5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Reserved sun deck viewing for the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, plus Egyptologist-led visits from the Valley of the Kings to Philae Temple.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 7 nights
- Departs
- Daily
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The assigned vessel is a deluxe Nile cruise vessel operating from Luxor to Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party cruise supplier.
- New
- Small group
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 Days / 4 Nights
- Travel style
- Guided Nile Cruise Package with Eclipse Viewing
- Accommodation
- Deluxe Nile Cruise Cabin — Assigned Vessel
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the vessel is assigned at booking and operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
- Destinations
- Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Four nights of full-board cruise-cabin accommodation · Meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Egyptologist guide for included shore excursions · Transport for included sightseeing · Reserved sun deck eclipse viewing on 2 August 2027 · Embarkation and disembarkation assistance · Transfer to Aswan Airport
- Best for
- Solar eclipse travelers · Ancient-history enthusiasts · First-time Egypt visitors · Couples and families with older children · Travelers seeking a guided Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The tour is fixed for 2–6 August 2027, when daytime conditions in southern Egypt are typically very hot, often above 35°C, with strong sun exposure. The eclipse viewing is scheduled for 2 August 2027 from the vessel’s sun deck; travelers should reserve accommodation and flights early because eclipse-period demand is expected to be high. Ramadan does not overlap these dates in 2027, but local public holidays and operating times should be reconfirmed before travel.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that plans the itinerary and arranges the cruise through a third-party supplier.
- The programme includes an Egyptologist guide for the included shore excursions.
- Embarkation and disembarkation assistance, included shore transport, and transfer to Aswan Airport are specified in the itinerary.
- Cruise crew gratuities are disclosed separately at a minimum of €18 per person per day.
- The assigned vessel is not represented as owned or operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon on the Nile, the deck falls quiet as the light changes over the desert banks. On August 2, 2027, our team will position you on the vessel’s sun deck for the total solar eclipse, with the river landscape forming the setting for a rare sky event.
Between Luxor and Aswan, mornings bring temple courtyards, carved columns, and the uneven stone of ancient sites; sailing hours offer shade, meals, and time to watch rural life pass along the water. Our Egyptologist leads the shore visits, while we arrange embarkation, local transport, and your onward transfer so the practical details are handled on the ground.
Background
The facts
This 5-day Nile cruise package travels south from Luxor to Aswan during the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. The itinerary includes four nights in a cruise cabin, with embarkation assistance in Luxor, full-board meals from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 5, and disembarkation assistance followed by transfer to Aswan Airport. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the vessel and cruise programme through a third-party supplier; the specific vessel is assigned at booking.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Luxor West Bank·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut Temple·Deir el-Bahari·Colossi of Memnon·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Aswan·Nile River·total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits adult travelers, couples, families with older children, and astronomy or ancient-history enthusiasts who want to combine a scheduled eclipse event with Egypt’s principal Nile Valley temples. Travelers should be comfortable with early sightseeing, walking on uneven archaeological surfaces, boarding a vessel, and warm-weather conditions.
