2027 Eclipse trip to Egypt

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)

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)

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 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). 

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

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 toward Aswan.

Due to the weather conditions at this time of year, we will stay on the ship during the heat of the day and enjoy the view of Nile life as we gently move along the river. On days like this we will have scheduled talks in the common area for those interested. 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 

Enjoy another delicious breakfast on the cruise before disembarking in the vibrant city of Aswan. We will then visit the beautiful Temple of Philae, an island-based temple complex located in the reservoir of the Aswan Low Dam, just downstream of the Aswan Dam. The complex is dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor.

With the construction of the modern Aswan High Dam (1960–1970), the original island of Philae was threatened with complete flooding. Due to its importance—once known as the “Pearl of the Nile”—UNESCO member countries committed to saving the monuments. The project required dismantling ninety-five structures and reconstructing them on a nearby, higher island, 12.4 meters above the original site. This extensive operation took place from 1977 to 1980.

After exploring Philae, we will visit the Aswan Spice Market (Souk), a vibrant traditional bazaar known for its historic role in the spice trade. Here you’ll find an array of spices (including the chance to purchase Persian saffron), herbs such as hibiscus, cumin, and chamomile, as well as textiles, Nubian crafts, and unique souvenirs.

We then return to the cruise for an appetizing dinner on board. Enjoy an overnight stay aboard your cruise in Aswan.

Accommodation: Cruise ship. 

Today travelers will have 2 options:  A day trip to Abu Simbel or remain in Aswan and visit the Nubian museum.

ABU SIMBEL DAY TRIP: For those selecting this option we will disembark early (3:00 am) from the cruise for a day trip to Abu Simbel. Traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, we will journey south to the renowned archaeological site whose main attractions are the Great Sun Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Queen Nefertari. Discovered in 1813, both temples were largely buried in sand until their excavation and subsequent relocation in 1960. In a remarkable engineering effort led by the Egyptian government and UNESCO, the temples were moved to higher ground to protect them from the rising waters of the Nile.

Ramses II built his magnificent temple primarily to honor himself, and inside you will find detailed reliefs, including a famous mural depicting his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. Just north of his temple stands the Temple of Nefertari, dedicated to Ramses II’s beloved wife—his favorite among more than 200 wives and concubines.

After completing our visit, we will return to Aswan in our private, air-conditioned vehicle.

NUBIAN MUSEUM: People selecting this option will have breakfast as usual on board the ship before disembarking to visit the museum. The Nubian Museum was established following UNESCO’s 1960 campaign to save ancient Nubian monuments threatened by rising Nile waters. Planning began in the early 1980s, led by experts from the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Egyptian universities, and UNESCO. The museum now spans three floors and displays thousands of artifacts that trace the geographical, social, and cultural history of Egyptian and Nubian civilizations.

The surrounding garden serves as an open-air museum, featuring part of a Fatimid cemetery, a cave with prehistoric rock inscriptions, and a symbolic waterway representing the Nile. It also includes a reconstruction of a traditional Nubian house, offering insight into daily life in ancient Nubia.

Following both options you will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo (approximately a 1-hour flight). Overnight in Cairo.

Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo Hotel or similar

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

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