2027 Eclipse trip to Egypt

Cairo & Luxor, Egypt | July 30 - August 8, 2027

SOLD OUT - Waiting List Only

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 approximately every 20 passengers. All of our astronomer/scientist 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.

Activity Level:

Moderate

Location:

Cairo and Luxor, Egypt

Duration:

10 days / 9 nights

July 30 - August 8, 2027

Trip Highlights

  • Eclipse viewing from Luxor, Egypt on August 2, 2027
  • Experienced Astronomer guides
  • 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
  • 4 night luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan
  • All sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel as described in the itinerary
Begins

Eclipse begins

August 2, 2027

08:39 UT (10:39 local)

1st contact

Totality

Totality happens

August 2, 2027

10:01:48 – 10:08:09 UT (12:01:48 – 12:08:09 local)

6 minutes 20 seconds

Begins

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 - Flight to Luxor

Day 3: Luxor Temple visit

Day 4: ECLIPSE DAY! Enjoy the eclipse from Luxor, then embark on a Nile Cruise

Day 5: West Bank Sightseeing - Royal Cemetery, the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon.

Day 6: Sail to Edfu. Visit the Temple of Edfu, Kom Ombo, Temple of Kom Ombo

Day 7: Sail to Aswan, Aswan Sightseeing - Unfinished Obelisk, Temple of Philae

Day 8: Abu Simbel Tour by Land - Fly from Aswan to Cairo

Day 9: Cairo Sightseeing - Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Day 10: Flight home

Pricing and Terms

Payment

  • Price based on double occupancy
  • Single supplement: N/A
  • Children (4-11 years old) CHILD SHARING ROOM WITH THEIR 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 May 1, 2024
  • 3rd payment ($1,000 USD) due May 1, 2025
  • 4th payment ($1,000 USD) due May 1, 2026
  • 5th Payment ($1,000 USD) Due November 1, 2026
  • Final payment due May 1, 2027

Cancellations

  • Cancellations made prior to July 30, 2026 are fully refundable.
  • Cancellations must be made in writing by email or mail to Sirius Travel.
  • If cancellations are made:
    • 07/30/2026 – 03/31/2027 (364-120 days prior to travel):
      65% of your payment to date is refunded.
    • 04/01/2027– 05/30/2027 (119-60 days prior to travel):
      35% of your payment to date is refunded.
    • 05/31/2027 – 06/29/2027 (59-30 days prior to travel):
      10% of your payment to date is refunded
  • There are no refunds after June 29, 2027

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Friday, July 30, 2027

Arrive Cairo

Giza Necropolis

Welcome to Cairo!

We will meet you at Cairo International Airport and escort you to your 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 to introduce you to the guides, review your vacation itinerary, and confirm pick-up times for each day.  Overnight in Cairo.

Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo or similar

Day 2

Saturday, July 31, 2027

Pyramids Tour - flight to Luxor (B, L)

The Great Pyramid & Sphinx, Cairo, Egypt by RussellHarryLee is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Tomb, Valley of the Kings, Egypt by Shelby PDX is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography CC BY-SA 3.0

Enjoy breakfast at your 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 hometown 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. It was built for the purpose of protecting the burial site of the kings in Giza.

After lunch at a local restaurant, 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.  In the evening catch your flight to uxor.  Overnight in Luxor.

Accomodation: Jolie Ville Luxor Hotel or Cruise ship (depends on your group)

Day 3

Sunday, August 1, 2027

Fly from Cairo to Luxor - Luxor Temple (B, L)

"Luxor Temple - Thanks for 1,400+ views and 750+ comments" by Renate Dodell is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Checking out from the hotel early, transfer to Cairo Airport for the flight to Luxor (flight time is approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival we will 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 to check in. In the evening enjoy a pre-eclipse lecture and an eclipse photography workshop. Overnight in Luxor.

Accomodation: Jolie Ville Luxor Hotel or Cruise ship (depends on your group)

Day 4

Monday, August 2, 2027

ECLIPSE DAY (B, L, D)

2017 Wyoming Eclipse
Luxor Eclipse Partial
Karnak
Exterior
Pool Side 202191311

After breakfast we will 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 diagram

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 embark on our Nile cruise and enjoy the rest of the day to truly relax and celebrate a successful eclipse viewing!

Accommodation: Cruise ship (varies by group). 

Day 5

Tuesday, August 3, 2027

West Bank Sightseeing (B, L, D)

Egypt-3B-008 - Hatshepsut’s Obelisk" by archer10 (Dennis) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Enjoy breakfast on board the cruise surrounded by the calm waters of the Nile and then head out to explore the West Bank of Luxor. 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. Finish the day as marveling at the towering Colossi of Memnon. After finishing our visits on the West Bank, we return to our cruise and sail to Edfu while enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Relax for the rest of the day as we sail and take advantage of the amazing facilities on the cruise; enjoy some afternoon tea, get a massage, de-stress in the Jacuzzi. End the day with an appetizing dinner on board. Overnight aboard the cruise in Edfu.

Accommodation: Cruise ship

Day 6

Wednesday, August 4, 2027

Edfu and Kom Ombo (B, L, D)

Edfu Hieroglyphics
Hazy sunset, Cairo suburb, Egypt

Enjoy a mouth-watering breakfast on board our cruise as we sail to Edfu. Upon arrival, head out and visit Edfu Temple, 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 areas of the local farmers and fishermen. We will immerse ourselves in the breathtakingly lush, fertile landscape dotted with banana and date palm trees. After our visit we will head back to the cruise and start sailing to our 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 head back to the cruise and enjoy an appetizing lunch while sailing to Aswan. As the day comes to an end, enjoy a warm, delicious dinner surrounded by the calm, serene water of the Nile River. Overnight aboard our cruise in Aswan.

Accommodation: Cruise ship 

Day 7

Thursday, August 5, 2027

Aswan Sightseeing (B, L, D)

Philae

Enjoy yet another delicious breakfast on board as we sail to the colorful city of Aswan. Upon arrival, head out for 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. After, we will go on to the beautiful Temple of Philae, devoted to the two goddesses Isis and Hathor. Following our visits, we will head back to the cruise and enjoy an appetizing dinner in the middle of the Nile surrounded by its beautiful waters.
Overnight aboard your cruise in Aswan.

Accommodation: Cruise ship. 

Day 8

Friday, August 6, 2027

Abu Simbel Tour by Land - Fly to Cairo from Aswan (B, L)

Temple de Nefertari, Abu Simbel
Camel caravan shadow

We will disembark early from the cruise for our Abu Simbel Day Trip from Aswan. We will travel by a private air-conditioned vehicle to 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 then 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. On 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 Aswan in our private air-conditioned vehicles. Transfer to Aswan Airport for departure to Cairo (flight time is approximately 1 hour). Overnight in Cairo.

Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo Hotel or similar

Day 9

Saturday, August 7, 2027

Cairo Sightseeing (B, L)

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Breakfast at the hotel in Cairo before being escorted by our private tour guide to visit the Egyptian Museum. Inside the museum is 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 10

Sunday, August 8, 2027

Farewell to Egypt! (B)

Jet Airplane Landing At Sunset

After breakfast, we will transfer from the hotel to the Cairo airport for our flights 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
  • 4 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.

We are sold out at this time. As cancellations happen we will reach out to the waitlist to fill any spaces that become available. Please add your name to our waitlist if you wish to be contacted about an opening.

  • Please add me to the waitlist to be notified if a space opens up on the 2027 eclipse trip to Egypt.