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Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C) Tour

This classic tour introduces you to the main sites of Egypt whilst witnessing the Great Luxor Solar Eclipse; a truly once in a life time experience!

Trip Highlights 7 featured moments
2027 total solar eclipse
Iconic Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza
Egyptian museum
5-star cruise down the Nile visiting Karnak & Luxor temples
the Valley of the Kings
Queen Hatchepsut
Medinat Habu & Philae Temples and Felucca Sailboat experience

Itinerary

This classic tour introduces you to the main sites of Egypt whilst witnessing the Great Luxor Solar Eclipse; a truly onc...

DAY 1 Cairo Meet & Greet
DAY 2 Pyramids, Sphinx & Ancien...
DAY 3 Unveiling Egypt’s Past at...
DAY 4 West Bank Wonders, free a...
DAY 5 Standing in the Shadow of...
DAY 6 Horus’ Temple & A Nile Jo...
DAY 7 Aswan’s Temples and the N...
DAY 8 Sailing the Nile to Kom O...
DAY 9 A Free Morning in Luxor &...
DAY 10 Cairo’s Bazaar Life Uncov...
DAY 11 Farewell to Egypt
DAY 1

Cairo Meet & Greet

Day 1 Meals TBC
Begin your Egyptian adventure with a smooth arrival in Cairo. Our team will meet you at the airport for assistance with visas and luggage, followed by a comfortable transfer to your city hotel. Spend the rest of the day enjoying free time to unwind or explore the lively cafés and bustling streets of Egypt’s capital.

Activities

  • Cairo International Airport Arrival at Cairo International Airport with meet & assist for visa and luggage handling.
  • Cairo Airport to City Hotel Enjoy a comfortable transfer from Cairo International Airport to your city hotel. Sit back and take in your first glimpses of Egypt’s bustling capital as you travel through its lively streets.
  • Cairo Enjoy some leisure time in Cairo to relax, explore local cafés, or take in the city’s vibrant streets before continuing your journey.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single Room Supplement - (GEM Plaza)
Single Room Supplement - (Pyramids Park)
Cairo Meet & Greet
DAY 2

Pyramids, Sphinx & Ancient Memphis

Day 2 Breakfast
Start your day on the Giza Plateau, marvelling at the Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx that has watched over them for millennia. Then travel south to Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, to admire the colossal statue of Ramses II before ending at Saqqara, home to the pioneering Step Pyramid of Djoser, a masterpiece that laid the foundations for all pyramids to come.

Activities

  • Great Pyramids of Giza Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Learn about its construction and the pharaohs who built these monumental tombs that have stood for over 4,000 years.
  • Great Sphinx of Giza Marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, guarding the plateau with its lion’s body and human face. This ancient monument is one of Egypt’s most enduring symbols, shrouded in mystery and legend.
  • Memphis Explore the ancient city of Memphis, once the capital of Old Kingdom Egypt. Visit the open-air museum to see the remarkable statue of Ramses II and other artefacts that showcase the grandeur of Egypt’s earliest dynasties.
  • Step Pyramid Discover Saqqara, home to Egypt’s first pyramid, the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. This ancient necropolis marks a major innovation in architecture and provides fascinating insight into the early evolution of Egypt’s royal tombs.
Pyramids, Sphinx & Ancient Memphis
DAY 3

Unveiling Egypt’s Past at the GEM, and fly to Luxor

Day 3 Breakfast,Dinner
Step into the Grand Egyptian Museum and journey through thousands of years of Pharaonic history, from monumental statues to the full Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time. After exploring Egypt’s most advanced archaeological showcase, fly south to Luxor, the gateway to the ancient world, and settle into your Nile cruise. As evening falls on the river, unwind on board and prepare for the extraordinary temples and tombs awaiting you in the days ahead.

