Why book the Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C) tour?
Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C) is our 11-day small-group tour built around the Great Luxor Solar Eclipse, viewed from Luxor in the heart of the path of totality with over six minutes of totality predicted, one of the longest of the century. Around the eclipse you see the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, Memphis and Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum, then spend 7 nights on the 5-star Royal Vision Nile Cruise visiting the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinat Habu, Luxor and Karnak Temples, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, finishing with Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Groups run 10-25 people.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes. The eclipse is the centrepiece, but the itinerary is a classic introduction to Egypt covering Cairo and Giza, Luxor and the West Bank, a full Nile cruise to Aswan and back, and the Grand Egyptian Museum with the complete Tutankhamun collection. Resident Egyptologist guides lead all the sightseeing.
How does the (C) tour differ from Egypt Eclipse Adventure (A) and (B)?
All three tours view the eclipse from Luxor with the same Dr. Sarah Rugheimer astronomy lecture and a Luxor-Aswan-Luxor Nile cruise. The (C) version is the value option: 3 nights in Cairo at the 3-star Pyramids GEM Plaza Hotel or the 4-star Pyramids Park Resort (you choose on the dates and prices page) rather than 5-star, 7 nights on the 5-star Royal Vision Nile Cruise, and a group of 10-25. The itinerary, sites and eclipse day are otherwise very similar.
What makes this eclipse viewing special compared to watching independently?
You are positioned in Luxor for the maximum totality in the region, with transport to a carefully selected viewing site, a packed lunch on the day, and a dedicated astronomy lecture on Day 2 from Dr. Sarah Rugheimer, an astrophysicist from the University of Edinburgh, explaining the science and what to look out for. All excursions use our own Egyptologist guides and transport rather than the large boat-operated groups.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
Accommodation and cruise space in Luxor over the eclipse dates is extremely scarce and has to be contracted years ahead on strict non-cancellable terms, which is why this tour runs as a single departure. The price covers 3 nights in Cairo, 7 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise, both domestic flights, all transfers, Egyptologist guides for every sightseeing tour and the expert lecture. The (C) tour uses 3 or 4-star Cairo hotels to keep the price below our (A) and (B) eclipse tours.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: 3 nights at the 3-star Pyramids GEM Plaza Hotel or 4-star Pyramids Park Resort in Cairo, 7 nights on the 5-star Royal Vision Nile Cruise (Luxor-Aswan-Luxor), domestic flights Cairo-Luxor and Luxor-Cairo, a day dedicated to the 2027 eclipse at a prime Luxor location with a packed lunch, the astronomy lecture by Dr. Sarah Rugheimer on Day 2, all transport and transfers, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfers, a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing, and meals as indicated in the itinerary.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included are international flights, Egypt visa fees, compulsory travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, site entrance fees (allow approximately US$141, correct at time of publication), the tipping kitty (allow US$110), eclipse viewing glasses, drinks, snacks, laundry and other personal expenses, and tips for your tour guide. Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel, a hot air balloon or the Karnak Sound and Light Show are extra.
What are the deposit and payment terms for this tour?
Because of stricter cancellation rules imposed by accommodation over the eclipse period, our standard deposit policy does not apply. You pay an initial non-refundable deposit of GBP 1500 / US$2000 per person at booking, an interim non-refundable deposit of GBP 1000 / US$1350 on 31 July 2026, a further interim non-refundable deposit of GBP 1000 / US$1350 on 30 September 2026, and the balance on 31 January 2027, which is non-refundable after payment. Equivalent amounts in your currency are shown during online booking.
How physically demanding is Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C)?
