2027 Eclipse trip to Egypt
Cairo, Aswan, & Luxor, Egypt | July 28 - August 5, 2027
On August 2, 2027 you have a remarkable opportunity to witness the longest total solar eclipse for the next 87 years from the notable location of Luxor, Egypt. Once named Thebes, it was the capital of the ancient Egyptian kingdom; now named Luxor, it is one of the world’s greatest open-air museums, with spectacular temples, tombs, and monuments. The climate is hot (particularly in August), dry, and dominated by desert which makes it perfect for viewing an eclipse. Our selected location optimizes our chances of clear viewing based on historical weather data for this date and with its ancient monuments, Luxor provides unique photography opportunities. For those who wish to soak up the eclipse without the burden of photography, this site will be awe-inspiring as it is steeped in history and of great archaeological significance. This eclipse will be amazing any way you choose to experience it!
As a tour company, Sirius Travel is owned and operated by astronomers and we ensure that each tour has at least one astronomer for every 15-20 passengers. All of our astronomer guides are experienced travelers and educators and enjoy engaging with the tour passengers to discuss just about anything. For this tour we have reserved a 5 star luxury hotel within the line of totality to allow our travelers the opportunity to fully relax without the stress of needing to travel far on eclipse day. In the days surrounding the eclipse, we will be touring Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, and Abu Simbel. We will also enjoy a Sirius Travel dedicated 4 night luxury cruise along the Nile to travel between several of the sites we will visit. On this tour there will be at least one Egyptologist to maximize your experience.
If you are interested in joining this tour, please sign up using the reservation form below. All deposits made for this trip are fully refundable before July, 2026.
Starting at:
$6,900 USD
Activity Level:
Moderate
Location:
Cairo and Luxor, Egypt
Duration:
9 days / 8 nights
July 28 - August 5, 2027
Trip Highlights
- Eclipse viewing from Luxor, Egypt on August 2, 2027
- Experienced Astronomer guides, 1 for every 15-20 passengers
- Local English-speaking tour guides and Egyptologist during the tour
- Lectures: Pre-eclipse and other astronomy/science talks throughout the tour
- Eclipse photography workshop before the event
- 5-star luxury accommodations
- 2 Domestic flights during your tour
- 3 night luxury Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor
- All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel as described in the itinerary
Eclipse begins
August 2, 2027
08:39 UT (10:39 local)
1st contact
Totality happens
August 2, 2027
10:01:48 – 10:08:09 UT (12:01:48 – 12:08:09 local)
6 minutes 20 seconds
Eclipse ends
August 2, 2027
11:26 UT (13:26 local)
4th contact
Tour Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to Egypt. Hotel check-in, introductory talk.
Day 2: Pyramids Tour
Day 3: Fly from Cairo to Aswan - Aswan Sightseeing - Unfinished Obelisk, Temple of Philae - Embark on Nile cruise
Day 4: Abu Simbel Tour by Land - sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu
Day 5: Visit the Temple of Edfu - sail to Esna and on to Luxor
Day 6: ECLIPSE DAY! Enjoy the eclipse from Luxor
Day 7: West Bank Sightseeing - Royal Cemetery, the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon - flight to Cairo
Day 8: Cairo Sightseeing - Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar
Day 9: Flight home
Pricing and Terms
Payment
- $6,900 USD per traveler (12 and older) – based on double occupancy
- Single supplement: $1,100 USD – This option is SOLD OUT – if you are willing, we will assign you a roommate.
- Children (4-11 years old) $2,795 USD – FIRST CHILD SHARING THE ROOM WITH THEIR PARENTS
- Children (4-11 years old) $3,795 USD – SECOND CHILD SHARING THE ROOM WITH THE SAME PARENTS
- Children 12+ are treated as adults and must pay the adult fare.
- Lower age limit is 4 years old.
- To secure a reservation, initial deposit ($1,000) with a completed reservation form is required.
