Totality at Luxor
More than six minutes of corona, from a viewing site chosen for the day.
Luxor, Egypt
The 2027 Total Solar Eclipse in Egypt: Six Minutes of Darkness Over Luxor.
On 2 August 2027 the moon's shadow crosses the Nile Valley and settles over the greatest concentration of ancient monuments on earth. Totality lasts more than six minutes. Nothing longer happens on accessible land until 2114.
Eclipse Day
2 Aug 2027
Location
Luxor, Egypt
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Group Size
Max 25 Guests
Guides
Egyptologists and an Astrophysicist
One Group Departure Only. 29 July to 8 August 2027.
Why This Tour
Why you will never forget the 2027 eclipse in Egypt
Most eclipse chasers get two or three minutes.
The much celebrated 2024 eclipse over North America managed four and a half at its very best.
Luxor gets more than six, beneath a sun sitting almost directly overhead, in a valley where August cloud is close to unheard of.
We are running one group departure and no more, because accommodation on these dates is already scarce.
Eleven days, seven of them aboard a 5 star Nile cruise boat, with an astrophysicist lecturing in Cairo before you fly south and Egyptologist guides for everything after.
Small Groups
One departure only, minimum 10 and maximum 25
Egyptologists and an Astrophysicist
Dr Sarah Rugheimer lectures in Cairo, Egyptologists guide the rest
What You Will See
Totality over Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, and seven nights on the Nile
Cairo and the pyramids first, then a flight south to Luxor and the boat that carries you through the rest of it.
Giza and Saqqara
The Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, then Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Grand Egyptian Museum
The full Tutankhamun collection, displayed together for the first time.
Valley of the Kings
Painted tombs below the Theban cliffs, with Hatshepsut's temple and Medinat Habu.
Seven nights on the Nile
Luxor to Aswan and back aboard the 5 star Royal Vision.
Plus the unmissable moments
- An astronomy lecture from Dr Sarah Rugheimer in Cairo
- Certified eclipse glasses supplied to every traveller
- Luxor Temple after dark, lit against the night sky
- The Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin sanctuaries at Kom Ombo
- Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and a felucca sail
- Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo on the way home
The Tour
11 days. 10 nights. One afternoon that stops the clock.
Cairo to Cairo, 29 July to 8 August 2027. One group departure only. Three nights in Cairo and seven aboard a 5 star Nile cruise boat.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1
Cairo Meet and Greet
Met inside the airport with help through visa formalities and luggage, then transferred to your hotel with the rest of the day free.
Day 2
Pyramids, Sphinx and Saqqara
Giza in the morning, then Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Djoser, with Dr Sarah Rugheimer's astronomy lecture in the evening.
Day 3
Grand Egyptian Museum and the flight south
The full Tutankhamun collection, then a short flight to Luxor and aboard the Royal Vision, home for the next seven nights.
Day 4
The West Bank, and Luxor Temple by night
Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, Medinat Habu and the Colossi of Memnon, then Luxor Temple lit after dark.
Day 5
Eclipse day
Totality over Luxor, more than six minutes of it, then the boat sails south towards Edfu.
Day 6
Edfu and the sail to Aswan
The Temple of Horus in the morning, one of the best preserved in Egypt, then a slow day watching the river go past.
Day 7
Aswan
A felucca on the Nile, Philae Temple and the High Dam, with Abu Simbel available as an optional extra.
Day 8
Kom Ombo
The double temple of Sobek and Haroeris on the riverbank, then north again towards Luxor.
Day 9
Karnak
A free morning in Luxor, then the columns, sacred lake and reliefs of Karnak in the afternoon.
Day 10
Back to Cairo
Fly north from Luxor, then an afternoon in the alleyways of Khan el-Khalili.
Day 11
Farewell to Egypt
Free time in Cairo before your transfer to the airport.
The Royal Vision, home for seven nights between Luxor and Aswan.
Where You Stay
Three nights by the pyramids, seven on the river.