Activities

  • Grand Egyptian Museum Explore the world-renowned Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to one of the greatest collections of ancient artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Your visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s royal past.
  • Cairo → Luxor Take a short flight from Cairo to Luxor, journeying from Egypt’s modern capital to its ancient heart. Enjoy sweeping views of the desert and the Nile as you travel to the city of temples, tombs, and timeless history.
  • Luxor Upon arrival in Luxor, board your Nile cruise and settle into your cabin. This will be your base for the next several nights as you explore the temples and tombs of ancient Thebes along the river.
Unveiling Egypt’s Past at the GEM, and fly to Luxor
DAY 4

West Bank Wonders, free afternoon & Luxor Temple by Night

Day 4 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Explore Luxor’s West Bank, beginning with the towering Colossi of Memnon before continuing to the Valley of the Kings, where richly decorated tombs reveal the stories of Egypt’s pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Visit the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built into the cliffs, then continue to Medinat Habu, known for its detailed hieroglyphics and scenes of ancient Egyptian life. The afternoon is free to explore Luxor independently. In the evening, enjoy a guided visit to Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated after dark, as your guide brings its long history and religious significance to life.

Activities

  • Valley of the Kings Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, burial site of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Step inside beautifully painted tombs that reveal stories of the afterlife and royal power.
  • Temple of Hatshepsut Admire the stunning mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable female rulers. Set beneath dramatic cliffs, its elegant terraces celebrate her reign and divine legacy.
  • Medinat Habu Explore Medinat Habu, the magnificent mortuary temple of Ramses III. Its towering gateways, vivid wall carvings, and detailed reliefs offer an extraordinary glimpse into Egypt’s New Kingdom art and royal legacy.
  • Colossi of Memnon Marvel at the towering Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have watched over the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years. A breathtaking photo stop amid Luxor’s open-air history.
  • Luxor Temple at Night Explore the magnificent Luxor Temple under the night sky, when its ancient columns and hieroglyphs are bathed in golden light. The illuminated complex creates a magical atmosphere that brings Egypt’s history vividly to life.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Hot air balloon in Luxor
West Bank Wonders, free afternoon & Luxor Temple by Night
DAY 5

Standing in the Shadow of the Sun

Day 5 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Experience one of Earth’s rarest natural spectacles as Luxor becomes the stage for an extraordinary total solar eclipse lasting over six unforgettable minutes. Watch daylight fade, feel the air cool, and witness the Sun’s shimmering corona blaze into view during totality, a moment of pure cosmic awe. Afterwards, return to the Nile and sail south toward Edfu, carrying the memory of a celestial event that few will ever see in their lifetime.

Activities

  • Eclipse Viewing Luxor Witness an extraordinary total solar eclipse from a specially selected viewing site near Luxor. Experience the dramatic shift in light, temperature, and atmosphere as the Sun’s corona appears during more than six minutes of totality, one of the longest durations of the 2027 eclipse.
  • Luxor → Edfu Embark on a relaxing Nile cruise from Luxor to Edfu. Enjoy the serene pace of river travel as you pass ancient temples, lush palm groves, and small riverside villages that reflect the timeless beauty of Egypt’s heartland.
Standing in the Shadow of the Sun
DAY 6

Horus’ Temple & A Nile Journey to Aswan

Day 6 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Step inside the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved sanctuaries, where towering walls and detailed reliefs celebrate the stories of Horus. After exploring this ancient masterpiece, settle back on your Nile cruise as the river carries you south toward Aswan, drifting past palm groves, quiet villages, and timeless scenes of life along the water’s edge.

Activities

  • Temple of Edfu Explore the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, its towering columns and hieroglyphs offer a vivid glimpse into Ptolemaic-era craftsmanship.
  • Edfu → Aswan Continue your relaxing cruise south along the Nile towards Aswan. Enjoy timeless views of riverside villages, palm groves, and traditional felucca boats as life along the Nile unfolds at an unhurried pace.
Horus’ Temple & A Nile Journey to Aswan
DAY 7

Aswan’s Temples and the Nile

Day 7 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Begin the day with an optional sunrise journey to the magnificent Abu Simbel, where colossal statues of Ramses II glow in the morning light. Alternatively, relax aboard a traditional felucca with a sail around Aswan's islands. In the afternoon, visit the graceful Philae Temple dedicated to Isis, and end with a tour of the mighty Aswan High Dam, a modern wonder that forever changed the flow of Egypt’s legendary river.

