On 2 August 2027 the sky over Luxor goes dark at midday. The total solar eclipse lasts just over six minutes there. Over Germany in 1999 it was a little over two. Luxor lies close to the middle of the path of totality, and the sun stands high above the temples.
Depending on availability you travel on a 5-star Nile cruise ship or on a dahabeya. Here is how the eclipse trip looks, so you can decide in your own time.
The eclipse trip at a glance
Four days and three nights on the Nile, from 30 July to 2 August 2027. You start in Aswan and sail via Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor. On the last day you watch the total solar eclipse at Karnak Temple.
When and where to see the 2027 total solar eclipse in Egypt
On 2 August 2027. In Luxor the eclipse begins around 11:40 am local time (UTC+3), and totality follows shortly after 1 pm. It also gets fully dark in the Bahariya Oasis and along the Red Sea coast as far as Berenice.
The eclipse tour itinerary
Day 1, 30 July: Aswan
You are met at the airport and start with a city tour. You see the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis. Then you board the ship and have lunch on board. You spend the night on board in Aswan.
Day 2, 31 July: Kom Ombo and Edfu
Early in the morning you visit the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris at Kom Ombo. The ship sails on to Edfu during lunch. In the afternoon you visit the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt. In the evening the ship continues to Luxor.
Day 3, 1 August: Luxor
In the morning you visit the West Bank: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. In the afternoon you cross to the East Bank and visit Luxor Temple. You spend the night on board in Luxor.
Day 4, 2 August: The solar eclipse at Karnak
After breakfast you check out. You watch the eclipse at Karnak Temple. It begins around 11:40 am, and totality follows shortly after 1 pm and lasts just over six minutes. In between and afterwards you explore Karnak. Lunch is on a felucca on the Nile, then you transfer to Luxor Airport.
Nile cruise ship or dahabeya
Depending on availability you travel on a 5-star Nile cruise ship or on a dahabeya, the traditional sailing boat of the Nile. We find out which one is free for your dates and talk it through with you. The itinerary above describes the trip on the cruise ship. On a dahabeya we adapt it together with you. You can read more about our dahabeya trips on the trip page.
With flights, a Cairo tour and a Red Sea beach stay
We also book your international flights. The Nile trip can be combined with a tour of Cairo, with a beach stay on the Red Sea, or with both. For example, you start in Cairo at the pyramids, travel on to Aswan, follow the Nile to Luxor and let the trip end on the Red Sea. How long you stay where, we decide together.
How we plan
You speak to us personally. We advise you close to your wishes, write an offer that suits you, and shape the trip together with you. We plan for you, with you.
Included
- 3 nights on board a 5-star Nile cruise ship or a dahabeya, depending on availability, full board
- an Egyptologist guide in English or in the language of your group
- entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
- all transfers
- tips
- visa
Not included
- drinks
- flights, which we book for you on request
- personal expenses
- optional excursions
For entry and travel advice, please see Germany’s Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt).
If you want to see the eclipse first
The trip is also available in the other direction, 2 to 6 August, 5 days and 4 nights. You check in on 2 August and watch the eclipse from the sun deck. In the afternoon you visit Karnak and Luxor Temple. Then the ship sails via the West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan. The Valley of the Kings includes entry to three tombs, excluding Tutankhamun and Seti I. On 6 August you fly home from Aswan Airport.
Frequently asked questions about the 2027 solar eclipse in Egypt
When is the total solar eclipse in Egypt?
On 2 August 2027 (August 2, 2027). In Luxor it begins around 11:40 am local time, and totality follows shortly after 1 pm.
How long does totality last in Luxor?
Just over six minutes. That is a rare value for the 21st century.
Do I need special eclipse glasses?
Outside totality, only look at the sun with eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312-2. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough.
Can I combine the trip with Cairo or the Red Sea?
Yes. We combine the Nile trip with a tour of Cairo, a beach stay on the Red Sea, or both.
Do you book flights as well?
Yes, we book your international flights.
Price and enquiries
The price is on request. If you want to be there, get in touch early through the contact form. Tell us which version you prefer, how many of you are travelling and where you fly from, for example the US, the UK or Germany. The earlier you get in touch, the more choice we have for flights and ship.