Cairo gives you a choice of two properties within reach of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum: the 3 star Pyramids GEM Plaza or the refurbished 4 star Pyramids Park Resort, each priced separately when you book. From day three you are aboard the Royal Vision, a 5 star Nile cruise boat, for seven nights between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are en suite and air conditioned, and upper deck and suite upgrades can be added. Demand over these dates is unlike anything Egypt has handled before, so equivalent properties may have to be substituted.
- A choice of 3 star or 4 star Cairo hotel, priced separately at booking
- Seven nights aboard the 5 star Royal Vision Nile cruise
- Upper deck and suite upgrades available on the boat
- Equivalent hotels or boats may be substituted given demand on these dates
Traveller Reviews
What travellers say about Egypt with Encounters Travel
Real reviews from Encounters Travel guests who have travelled the Nile Valley with us, as posted on TripAdvisor.
4.7 out of 5 from over 1,700 traveller reviews of Encounters Travel tours
Great week in Egypt
“We had such a fantastic vacation in Egypt. We could not have planned this ourselves, so many venues, all smoothly scheduled with all transfers arranged. From the pyramids to Luxor and the new amazing Grand Egyptian Museum, we always had a knowledgeable local certified guide who added immensely to our understanding. The Nile cruise boat was excellent as well, comfortable and fun.”
Living life seven hours ahead in Egypt
“Very organised from beginning to end. Emails by Mariska, the itinerary, transfers, hotel and food. Our guide was the best, professional, attentive, organised and funny. A great Egyptologist who knows his country and its history. From the temples, to the Valley of the Kings, to the felucca experience, to Karnak and Abu Simbel, this trip with Encounters will always be a memorable one.”
Trip of a lifetime
“What an amazing, well organised, once in a lifetime trip this was. We were greeted at the airport by Ahmed and delivered safely to our comfortable hotel. Two nights later we flew to Luxor for our cruise and were met at the airport by Tyeb, our amazing guide for the next four days. With these people at your side you get to see and learn so much while feeling safe.”
Beyond expectations
“This tour is perfect for a comprehensive introduction to the country and, most importantly, to all that will whet your appetite about Ancient Egypt. It covers all the cool monuments, plus the added experience of actually spending real quality time on the Nile. We felt extremely safe and well cared for in our relatively small group.”
8 day Egypt tour by Encounters Travel
“It was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. We were assigned an agent from the company by the name of Mariska Knoesen. She was very professional, proficient, and answered all of my questions and concerns in a timely fashion. Upon our arrival in Egypt we were greeted by a friendly team from Encounters Travel, who assisted us with visas and made exiting the airport easy.”
Touring in Egypt with Encounters
“I took my first tour group in my 60th year and it was fabulous. We were greeted at the airport and got our visas pretty quickly. Our guides gave us very thorough information on what to expect, where to go and safety, and stayed with us our entire trip. Our Egyptologist, Ayman Kenawy, was exceptional. His knowledge of ancient Egypt is remarkable.”
“I have sold a lot of Egypt over the years. I have never sold anything like this. One departure, one afternoon, and the next comparable eclipse is in 2114.”
Mariska Knoesen, Sales Manager at Encounters Travel
The eclipse day arrangements are still being finalised with the Egyptian authorities, and I would rather explain that properly than gloss over it. Call or email me and I will talk you through what is confirmed, what is not, and the payment schedule before you commit to anything.
Karnak, under a sun that is about to go out.
Practical Details
Everything you need to know.
- Event
- Total solar eclipse over Luxor, 2 August 2027
- Tour
- Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C)
- Departure
- 29 July to 8 August 2027, one group departure only
- Duration
- 11 days and 10 nights
- Start and End
- Cairo to Cairo
- Group Size
- Small group, minimum 10 and maximum 25
- Accommodation
- 3 or 4 star Cairo hotel and a 5 star Nile cruise boat
- Region
- Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan
About the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse
The mechanics behind the 2027 eclipse, and why Luxor is where everyone is going.
