Nile Total Solar Eclipse Journey

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and assisted before enjoying a private transfer to your hotel. Check in and settle in for a comfortable overnight stay, ready for the adventure ahead.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Novotel Cairo or similar

After breakfast, begin your full-day tour with an expert Egyptologist, exploring the Giza Plateau and its iconic ancient wonders. Discover the Great Pyramid of Khufu, along with the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, before taking in spectacular views from the panoramic viewpoint. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire the enigmatic Great Sphinx. 

Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, a landmark project that took Egypt over ten years to complete and home to an impressive collection of Pharaonic treasures, including the magnificent artefacts of Tutankhamun. 

Later, head into historic Cairo to explore the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can browse the traditional shops and soak up the atmosphere of this famous marketplace.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Novotel Cairo or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today is dedicated to exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum before continuing your journey into Upper Egypt. Later, transfer to the railway station in Cairo and board the overnight sleeper train to Sohag. 

Arriving at approximately 2:00 AM, you will be met and transferred to your floating hotel, with check-in expected around 3:00 AM. Settle in for a well-earned rest before continuing your Egyptian adventure.

ACCOMMODATION: Abela Elite Sleeper Train, and MS Coral I, Sohag or similar 

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Following your late-night arrival in Sohag, the morning is deliberately free to relax and catch up on some well-earned rest. Later, transfer to our specially arranged viewing location for the Total Solar Eclipse on 2 August 2027. 

Sohag is expected to welcome far fewer international eclipse travellers than Luxor, offering the opportunity to experience this extraordinary event in a more exclusive and relaxed setting.

ACCOMMODATION: MS Coral I, Sohag or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today, set out on a full-day exploration from Sohag into the heart of Upper Egypt. Begin in Abydos, one of the most sacred cities of Ancient Egypt, where you’ll discover the magnificent Temple of Seti I and its famous Abydos King List, an important record of Egypt’s ancient rulers.

Continue to Dendera to visit the spectacular Temple of Hathor, renowned for its beautifully preserved reliefs and remarkable astronomical ceiling.

After a fascinating day uncovering some of Upper Egypt’s lesser-known treasures, return to your floating hotel in Sohag for a relaxing evening onboard.

ACCOMMODATION: MS Coral I, Sohag or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today, travel north to Tell el-Amarna, the ancient royal capital established by Pharaoh Akhenaten. Explore the fascinating remains of the Amarna Period and discover more about this unique chapter in Ancient Egyptian history.

Continue to Jabal al-Tayr Monastery, an important Christian heritage site in Middle Egypt, before returning to your floating hotel in Sohag for a relaxing evening.

ACCOMMODATION: MS Coral I, Sohag or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Today, visit the historic White Monastery and Red Monastery, two outstanding monuments of Egypt’s early Christian and Coptic heritage. Take time to discover these fascinating sites before returning to your floating hotel in Sohag.

Enjoy some free time to relax onboard before transferring to Sohag Railway Station for your journey south to Aswan.

ACCOMMODATION: Abela Elite Sleeper Train

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Arrive in Aswan and transfer to the Q Nile Cruise, where you’ll embark and settle into your cabin. As the ship begins its relaxing journey north along the Nile towards Luxor, enjoy lunch onboard while sailing towards Kom Ombo.

Take in the peaceful scenery of the Nile Valley as you settle into life on the river and begin the next chapter of your Egyptian adventure.

ACCOMMODATION: Q Nile Cruise or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Continue your journey along the Nile, with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. After exploring this impressive site, return onboard and enjoy more time sailing along the Nile.

Continue onwards to Esna, where you’ll visit the Temple of Khnum, dedicated to the ancient ram-headed god associated with the Nile’s annual flood. Return to the cruise and relax as your journey towards Luxor continues.

ACCOMMODATION: Q Nile Cruise or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing along the Nile as you make your way towards Luxor, taking in the timeless scenery of the river and its surrounding landscapes. 