- 2nd payment ($1,000 USD) due August 1, 2024
- 3rd payment ($1,000 USD) due August 1, 2025
- 4th payment ($1,000 USD) due July 1, 2026
- 5th Payment ($1,000 USD) due January 15, 2027
- Final payment due May 15, 2027
Cancellations
- Cancellations made prior to July 28, 2026 are fully refundable.
- Cancellations must be made in writing by email or mail to Sirius Travel.
- If cancellations are made:
- 07/28/2026 – 03/29/2027 (364-120 days prior to travel):
65% of your payment to date is refunded. - 03/30/2027– 05/28/2027 (119-60 days prior to travel):
35% of your payment to date is refunded. - 05/29/2027 – 06/27/2027 (59-30 days prior to travel):
10% of your payment to date is refunded
- 07/28/2026 – 03/29/2027 (364-120 days prior to travel):
- There are no refunds after June 27, 2027
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Wednesday, July 28, 2027
Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Cairo!
We will meet you at Cairo International Airport and escort you to our hotel in Cairo in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At the hotel, you will be assisted with a smooth check-in. In the evening the tour will gather for a welcome dinner, introduce the guides, review the itinerary, and confirm pick-up times for each day. Overnight in Cairo.
Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo Hotel or similar
Day 2
Thursday, July 29, 2027
Pyramids Tour (B, L)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel in Cairo. Afterward, meet our personal guide who will accompany us to the Giza Plateau to visit the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus, the famous Sphinx, and Valley Temple facing the great statue. Before the city of Cairo ever existed, the pyramids at Giza were part of an older city’s (Memphis) legacy and civilization. The ancient city of Memphis was significant in the Old Kingdom (2686—2181 BC) of Ancient Egypt, and it was the home of the Egyptians who built the pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Cheops was considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The statue of the Great Sphinx is also one of the most famous structures in ancient Egyptian history and was built for the purpose of protecting the burial site of the kings in Giza.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we will proceed to visit the Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever built (Djoser Pyramid). Djoser was the 1st or 2nd king of the 3rd Dynasty and reigned long enough to allow the grandiose plan for his pyramid to be realized in his lifetime. He is best known for his innovative tomb, a step pyramid, which dominates the Sakkara landscape. The step pyramid is astounding in its departure from any previous architecture and it sets several important precedents, perhaps the most important of which is its status as the first monumental structure made of stone. Overnight in Cairo.
Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo Hotel or similar
Day 3
Friday, July 30, 2027
Flight to Aswan and Aswan Sightseeing (B, L, D)
Check out from the hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival in Aswan we will enjoy a day of sightseeing in this beautiful city starting with a visit to the massive Unfinished Obelisk, still resting on its side in the stone quarries of ancient Egypt. From there we will proceed to the beautiful Temple of Philae, devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After our visits, we will check in to our cruise and enjoy an appetizing dinner in the middle of the Nile surrounded by its beautiful waters.
Overnight aboard our cruise in Aswan.
Accommodation: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class.
Day 4
Saturday, July 31, 2027
Abu Simbel Tour by Land - Sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu (B, L, D)
Disembark early for our Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan. We will travel by a private air-conditioned coach to enjoy Abu Simbel whose main attraction is the great sun temple of Ramses II and the temple of queen Nefertari. Both temples were discovered in 1813 and were almost completely covered with sand and were moved in 1960 with the help of Egyptian government and UNESCO to avoid the rising waters of the Nile. Ramses II built the temple primarily to honor himself and inside there is a mural depicting his famous victory at the Kadesh battle where his army defeated his enemies. To the north of the Ramses temple is the Nefertari Temple. This temple was built by Ramses II for his favorite wife (among 200 wives and concubines), Queen Nefertari. After finishing the visit we will be escorted back to the cruise in Aswan and start sailing to your second stop of the day, Kom Ombo.
Touch down on the shores of Kom Ombo and walk through the town until we arrive at the unusual Kom Ombo temple with its two identical entrances, hypostyle halls, and sanctuaries. After our visit we will return to the cruise and continue on to Edfu. s the day comes to an end, enjoy a warm, delicious dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River. Overnight aboard your cruise in Edfu.
