Nile Total Solar Eclipse Odyssey

Upon arrival in Cairo you will be transferred to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, preparing for the adventure ahead. 

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Novotel Cairo or similar

Today, after breakfast, you will begin your adventure with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum – a landmark project that took Egypt over ten years to complete. It houses the largest collection of Pharaonic treasures in the world, including the magnificent artefacts of Tutankhamun. 

Later, you will head to the Giza Plateau to enjoy lunch with spectacular views of the iconic Pyramids. Afterwards, explore the Pyramids themselves and admire the enigmatic Sphinx.

In the evening, you will transfer to the railway station to board the overnight Egyptian sleeper train to Aswan. Dinner will be served in your cabin, airline-style, as you travel south along the Nile Valley.

ACCOMMODATION: Overnight train from Cairo to Aswan
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Upon arrival in Aswan, begin exploring the city’s highlights, including Philae Temple, the High Dam, and the Unfinished Obelisk.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing felucca sailing experience on the Nile before you check into your Nubian hotel for dinner and an overnight at the Nubian Village.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Gloria Aqua Park Hotel, Aswan or similar 
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner

For an unforgettable experience, join an optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel (at an additional cost) before continuing your Nile voyage. With its colossal statues and magnificent rock-cut temples, this extraordinary site is widely regarded as one of Egypt's finest treasures. Savour lunch while sailing past the lush green landscapes lining both banks of the river, observing local farmers and children enjoying the refreshing waters of the Nile. Relax onboard and unwind in the jacuzzi on the sundeck. 

Later, visit the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely located on the riverbank and dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Continue sailing towards Edfu for your overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION: Q Nile Cruiser or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Edfu, dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god of protection and kingship in ancient Egyptian mythology. After exploring this magnificent riverside temple, continue sailing south through the Esna Lock and along the timeless waters of the Nile towards Luxor.

Arrive in Luxor and spend your first memorable night in the heart of ancient Thebes. As the sun sets over the Nile, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic city, where ancient temples and timeless landscapes create an unforgettable setting.

ACCOMMODATION: Q Nile Cruiser or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Start your day early with a visit to Luxor’s legendary West Bank before the heat of the day sets in. Explore the fascinating Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the impressive Colossi of Memnon. Return to the cruise for lunch and time to relax onboard. In the evening, experience the magical atmosphere of Luxor Temple beautifully illuminated under the night sky.

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: Q Nile Cruiser or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

As early as 5:00, begin your visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple before the heat of the day rises, then return to your Nile cruise for one of the most extraordinary experiences of your journey as you witness the breathtaking total solar eclipse from the sundeck of your Nile cruise.

Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional open-air BBQ experience (at an additional cost), set in a stunning green field location. Shuttle transfers are included, and the site offers comfortable seating with umbrellas, refreshments, and a unique viewing setup for this extraordinary event.

In the afternoon, transfer to Luxor Railway Station to board the sleeper train to Cairo. Relax and enjoy the unique experience of rail travel through Egypt while dinner and breakfast are served onboard the train.

ACCOMMODATION: Overnight train from Luxor to Cairo
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Arrive early morning in Cairo and transfer to Khan El Khalili for a unique early morning visit to the historic bazaar. Enjoy a traditional Egyptian breakfast at a local café while experiencing the quiet and authentic atmosphere before the crowds begin to fill the streets. Wander through the beautiful Islamic alleys and enjoy relaxed shopping without the usual bustle, discovering a different side of Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili rarely experienced by visitors.

Afterwards, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to relax. 

In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner aboard a private Nile dahabiya, an elegant sailing experience through the illuminated skyline of Cairo at night. Return to the hotel for your overnight stay.

ACCOMMODATION: 4* Novotel Cairo or similar
MEALS INCLUDED: Breakfast, dinner

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight back home to the UK. As you leave Egypt behind, carry with you not just souvenirs but a lifetime of memories – from standing in awe beneath the shadow of the total solar eclipse, to wandering among temples that have stood for millennia, to sailing the timeless waters of the Nile.

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. 

25% of the value of your holiday secures your spot and is non refundable.

From 15th January to 28th February 2027, you will receive a 50% refund if you need to cancel.

From 1st 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.

The Ultimate Eclipse Experience is an optional open-air eclipse viewing barbecue. Guests will enjoy a specially arranged greenfield setting with chairs and umbrellas for comfort, along with refreshments and a barbecue lunch. This provides a relaxed and scenic way to watch the eclipse while enjoying good food and company.

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 guides at your discretion.

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.