Easy to moderate. The most active parts are walking tours of sites such as the Giza plateau, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, often in heat and on uneven ground with steps. Eclipse day involves travelling to a viewing site where facilities may be limited and spending several hours outdoors in the sun. No special fitness is required.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
Egypt is popular with travellers of all ages and the Nile cruise gives a very comfortable, relaxed base with a sundeck and plunge pool between shore visits. Sightseeing is guided and paced for the group, and the free afternoon in Luxor and free morning on Day 9 let you rest if you wish. Tell us about any specific concerns before booking.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Many Egyptian sites have uneven ground and steps, tombs in the Valley of the Kings involve descents, and cruise boats may moor alongside each other so you cross through other boats to reach the shore. The cruise itself is very comfortable. Contact us to discuss your needs before booking so we can advise honestly.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are Egypt's main international tourism zones, visited by millions of travellers each year, and we operate these routes continuously. All our vehicles are air-conditioned, many fitted with speed limiters, and inspected daily, and we avoid public tourist buses and overnight journeys. Check current UK Foreign Office travel advice before travel.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Egypt is generally very manageable for solo women on an escorted group tour like this, where all sightseeing is guided. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is recommended at sites and your Egyptologist guide will advise throughout.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo and Luxor have good private hospitals and your guide has local contacts to arrange care quickly. Travel insurance covering medical treatment and emergency repatriation is compulsory on this tour.
What happens if the eclipse viewing arrangements change?
The itinerary and accommodation represent our current plans, but the popularity of the event may lead the Egyptian authorities to introduce specific controls in Luxor over the eclipse days, so exact eclipse day arrangements are finalised closer to departure. Options include the sun deck of our cruise boat (currently our expected and preferred choice), the grounds of Karnak Temple or hotel gardens. Cruise schedules and shore excursions may be adjusted slightly to fit around the eclipse, and we may use alternative hotels or boats of equivalent standard if demand requires.
What is the accommodation actually like?
In Cairo you stay 3 nights at your choice of the 3-star Pyramids GEM Plaza Hotel or the recently refurbished 4-star Pyramids Park Resort, both near the Giza Plateau, selected on the dates and prices page when you book. On the Nile you spend 7 nights aboard the 5-star Royal Vision Nile Cruise sailing Luxor-Aswan-Luxor. The overall standard is 3 or 4-star hotel and 5-star deluxe cruise boat.
What is the Royal Vision Nile cruise like?
The Royal Vision is a 5-star Nile cruise boat and your home for 7 nights from Day 3 to Day 9. It sails from Luxor south to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan and back, docking close to the temples, with a sundeck and plunge pool for relaxing between shore excursions. The sun deck is currently our preferred location for viewing the eclipse. Some sailing may be done after dark.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Hotels in Cairo generally offer Wi-Fi. On the Nile cruise connectivity can be intermittent while sailing between cities, so plan for patchy coverage on the river.
Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Within this tour you can choose the 4-star Pyramids Park Resort over the 3-star Pyramids GEM Plaza for your Cairo nights on the dates and prices page. For 5-star Cairo hotels throughout, see our Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (A) and (B) tours. Single rooms and cabins are available with a supplement, subject to the very limited availability around the eclipse dates.
What kind of food will we eat?
On the cruise, meals are typically buffet style mixing Egyptian and international dishes such as mezze, grilled meats and fish, salads, rice and fresh bread. In Cairo you have a hotel breakfast and free evenings to try local restaurants, and Khan el-Khalili on Day 10 is a great place for a traditional coffeehouse stop. On eclipse day a packed lunch is provided.
Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets?
Please tell us about any dietary requirements when you book. We are always willing to look at them and, where possible, we will do our best to accommodate you, although we cannot guarantee that every restaurant, hotel or boat on the route will be able to meet every need. Your guide will also help you find suitable options along the way.
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, and bring ample water with you on eclipse day as facilities at the viewing site may be limited.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. The shared anticipation of standing in the Moon's shadow for over six minutes creates a strong group bond, and all sightseeing is guided so you are never left to navigate alone. Solo travellers are very welcome.
Do I have to share a room?
The tour price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room and cabin. If you are travelling alone and happy to share, we will try to pair you with another solo traveller of the same sex; otherwise a single supplement applies. Given the demand around the eclipse dates, single availability is limited so book early.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
The group runs with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 travellers on a single departure. Expect a mix of astronomy enthusiasts, Egypt first-timers and travellers of different nationalities and ages united by the eclipse.
