Why book the Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (A) tour?
Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (A) is our 10-day small-group tour to witness one of the most extraordinary astronomical events of the century: a total solar eclipse from Luxor, positioned in the heart of the path of totality, with over six minutes of totality predicted. The scientific element is led by Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, an astrophysicist from the University of Edinburgh who has given a TED Talk viewed over 1.7 million times and has previously led eclipse tours in Canada and Spain. Beyond the eclipse, the itinerary covers the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara's Step Pyramid, the Grand Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun's complete collection), a 6-night 5-star Nile cruise on the Beau Rivage (Luxor to Aswan and back), Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, a felucca sail, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Groups run 2-30 people.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Absolutely. The eclipse is the centrepiece, but the itinerary also delivers an exceptional Egypt tour independently. For someone combining a bucket-list eclipse with a first Egypt experience, this is the definitive package.
What makes this eclipse viewing special compared to watching independently?
Eclipse Adventure 2027 (A) gives you a scientifically briefed experience in a prime Luxor viewing location with eclipse glasses included, live commentary from Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, and the extraordinary context of witnessing totality surrounded by 3,500-year-old temples. You also have full logistical support, transport to the viewing site, and a packed lunch included on eclipse day.
What related tours can I consider if this is fully booked?
Eclipse Adventure A is fully booked. Eclipse Adventure B (11 days) follows a similar itinerary and has limited remaining space. For post-eclipse Jordan extensions, Nabatean Nights: Perseid Meteor Shower (7 days) is also available.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
This is an on-request priced tour due to the exceptional demand around the eclipse. Included are 3 nights at the 5-star Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan, 6 nights on the 5-star Beau Rivage Nile Cruise, both domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor and Luxor-Cairo), eclipse viewing with certified eclipse glasses and Dr. Rugheimer's live briefings, all sightseeing with Egyptologist guides, and all transfers. Accommodation around these eclipse dates is extremely scarce and specially allocated.
What is actually included in the price?
Included: 3 nights Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan (5-star), 6 nights Beau Rivage Nile Cruise (5-star, Luxor-Aswan-Luxor), domestic flights Cairo-Luxor and Luxor-Cairo, eclipse viewing in a prime Luxor location, certified eclipse glasses, expert scientific commentary from Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, all transport and 24-hour airport transfers, Egyptologist guides throughout all sightseeing, 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, Egypt visa fees, travel insurance, site entrance fees (allow the amount your guide will brief at the start), tipping kitty (allow the amount your guide will brief, covering hotel and transport staff), Egyptologist guide tips, gala dinner charges if applicable (on cruise boats over Christmas/New Year), and optional extras such as hot air balloon, Abu Simbel, or Karnak Sound and Light Show.
What are the deposit and payment terms for this tour?
Due to strict accommodation cancellation rules around the eclipse, this tour has special deposit terms: a non-refundable initial deposit per person at booking, a further non-refundable interim deposit by 31 July 2026, and the balance due on 31 January 2027 (non-refundable after payment). Full amounts are confirmed in your selected currency during the online booking process.
How physically demanding is Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027?
Easy to moderate. The most active sections are walking tours of Egyptian sites (Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Giza plateau) in the heat. Eclipse day involves travel to a viewing site and standing outdoors for several hours. No special fitness is required.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
Egypt is popular with travellers of all ages. The sites require walking in heat, so autumn timing is more comfortable. The Nile cruise provides an extremely comfortable and relaxed base. Let us know about any specific concerns.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Many Egyptian sites have uneven ground and steps (Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Giza plateau). The cruise boat provides excellent on-board comfort. Contact us to discuss specific concerns before booking.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt is a well-established tourism destination with a large, experienced industry. Luxor and Aswan are among the most visited destinations in the country. Check current UK Foreign Office travel advice before travel.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Egypt is generally manageable for solo women on guided group tours. Modest dress (covered shoulders and knees, except at beach areas) is recommended and your guide will advise throughout.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo and Luxor have good hospitals. Your guide has first aid training and local contacts. The Nile cruise boat has a doctor on call. Travel insurance covering medical treatment and repatriation is compulsory.
Will I be hassled by vendors?
Vendor activity at Egyptian sites can be persistent. Your Egyptologist guide accompanies you at all times and manages this effectively.
What is the accommodation actually like?
In Cairo you stay 3 nights at the Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan, a 5-star hotel near the Giza Plateau with a choice of restaurants, outdoor pool, fitness centre, and sauna. On the Nile you spend 6 nights aboard the 5-star Beau Rivage cruise boat, with comfortable air-conditioned cabins featuring large windows overlooking the Nile, a restaurant, lounge bar, and a sundeck with a plunge pool.
