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.  Overnight in Cairo.

Accomodation: Helnan Dream Cairo or similar

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 similar

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: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class. 

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: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class. 

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: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class. 

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: Empress Nile Cruise or a smaller ship of similar class. 

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

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

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