Accommodation: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class.
Day 5
Sunday, August 1, 2027
Edfu and Luxor (B, L, D)
Following a delicious breakfast, we will disembark in Edfu to visit one of the best-preserved temples of the Greco Roman era, that of Horus at Edfu. Enjoy a magnificent experience as we take a horse-drawn carriage ride back and forth to the temple and marvel at Upper Egypt’s local life. Pass through the slow-paced, rural life of the local farmers and fishermen. We will be immersed in the breathtaking lush, fertile landscape dotted with banana and date palm trees. After our visit we will return to the cruise and start sailing to our second stop of the day, Esna, where we will have some free time to explore. Returning to the ship once more, we will set sail for Luxor. As we travel along the Nile we will have an Eclipse Talk and Photography workshop to prepare for the eclipse the next day followed by a delicious dinner on board our cruise. Overnight aboard our cruise in Luxor.
Accommodation: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class.
Day 6
Monday, August 2, 2027
ECLIPSE DAY (B, L)
After breakfast we will check out of our cruise and set up to view the eclipse from Karnak Temple (note: this is if access is permitted – we have specifically requested access) which is ideally situated within the line of totality! We have buses on standby if there is a need to move and we will discuss the logistics of that with travelers during our pre-eclipse talk the night before. We realize that eclipses can be intensely personal events and for that reason no one is obligated to be in the confines of the group for their eclipse experience. We will arrange for an area where our guides and telescopes will be set up and people will be free to range from there.
We will provide all travelers with eclipse glasses to protect your eyes and allow you to safely enjoy the eclipse.
ECLIPSE TIMES:
- 1st contact: 08:39:59 UT (10:39:59 EGY)
- 2nd contact: 10:01:48 UT (12:01:48 EGY)
- totality duration: 6 min 21 sec
- 3rd contact: 10:08:09 UT (12:08:09 EGY)
- 4th contact: 11:26:16 UT (13:26:16 EGY)
During the New Kingdom, the Karnak Temple Complex was the center of the ancient faith while power was concentrated in Thebes (modern-day Luxor) and its importance is reflected in its enormous size. In addition to its religious significance, it also served as a treasury, administrative center, and palace for the New Kingdom pharaohs. It was constructed over a period of 1500 years, added to by generation after generation of pharaohs resulting in a collection of temples, sanctuaries, pylons, and decorations that is unparalleled throughout Egypt. While its height of importance was during the New Kingdom and during the reigns of famous pharaohs such as Hatshepsut, Tuthmose III, Seti I, and Ramesses II, construction continued into the Greco-Roman Period with the Ptolemies, Romans, and early Christians all leaving their mark there.
After the eclipse, we will enjoy lunch and then visit Luxor Temple, famous for being one of the best-preserved of all of the Egyptian ancient monuments. The temple was not built in adoration to a god or a god figure such as a king or pharaoh; rather, Luxor Temple was built in dedication to the rejuvenation of kingship. Many kings are believed to have been crowned at the Temple of Luxor, even Alexander the Great who claimed to be crowned at Luxor although it appears that he may have never traveled south of Memphis (modern Cairo). The temple contains numerous structures, statuaries, and relief carvings that are remarkably intact, making it one of the most impressive sites in all of Egypt. Following the temple, transfer to the hotel in Luxor to enjoy the rest of the day relaxing and celebrating a successful eclipse!
Accommodation: Jolie Ville Luxor Hotel or similar.
Day 7
Tuesday, August 3, 2027
West Bank Sightseeing and flight to Cairo (B, L, D)
Checking out of our hotel after breakfast, we will explore the West Bank of Luxor. We will visit the Royal Cemetery for 62 Pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings, and the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which was built by the architects of the New Kingdom during the 15th century BCE at Deir El-Bahari. We will finish the day marveling at the towering Colossi of Memnon. Following our visits on the West Bank, we will transfer to the Luxor Airport for our flight back to Cairo. We will be met at the airport in Cairo and transferred to our hotel for the night. Overnight in Cairo
Accommodation: Helnan Dream Cairo or similar.