What lingers
- 01Reserved sun deck viewing for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
- 02Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on Luxor’s West Bank
- 03See Karnak Temple before sailing south from Luxor
- 04Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo Temple
- 05Visit Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and Aswan Bazaar
- 06Travel with an Egyptologist guide during the included shore programme
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard Nile cruise without a scheduled celestial event, this package includes reserved viewing for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. It combines cruise-based sightseeing with an Egyptologist guide and shore transport, while monument entrance fees, beverages, visas, and gratuities remain separate costs.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Four nights of full-board accommodation in a cruise cabin
- Meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Egyptologist guide for the included shore program
- Transportation for the included shore excursions
- Reserved sun deck viewing for the 2027 total solar eclipse on Day 3
- Use of the vessel's public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Embarkation assistance in Luxor
- Disembarkation assistance and transfer to Aswan Airport
Not included
- Monument entrance and sightseeing fees
- Drinks outside meals and alcoholic beverages
- Cruise crew gratuities, with a minimum of €18 per person per day
- International flights
- Arrival or departure visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The package can be arranged as a private or shared shore-excursion programme subject to availability, with guide-language and transfer preferences confirmed during booking. Travelers may request extra Luxor or Aswan nights, additional monuments, private airport transfers, or upgraded cabin arrangements
- pyramid-style premium admissions are not relevant to this itinerary, and all optional services should be priced separately.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This trip includes walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, compacted dirt, steps, and sloped access routes at the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Cruise boarding may require steps or a narrow gangway, and the sun deck may be reached by stairs. Vehicles used for shore excursions are not assumed to be wheelchair accessible. Guests with limited mobility should request an assessment before booking. A foldable wheelchair may be possible with advance notice, but independent access at all sites cannot be guaranteed.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required entry documents
- Certified solar-viewing glasses meeting ISO 12312-2
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, hat, and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Prescription medicines and basic personal medication
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Some Egyptian pounds for the Aswan Bazaar and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for early mornings and the sun deck
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- A light sweater for air-conditioned indoor areas
Children & families
Children may join with a parent or legal guardian, but the minimum age should be confirmed before booking because the eclipse viewing, early sightseeing, heat, and uneven archaeological ground can be demanding. Child pricing depends on age and the selected cabin arrangement, so we quote it individually rather than applying one universal rate. Strollers are impractical at several sites and on narrow gangways. High chairs are subject to availability and must be requested in advance.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor International Airport, ArrivalsMap
On the ground
Your route
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transportation with locally operated vehicles and work with Egyptian guides, drivers, boat staff, and site-service providers along the Nile route. Shore excursions use road transfers between the vessel and archaeological sites, while the cruise follows the established Luxor to Aswan river route. Choosing local Egyptologists and transport crews keeps guiding and operational spending within the communities visited. We do not claim that the vessel or vehicles are emissions-free. Guests can reduce waste by carrying a refillable bottle where practical and following the crew’s instructions for waste disposal.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This package includes four nights of full-board accommodation in an assigned Nile cruise cabin, meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, shore transport, and an Egyptologist guide for the included sightseeing. It also includes reserved sun deck viewing of the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan sites, and a transfer to Aswan Airport; monument fees, drinks, gratuities, visas, flights, insurance, and personal expenses are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the 5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse?
This cruise package is 5 days and 4 nights, sailing from Luxor to Aswan. It includes four nights of full-board accommodation aboard a Nile cruiser, with a dedicated Egyptologist guide for all included shore excursions.02What is the pickup and transfer process for this cruise?
We arrange your arrival transfer from Luxor Airport to the cruise vessel on Day 1, with embarkation assistance. On Day 5, after breakfast, we provide disembarkation assistance and a transfer to Aswan Airport for your departure.03What is included in the price of this solar eclipse cruise?
The cruise includes four nights of full-board cabin accommodation, all meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 5, an Egyptologist guide, shore excursion transport, and reserved sun deck viewing for the 2027 solar eclipse.04What expenses are not covered by the cruise package price?
Monument entrance fees, drinks outside of meals, alcoholic beverages, cruise crew gratuities, international flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included. We recommend budgeting for these additional costs.05Is this Nile cruise accessible for travelers with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise ships typically have stairs between decks, and gangways can be steep depending on water levels. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand, with limited shade. Please contact us to discuss specific accessibility needs.06Is this cruise suitable for children and families?
This cruise is suitable for families, offering a blend of historical sites and relaxation. Children will enjoy the unique experience of sailing the Nile and visiting ancient temples. Specific activities for children are not provided onboard.07What should I wear and bring for the Nile cruise and excursions?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions. Modest dress is recommended for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees.08What is the photography policy at the ancient sites visited on this cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites, though some tombs and museums may prohibit it or charge a fee for cameras. Tripods are usually not allowed. Always check for specific signage at each location.09What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise, aside from the solar eclipse?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. The solar eclipse date of August 2, 2027, will be during Egypt's hot season.10How will the solar eclipse viewing be managed on Day 3?
On Day 3, August 2, 2027, reserved viewing will be provided from the vessel's sun deck. The cruise itinerary is specifically timed to position the ship for optimal viewing of the total solar eclipse.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: TOU-LUX-056290
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