The Science
A large moon, a small sun, and a shadow moving slowly enough to linger.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes exactly between earth and sun and covers the disc completely. How long totality lasts comes down to two things: how large the moon appears from the ground, and how fast its shadow travels across the surface.
On 2 August 2027 the moon is near the closest point of its orbit and looks unusually large, while the earth is near its furthest point from the sun, which makes the sun look unusually small. The shadow also falls close to the equator, where it sweeps across the ground more slowly.
The result is a band of totality roughly 250km wide, running from the Atlantic across southern Spain and North Africa to the Red Sea and beyond. Near Luxor it delivers more than six minutes of darkness. Nothing longer occurs on accessible land until 2114.
2 Aug 2027
a Monday, with totality in the early afternoon
6 minutes +
of totality near Luxor
Why Luxor
Duration, weather and three thousand years of sun worship in the same place.
☀
Almost the longest totality on the path
Maximum duration falls roughly 60km southeast of Luxor. The city itself sits within a few seconds of the theoretical peak, and well ahead of anywhere else along the track.
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The weather is about as reliable as it gets
August in the Nile Valley sits under subtropical high pressure and cloud is rare, which is why Egypt draws eclipse chasers ahead of the European end of the path. Dust and haze are still possible.
★
The sun will be almost overhead
At around 82 degrees, totality happens close to straight up. Plan to lie back and look up rather than crane your neck for six minutes.
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It will be extremely hot
Early August in Luxor regularly passes 40 degrees. Water, a hat, sunscreen and shade matter, and a packed lunch is provided on the day.
Good To Know
Your 2027 eclipse questions, answered
Where exactly will we watch the eclipse from?
That is still being finalised with the Egyptian authorities and will be confirmed closer to departure. The current preferred option is the sun deck of the cruise boat, with the grounds of Karnak or hotel gardens as alternatives. Whichever site is used, you are in Luxor for totality with certified eclipse glasses supplied and a packed lunch provided on the day.
How long will totality actually last?
More than six minutes near Luxor. The exact figure changes by a few seconds depending on where you stand, because maximum duration falls roughly 60km southeast of the city. Nothing longer occurs on accessible land until 2114.
Do I need my own eclipse glasses?
No. Certified eclipse viewing glasses are supplied to every traveller as part of the tour. If you want to bring your own solar filter for a camera or binoculars, please make sure it is certified for direct solar viewing.
How hot will it be in Luxor in early August?
Very hot. Early August in the Nile Valley regularly passes 40 degrees. Bring a wide brimmed hat, high factor sunscreen, loose light clothing and more water than you think you need. Sightseeing is scheduled early where possible, and there is shade and air conditioning aboard the boat.
What is the payment schedule and deposit?
The payment schedule for this departure is being restated, so please speak to Mariska before booking rather than working from an older figure. She will confirm the deposit, the interim payments and the balance date in writing before you commit to anything.
What is not included in the price?
International flights, your Egyptian visa and compulsory travel insurance are not included. Two costs are payable locally: entrance fees of roughly US$141 and a tipping kitty of roughly US$110. Abu Simbel on day 7 is an optional extra.
How many people will be on the tour?
This is a small group departure, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 travellers. There is one group departure only on these dates and no second date will be added, because accommodation across the eclipse window is already scarce.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities need a visa for Egypt. It is not included in the tour price, but you are met inside Cairo airport on arrival and helped through visa formalities and luggage collection. Your passport needs at least six months validity beyond your travel dates.
Can I add Abu Simbel or extend the trip?
Yes. Abu Simbel is available as an optional extra on day 7 from Aswan. Encounters Travel also runs Jordan extensions after this tour, including the Perseid meteor shower in mid August. Ask Mariska and she will put the options together for you.
Is this suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers join Encounters Travel departures regularly. Cabins on the Royal Vision are en suite and air conditioned, and upper deck and suite upgrades can be added. Speak to Mariska about room share or a single supplement.
Still have a question? Our travel specialists are happy to help.