Day 8
Wednesday, August 4, 2027
Cairo Sightseeing (B, L)
Following breakfast at the hotel in Cairo we will be escorted by a private tour guide to visit the Egyptian Museum. This museum contains the greatest collection of Ancient Egyptian archeological artifacts in the world. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Cairo. Following lunch we will visit Khan El Khalili Bazaar. The bazaar is loud, crowded, colorful, and exciting—full of all kinds of goods and shiny baubles. There is a spice market, a perfume market, gold vendors, and antique shops full of interesting pieces. There are fabric shops and carpet vendors. If you cannot find what you are looking for, do not hesitate to ask a vendor because there is a good chance they will know where to find it. Even if you are not looking to buy, taking a walk through the winding alleys of this labyrinthine district is fascinating. Overnight in Cairo.
Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo Hotel or similar
Day 9
Thursday, August 5, 2027
Farewell to Egypt! (B)
After breakfast, transfer from our hotel to the Cairo airport for your flight back home.
Included
- Astronomer / Scientist guides
- Local English-speaking tour guide and Egyptologist during your tours
- 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 Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo
- Abu Simbel by Land
- Eclipse viewing safety glasses
- Commemorative Eclipse T-shirt
- Bottled water during outings outside of hotel
- All ground transportation
- 4/5-star luxury accommodations
- 3 night cruise on the Nile river
- Admission fees to all sites specified on itinerary
- Meals: as described in itinerary
- Lectures: Pre-eclipse talk and other astronomy/science talks throughout the tour.
Not Included
- International Airfare
- Entry visa to Egypt
- Any optional tours
- Entrance fees to go inside any of the Pyramids or Tutankhamen’s Tomb at Valley of the Kings
- Airport transfers during the tour
- Items of a personal nature
- Alchoholic beverages (unless specifically included)
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
Other Information
Travel insurance is required. We recommend TravelGuard trip insurance (www.travelguard.com) and that all travelers purchase their insurance within 7 days of their initial reservation to take advantage of any pre-existing condition clause.
Sirius Travel passengers will be required to comply with all Egyptian recommendations and requirements in place at the time of travel.
Depending on your country of origin, visas may be required to enter Egypt. This site will assist you in getting an eVisa for travel to Egypt: https://www.egyptonlinevisa.com/
All travelers need a valid passport (not a passport card) to enter Egypt by air. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense. Attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may result in denied admission.
Review the Egyptian government’s most current entry requirements prior to travel.
Visa and passport fees are not included in the price of this trip. We recommend checking your passport expiration and make plans to renew before March, 2027 if necessary. We recommend reviewing the visa and passport requirements for travel to Egypt for your country of origin.
Routine vaccinations: Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Precautions should always be taken seriously and pre-trip education on what to eat or to avoid should be planned. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the visit the CDC site for the requirements and recommendations for travel to Egypt.
It is every traveler’s responsibility to consider all appropriate medical advice regarding whether or not they are fit to take this trip prior to booking their reservation. We recommend that all interested travelers check with their healthcare provider before signing on.
Children 3 and older are welcome on this tour but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are under 18. There is child pricing for this tour. Please note that most countries have very strict entry/exit requirements for minors (under the age of 18 years old), especially minors traveling with only one parent. Please review the requirements before choosing to travel with a minor.
This tour has a limited number of single rooms available. Most single travelers will be asked to room share. If you are traveling alone, you may save quite a bit of money by opting to share a room. We will match solo travelers of the same gender so that they can share a double occupancy room with two beds. We will do our best to match travelers but if we cannot find a match for you then you will be required to pay the single occupancy price if a single room is available.
When visiting the land of the Pharaohs, it is important to respect the customs and laws in Egypt. A predominantly Islamic country, the legal system is very different to that of western countries, as is the culture. International visitors should be aware of certain Egyptian laws and the legality of things that are often taken for granted in other countries, such as alcohol. Please visit this site for more information.