Can I book a private eclipse tour?
Due to exceptional demand we are operating only one group departure, but we may be able to assist with a limited number of private tours around the eclipse dates. Contact us for details as early as possible.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
No minimum age is specified for this tour and a total solar eclipse is an extraordinary educational experience for curious children. Bear in mind the heat and long days at the sites. Contact us to discuss your family's needs.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities can obtain an Egypt visa on arrival in Cairo or apply in advance via the official e-Visa portal. Visa fees are not included in the tour price. Check current requirements for your nationality before travel as rules can change.
What should I pack for the eclipse and the tour?
Pack for hot, dry weather with modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for sites. For eclipse day bring a day pack with ample water, snacks, suncream, a hat and perhaps an umbrella for extra shade, as facilities at the viewing site may be limited. Eclipse viewing glasses are not included, so bring certified glasses with you; remove them only during totality and put them back on the moment the diamond ring appears.
Are any vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are compulsory for entry to Egypt from most countries. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are generally recommended and there is no malaria risk on this itinerary. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for current advice.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. The tour starts and finishes in Cairo and a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included, so you can arrive on any flight. The tour runs 29 July to 8 August 2027. Domestic Egypt Air flights Cairo-Luxor and Luxor-Cairo are included.
What about tipping?
Egypt has a strong tipping culture. A tipping kitty of around US$110 per person covers hotel and cruise staff, drivers and porters. Your Egyptologist guide is tipped separately at the end of the tour based on your satisfaction; your guide will brief current norms at the start.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. On Day 7 in Aswan an optional pre-dawn excursion to Abu Simbel lets you see the sunrise light up the colossal statues of Ramses II. Note that if you choose Abu Simbel you will miss the felucca sailboat trip that morning, though you rejoin the group for Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam in the afternoon.
What optional tours are available in Luxor?
On the free morning of Day 9 you can choose an additional West Bank tour covering the Ramesseum, Medinat Habu and the Valley of the Queens, a visit to Luxor Museum, or a felucca trip to Banana Island. The Karnak Sound and Light Show is a popular option on your final evening in Luxor on Day 8, and a sunrise hot air balloon can be arranged locally.
Can I extend with Jordan after the eclipse?
Yes. Optional Jordan extensions are available to visit Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, including our Jordan Highlights 4-Day Extension and Nabatean Nights - Perseid Meteor Shower for a second astronomical highlight. Contact our sales team to combine them with your Egypt dates.
Can I extend my time in Egypt?
Yes. Extensions can be added to the end of the tour to relax by the Red Sea, take a day trip to Alexandria, or visit the World Heritage Site of Wadi Rayan and the Valley of the Whales. Extra nights in Cairo before or after the tour can also be arranged.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as possible. Accommodation in Luxor over the eclipse dates has very limited availability and we are operating only one departure of this tour. Book as soon as you know you want to travel.
How does booking work?
Book via the online reservation form on the tour page, selecting your preferred Cairo hotel option, and pay the initial non-refundable deposit of GBP 1500 / US$2000 per person. Interim non-refundable deposits of GBP 1000 / US$1350 are due on 31 July 2026 and 30 September 2026, with the balance due on 31 January 2027.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, and given the non-refundable deposit structure on this tour we strongly recommend cancellation cover. World Nomads Travel Insurance is a good option to consider.
What's your cancellation policy?
Special rules apply to eclipse tours because of the non-cancellable accommodation contracts: the initial deposit, both interim deposits and the final balance are each non-refundable once paid, so our standard sliding-scale policy does not apply. Your funds are protected through Trust My Travel against company insolvency. Full terms are confirmed at booking.
What if this tour is sold out?
If Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (C) is full, ask us about remaining space on Egypt Eclipse Adventure 2027 (B). Our Tunisia Eclipse Explorer 2027 and Morocco Eclipse Adventure are also positioned for prime viewing of the same eclipse in very different settings. Contact us to check current availability across all eclipse tours.