Activities

  • Aswan Step aboard a traditional felucca and experience the timeless charm of sailing on the Nile. Glide peacefully past palm-lined banks, islands, and riverside villages as the gentle wind fills the sails, a truly relaxing way to enjoy Aswan’s serene beauty.
  • Philae Temple Sail across the Nile to the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This beautiful island sanctuary is one of Egypt’s most atmospheric sites, with intricate carvings and tranquil surroundings that tell stories of ancient devotion.
  • Aswan High Dam Visit the mighty Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt’s most significant modern engineering achievements. Learn how this colossal structure tamed the Nile, created Lake Nasser, and transformed Egypt’s landscape while exploring its lasting cultural and environmental impact.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Abu Simbel overland
Aswan’s Temples and the Nile
DAY 8

Sailing the Nile to Kom Ombo’s Twin Gods

Day 8 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Drift along the Nile toward the riverside temple of Kom Ombo, where ancient Egypt’s dual devotion to Sobek and Haroeris comes to life. Step inside this uniquely symmetrical sanctuary, discover its crocodile mummies, and absorb the atmosphere of one of the Nile’s most dramatic temple settings. Continue your serene cruise back to Luxor, with the evening free to wander the city or enjoy one last night on the river.

Activities

  • Kom Ombo Sail & Stop Cruise north along the Nile toward Kom Ombo, enjoying river views and desert landscapes along the way. Your ship will dock at Kom Ombo for a guided visit before continuing toward Luxor.
  • Kom Ombo Temple Explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god. Its symmetrical design, fascinating carvings, and riverside setting make it one of the Nile’s most photogenic ancient sites.
  • Kom Ombo → Luxor Continue cruising along the Nile toward Luxor, passing timeless riverside villages and palm-lined banks. Enjoy your final evening onboard with time to relax or explore Luxor independently once you dock.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Karnak Sound & Light Show
Sailing the Nile to Kom Ombo’s Twin Gods
DAY 9

A Free Morning in Luxor & the Grandeur of Karnak

Day 9 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Luxor with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Choose from optional experiences such as an extra West Bank tour, a visit to the Luxor Museum, or a peaceful felucca trip to Banana Island. In the afternoon, step into the monumental world of Karnak Temple, a vast complex of towering columns, sacred lakes, and ancient carvings that reveal over two millennia of Egyptian devotion. Wander through its grand halls as your guide brings the stories of gods, pharaohs, and priests to life.

Activities

  • Luxor Enjoy a relaxing morning in Luxor based on your cruise boat overlooking the Nile. Unwind by the pool or explore the city’s lively souks, or take an optional tour to Luxor Museum, the historic temple at Dendera, or take a gentle felucca ride to Banana Island. If you wish to delve deeper into Egypt’s history, another optional tour returns to the West Bank and visits the Rammesseum, Workers’ Village, and Valley of the Queens (additional costs apply for optional tours).
  • Karnak Temple Wander through the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex, an enormous sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra. Its forest of columns, sacred lake, and intricate reliefs capture the grandeur of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Extra West Bank tour in Luxor
Luxor Museum tour
A Free Morning in Luxor & the Grandeur of Karnak
DAY 10

Cairo’s Bazaar Life Uncovered

Day 10 Breakfast
Fly from Luxor to Cairo and dive straight into the city’s living heritage with an afternoon wander through the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Lose yourself in centuries-old alleyways filled with handcrafted treasures, glowing lanterns, aromatic spices, and lively cafés where locals trade stories over coffee and shisha. It’s an immersive glimpse into the bustling heart and timeless spirit of Cairo.