On arrival in Luxor, discover two of the city’s most impressive ancient landmarks. Visit the vast Karnak Temple complex, one of the largest and most remarkable religious sites of the ancient world, where towering columns, monumental gateways and intricate carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s past.

Continue to the magnificent Luxor Temple, where towering columns and ancient monuments offer a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s rich history. Situated on the banks of the Nile, Luxor Temple provides a memorable introduction to a city often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum.

ACCOMMODATION: Q Nile Cruise or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today, cross the Nile to explore the legendary West Bank of Luxor, home to some of Ancient Egypt’s most fascinating and atmospheric monuments.

Visit the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of Egypt’s mighty pharaohs were carved deep into the desert cliffs. Continue to the magnificent Temple of Hatshepsut, an extraordinary monument dedicated to one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers, dramatically set against the surrounding limestone cliffs. 

Finally, pause at the towering Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that have stood watch over the ancient Theban necropolis for thousands of years. 

Your accommodation for tonight will be at a hotel in Luxor, where you can relax and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Please note: 

Your visit to the Valley of the Kings includes access to the following tombs (subject to site regulations on the day) - Ramesses VII, Ramesses III, Merneptah, Ramesses IV, Ramesses IX, Ramesses I, Siptah, Tausret. Access to the following tombs is not included in the standard ticket and can be added at an additional cost: Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramesses VI

ACCOMMODATION: 4* hotel in Luxor

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Luxor, with time at leisure to unwind and make the most of your last moments along the Nile. Later, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

On arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel and settle in for your final evening in Egypt. Take the opportunity to relax or enjoy some last-minute exploration of this fascinating city before your journey comes to an end.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Novotel Cairo or similar

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight back to the UK. 

As your Egyptian adventure comes to an end, take home unforgettable memories of ancient temples and pharaohs, the timeless waters of the Nile, and the extraordinary experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse in the heart of Egypt.

MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast

Eclipse glasses are not included in your tour package. We recommend bringing your own pair of certified solar eclipse glasses to safely enjoy this rare celestial event.

Looking directly at the sun - even during a partial eclipse - can cause serious and permanent eye damage, including retinal burns. Only ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses provide the proper protection to safely view the eclipse.

To secure your place on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, the full balance is required at the time of booking.

We understand that flexibility is important when planning a special trip.

Until 4th February 2027, you will receive a 70% refund if you need to cancel.

From 5th February 2027 to 4th March 2027, you will receive a 40% refund if you need to cancel.

From 5th March 2027, the holiday become non-refundable, as final preparations for this exclusive experience will be underway.

We recommend securing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment and provide peace of mind.

For all guided excursions on this trip, the maximum group size will be 35 people to ensure a comfortable and personalized experience. Please note that while on the Nile cruise, the number of guests on board will naturally be higher, but excursions and activities off the boat will adhere to this maximum limit.

British passport holders require a visa for travel to Egypt.

You can apply online for an e-visa, which is valid for up to 3 months, or you can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport before immigration. Please note that your passport should also be valid for at least 6 months from arrival into Egypt. Please check the FCDO website for more information.

Please note that there are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Egypt. However, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic before you travel to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date and to receive any personalised health advice.

Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk,www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Tipping is customary on Nile cruises and is an important part of the local tourism industry. Most cruise operators, including ours, operate a pooled gratuity system, where guests leave a contribution at reception at the end of the cruise that is shared amongst the onboard crew.

As a guide, we recommend allowing approximately US$5 per person, per night for cruise staff, with additional gratuities for the Tour Guide at your discretion, given directly to the guide.

Throughout the itinerary, there will be some stops at local shops. If you’d prefer not to participate, please let your guide know. While these shops may be slightly more expensive, they offer the reassurance of guaranteed returns, even after you’ve returned home.

This tour is suitable for most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It includes activities such as climbing steep stairs, walking on uneven ground during excursions, and getting on and off coaches, vehicles, and boats.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but USD is widely accepted. We recommend exchanging some currency before leaving the UK for convenience. However, cash machines are readily available in all major cities, allowing you to withdraw money in the local currency if needed.