What is the Beau Rivage Nile cruise like?
The Beau Rivage is a 5-star vessel that is your home for 6 nights from Luxor to Aswan and back. Cabins are well-appointed with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and large Nile-view windows. Meals are served in the onboard restaurant, and the sundeck with plunge pool is ideal for relaxing between shore excursions.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available at the Crowne Plaza Arkan. On the Nile cruise boat, Wi-Fi may be available but can be intermittent in more remote sections of the river.
Can I upgrade?
Single cabin upgrades on the Nile cruise are available with a supplement. Given the unprecedented demand for accommodation around the eclipse dates, alternatives are limited. Contact our sales team.
What kind of food will we eat?
On the cruise, meals are full buffet with Egyptian and international options. In Cairo, the Crowne Plaza serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine alongside a buffet breakfast. Egyptian street food highlights include Koshary (lentil and pasta dish) and strong local coffee at Khan el-Khalili.
Can you cater for vegetarian vegan or gluten-free diets?
Vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal options are available at the Crowne Plaza Arkan. The cruise boat kitchen can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice. Inform us when you book.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Do not drink tap water in Egypt. Use bottled water or a Water-to-Go filter bottle throughout. Hotels and the cruise boat provide bottled water.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. The shared excitement of witnessing a total solar eclipse creates an extraordinary group dynamic. Solo travellers are very welcome.
Do I have to share a room?
The tour is based on twin-sharing. A single supplement is required if a same-sex room share cannot be arranged. Due to high demand, the single supplement is significant for these eclipse dates.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups run 2-30 people. Eclipse Adventure A is fully booked. Eclipse Adventure B has limited remaining spaces. Expect a group united by curiosity about both astronomy and Egyptian history.
Can I book a private eclipse tour?
A limited number of private tours around the eclipse dates may be possible. Contact us for details given the extremely limited accommodation availability.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
No minimum age is specified. The eclipse is an extraordinary educational experience for curious children. Contact us to discuss.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities (UK, EU, USA, Australia, New Zealand) can obtain an Egypt visa on arrival in Cairo or apply for an e-visa online at visa2egypt.gov.eg. Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance from the Egyptian consulate before travel.
What should I pack?
Pack for hot, dry weather with cool cruise boat evenings. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees at sites). For eclipse day: ample water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and possibly an umbrella for shade. Eclipse glasses are provided. Egypt uses Type C sockets at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required?
For Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, and Hepatitis A are recommended. No malaria risk on this itinerary. Consult your GP or travel clinic.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. The tour starts and finishes in Cairo. You can fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Sphinx International Airport (SPX). 24-hour airport transfers are included.
What about tipping?
Egypt has a tipping culture. A tipping kitty covers hotel porters, drivers, and other staff. Your Egyptologist guide is tipped separately based on your satisfaction. Your guide will brief current amounts at the start of the tour.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valleys of the Kings and Queens is an optional extra bookable locally through your guide. This is one of Egypt's most spectacular optional experiences.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. An Abu Simbel overland excursion from Aswan is available as an optional extra. You depart very early to see Ramses II's temples at sunrise. Book through your guide or in advance.
Can I add the Karnak Sound and Light Show?
Yes. The Karnak Sound and Light Show is available as an optional extra on the evening you are moored in Luxor. Transport is included in the option price.
Can I extend with Jordan for the Perseid Meteor Shower?
Yes. A Jordan extension to visit Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and to witness the Perseid Meteor Shower is referenced in the overview. Nabatean Nights: Perseid Meteor Shower (7 days) is the specific related tour.
How far ahead should I book?
Eclipse Adventure A is fully booked. Eclipse Adventure B has limited remaining space. Book immediately.
How does booking work?
Contact our sales team to check Eclipse Adventure B availability. Special non-refundable deposit rules apply to all eclipse tours due to accommodation partner requirements. Full payment terms are detailed at booking.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory. Must cover medical expenses, repatriation, and ideally trip cancellation given the non-refundable deposit structure.
What is your cancellation policy?
Special non-refundable deposit rules apply to eclipse tours. The initial deposit, interim deposit, and final balance are each non-refundable once paid. Full terms are confirmed at booking. Trust My Travel financial protection covers your funds against company insolvency.
What if Eclipse Adventure A is sold out?
Eclipse Adventure B (11 days) follows a similar itinerary and has limited remaining space. Contact us immediately to secure a place.