Activities

  • Luxor → Cairo Transfer to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Enjoy a smooth journey north as you leave Upper Egypt behind and return to the bustling capital for an afternoon at leisure.
  • Khan El Khalili Bazaar Wander through the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous marketplace. Explore its maze of alleys filled with crafts, spices, jewellery, textiles, and traditional cafés offering a glimpse into Egypt’s vibrant heritage.
Cairo’s Bazaar Life Uncovered
DAY 11

Farewell to Egypt

Day 11 Breakfast
Enjoy your final moments in Cairo with some free time to relax or explore at your own pace. You might choose to browse local markets for souvenirs, revisit a favourite café, or simply soak up the city’s lively atmosphere one last time. Later, transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport, marking the end of your Egyptian journey filled with timeless history, vibrant culture, and unforgettable memories.

Activities

  • Cairo Enjoy some leisure time in Cairo to relax, explore local cafés, or take in the city’s vibrant streets before continuing your journey.
  • Cairo Hotel to Airport Transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport for your departing flight. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through Egypt as you bid farewell to this historic land.
Farewell to Egypt

Included and Excluded

Included

  • 3 nights accommodation at the 3-star Pyramids GEM Plaza hotel or 4-star Pyramids Park Resort in Cairo (select your preferred options on the dates & prices page)
  • 7 nights onboard the 5-star Royal Vision Nile Cruise (Luxor-Aswan-Luxor)
  • Domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor, Luxor-Cairo)
  • A day dedicated to witnessing the 2027 solar eclipse in a prime location in Luxor
  • Astronomy Lecture delivered by Dr. Sarah Rugheimer (day 2)
  • All transport and transfers
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Services of a local Egyptologist tour guide for all sightseeing tours
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Excluded

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees - allow approx. US$141 (correct at the time of publication)
  • Tipping kitty (allow US$110)
  • Eclipse Viewing Glasses
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tour guide tips
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Notes

Please note that whilst the itinerary and accommodations detailed represent our current plans, the significant popularity of this event may lead the Egyptian authorities to implement specific controls and arrangements in Luxor over the eclipse days. The exact arrangements for Eclipse Day will therefore be finalised closer to departure (eg. whether we view it from the grounds of Karnak temple, from our boat on the Nile, or from some hotel gardens for example. At the moment, the sun deck of our Nile cruise is our expected and preferred option. The Nile Cruise schedules and shore excursions may also be amended slightly to fit around the eclipse. All excursions are provided by own Egyptologist guides and transport - not joining the large boat operated groups. We have confirmed allocations at the hotel and cruise boat listed, but owing to the unprecedented demand anticipated for these dates, we may also use some alternative hotels and boats of an equivalent standard should the need arise.

Deposit Note:
Please note that due to stricter cancellation and deposit rules imposed by accommodations over this travel period, our standard deposit policy will not apply to this tour, please find the deposit rules applicable to this tour below:

Initial non-refundable deposit at point of booking - GB£1500 / US$2000 per person (or equivalent in your currency - you will be advised on the required deposit in your selected currency during the online booking process)
Interim non-refundable deposit at 31 Jul 2026 - GB£1000 / US$1350 per person
Interim non-refundable deposit at 30 Sep 2026 - GB£1000 / US$1350 per person
Balance due on 31 Jan 2027 (non refundable after payment)

Departure Dates

Guaranteed departures with confirmed dates. Book early to secure your preferred date.

Departure Date Return Date Availability From price Notes
29 Jul 2027 Thu 08 Aug 2027 Sun Available £5,995 Cairo Hotel - Pyramids GEM Plaza
29 Jul 2027 Thu 08 Aug 2027 Sun Available £6,495 Cairo Hotel - Pyramids Park Resort
11 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 29 Jul 2027
END DATE 08 Aug 2027
11 DAY TOUR Guaranteed departure
START DATE 29 Jul 2027
END DATE 08 Aug 2027
Private Tours

Private Tailor-Made

Travel exclusively with your family or friends on a private tour tailored to your pace and preferences.

  • Flexible dates
  • Personalized experience
  • Premium comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for this tour are being updated. Please contact our team if you need help before booking.

Still have questions?

Contact our travel team.

