)

Package price - Triple Room

Cairo, Egypt - Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi

Cairo, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Cairo to Sohag)

Sohag, Egypt - Sohag Floating Hotel - MS Coral I

Luxor, Egypt - TIA Nile Cruise

Aswan, Egypt - Abela Sleeper Train (Aswan to Cairo)

What's included?

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary:
    • 4 nights Cairo hotel - Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi - B&B
    • 4 nights Nile Cruise – TIA Nile Cruise - Full Board
    • 1 night Floating Hotel - MS Coral I – Full Board
    • 2 nights onboard Abela Sleeper Train (Cairo–Sohag & Aswan–Cairo) – Half Board
  • Meals:
    • 11 Breakfast
    • 7 Lunches
    • 7 Dinners
  • English-speaking expert tour guide
  • Entrance fees to all sites are included but tickets to some special tombs or pyramids are not included.

What's not?

  • Flights
  • Eclipse Glasses
  • Personal expenses, drinks, and extra meals
  • Tips (recommended approx. $25 per person/day)
  • Optional excursions - Must be pre-booked:
    • Day 3: Memphis & Saqqara Tour with Lunch - Approx. USD 150 per person
    • Day 4: Red and White Monastery Tour - Approx. USD 125 per person
    • Day 9: Abu Simbel Day Trip by Private Car - Approx. USD 250 per person
    • Day 10: Dahabiya: Lunch & Nile Sailing in Cairo - Approx. USD 125 per person (minimum 10 guests)
    • Day 11: Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids - Approx. USD 150 per person

Important notes and additional information

  • Max group size: 24
  • Please note that the Sleeper train can be noisy / shaky — curves, stops, starts — which can disturb sleep. There are 2 nights included in this itinerary.
  • All cabins on the ship are fully air-conditioned.
  • The bus is air-conditioned and has a bathroom on board.
  • There is no minimum age to join the tour. One child (age 2–6) can join free of charge, and children aged 7–12 get a 75% discount.
  • The distance between Sohag and Luxor is about 190 km, and the drive takes around 3 hours. We will depart early in the morning.
  • The group will be guided by the same guide for the entire trip, The drivers will change by location (Cairo, Sohag, Luxor).

Important Safety Note:
For your protection, eclipse viewing glasses are not provided. Each guest is responsible for bringing their own certified, original ISO-approved eclipse glasses to safely watch the event. This is essential to prevent eye damage.

Every guest will receive a Carbon Neutralization Certificate. This tour is made in partnership withSEKEM.

Price Assurance

At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.

Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.

Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.

Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!

Destination: Africa

From its endless deserts and burning sunsets, to its abundance of wildlife and diversity of culture, the African Safari has it all. There is nowhere else on the planet with such incredible natural beauty and rich traditions than Africa. Discover your own Africa with a tailored tour through some of the most dynamic and stunningly beautiful natural landscapes the world has to offer.

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The 2027 Total Solar Eclipse Over The Nile & Luxor

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