Contact our team

Traveler Reviews

4.7
Excellent
Based on 1,738 reviews
5
80.9%
4
12.6%
3
3%
2
2.2%
1
1.3%
92% of travelers recommend this tour
M
Mypster
Egypt
Feb 01, 2026
We had such a fantastic vacation in Egypt! We couldn’t it have planned this ourselves - so many venues, all smoothly scheduled with all transfers arranged. There was always a guide to make sure things went well, and they did indeed make everything work. 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!
I had many questions prior to and after booking, and the company provided excellent communication and support. Highly recommend!!
a
ashleyblack1212
Egypt
Sep 01, 2025
My friend and I purchased the 'Egypt Express Tour' provided by Encounters Travel and I must say, 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, via e-mail, in a timely fashion. Upon our arrival in Egypt, we were greeted by a friendly team from Encounters Travel, who were all fluent in English. They assisted us with getting Egyptian visas and made exiting the airport easy. In total, it ended up being 9 of us grouped together. Our main tour guide was a gentleman by the name of 'Ashrafbehairy', whom we all referred to as "Ash" for short. HE WAS AMAZING!! We could not have asked for a better tour guide for our trip. He was very humble, kind, and knowledgeable. He accompanied us from Cairo to Aswan and then to Luxor and back to Cairo, via train. We visited several attractions such as the Pyramids, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, and the Valley of the Kings (just to name a few). While at each sight, Ash explained its history to us and was able to answer all questions. He assisted with translation (Arabic and English) when needed, got us snacks, provided water, and took me to the shop to get items I desperately needed (sunblock and aloe lol). He even gave everyone a souvenir keychain at the end of our trip. Most importantly, we all felt SAFE! There is so much more I could say about this trip, but I will end by saying that it was honestly a great experience! I highly recommend purchasing this tour from Encounters Travel.
sm
sandra mooney
Egypt
Apr 30, 2025
From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.
CV
Carol V
Egypt
May 01, 2024
Wonderful time with friends. The land of Egypt is hard to describe in a few words. The history is so immense I will need to come back again and again. The accommodations were above par and the people from Encounters Travel are very helpful. I would your with them again.
TB
Tiffy Barnett
Egypt
Mar 01, 2024
Encounters travel worked with me to devise a specific itinerary to meet my interests, and its agents and guides in Egypt delivered beautifully while I was in Egypt. I was with a group for most of the trip, but per my request, they set up individual excursions for me on two additional days. Their agents in Cairo and Egypt were particularly good. I had to go to a medical clinic in Luxor unexpectedly, and the Encounters liaison handled it so quickly and easily that it didn't effect my itinerary at all.

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the country you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Most other options can be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Most options are priced the same throughout the year, though some may have seasonal pricing or minimum number requirements - our sales team will advise the final pricing based on your travel date and number of passengers on your booking.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below provide important practical information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday.

1. Transport

Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you’re really experiencing the country you’re travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. In Egypt we do not use any public tourist buses or overnight coach journeys as we know that people don't sleep on board and end up very tired for the following few days. All the vehicles we use are air-conditioned, many are fitted with speed limiters, and all are inspected and checked daily. Some 4WD vehicles used on desert safari options may not always have air conditioning where they are only used for short periods.

This tour also avoids any overnight train journeys, featuring domestic flights with Egypt Air between Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo.  

Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to alterations depending on local conditions at the time of travel. Some sailing may be done after dark. Boats may moor up alongside each other at night, requiring you to cross through other boats to reach the shore. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve the cruise boats normally run a special Gala Dinner. The cost of this is normally compulsory, whether you attend or not, and is not included in our group tour prices, and will be added to to bookings when we get the final prices from the cruise boats (budget around USD100 to USD180 per person. 

2. Total Solar Eclipse 2027
3. Dates & Prices
4. Transfers
5. International Flights
6. Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides
7. Entrance Fees
8. Tipping
9. Accommodation
10. What to take
11. Booking & Payment
12. Financial Security
13. Responsible Tourism
14. Follow Us Online
15. Travel Insurance
16. Before you travel
17. Reduce Plastic Waste with Water-to-Go Filter bottles
18. Private & Tailor-made Tours
19. Passports and Visas - Egypt
20. Money - Egypt
21. Voltage
22. Time
23. Health and Vaccinations

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