Nile Cruise Package · Aswan → Luxor · 4 days · 3 nights
4-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise, Solar Eclipse 2027
Watch 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality at 12:43 with ISO 12312-2 glasses and astronomy briefings onboard
The short answer
This 4-day Nile cruise tour travels from Aswan to Luxor via Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu for the 2027 solar eclipse, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna · Luxor · Karnak Temple
- Includes
- 3 nights aboard a 5-star Nile cruiser · Full-board onboard meals · Solar eclipse viewing glasses · Astronomy escort briefings · Private Egyptologist at site visits · Aswan pickup and Luxor airport transfer · Listed site entrance fees · Felucca ride and Edfu carriage
- Best for
- Solar eclipse travelers · Nile cruise travelers · History enthusiasts · Private guided travel · Astronomy enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The eclipse date is August 2, 2027, when Aswan and Luxor commonly experience daytime temperatures around 35 to 42°C, with strong sun and limited shade at sites. The eclipse timing creates a fixed schedule and high demand, while Ramadan in 2027 is expected around February, outside this departure period; confirm final site timings before travel.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the itinerary, cruise vessel, guides, and transfers through third-party suppliers.
- The package specifies a private Egyptologist guide for each included site visit.
- The itinerary identifies ISO 12312-2 solar viewing glasses and astronomy escort briefings for eclipse observation.
- Entrance fees are specified for Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, and Edfu.
- The package states that Egyptian government taxes and VAT are included.
- The operator is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
02Overview
A first look
By late morning on August 2, 2027, the Nile will be bright beyond the sun deck, then the light will change as totality begins at 12:43. From the river, you can watch the landscape darken, hear the deck fall quiet, and share the 6 minutes 23 seconds of scheduled totality with an astronomy escort nearby.
Between eclipse viewing, our Egyptologists lead you through Philae Temple, Kom Ombo and Edfu, while sailing brings changing views of the riverbank and villages. We arrange the viewing glasses, site visits, transfers, and post-checkout lounge access, so your attention stays on the sky and the river.
Background
The facts
This 4-day Nile cruise package follows the conventional south-to-north route from Aswan to Luxor, combining guided archaeological visits with observation of the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse from the vessel’s sun deck. The itinerary is arranged through a Class-A licensed Egyptian tour operator.
The route covers Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. Kom Ombo is approximately 47 kilometers north of Aswan, Edfu is about 65 kilometers farther north, and Luxor is approximately 115 kilometers north of Edfu by road.
Philae forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae. Karnak and Luxor Temple developed mainly during Egypt’s New Kingdom, approximately 1550 to 1070 BCE. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom, while Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple dates to the 18th Dynasty, around the 15th century BCE. Ancient Thebes, including Luxor’s major monuments, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The 2027 eclipse observation is scheduled for 12:43, with stated totality of 6 minutes 23 seconds. Site access involves walking on uneven stone, steps, and exposed ground. Pyramid interiors are not part of this route, and drinks, gratuities, visas, and the optional Karnak sunset visit are separate unless requested.
Named in this entry
Aswan·Philae Temple·Temple of Isis·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Kom Ombo·Edfu·Esna·Luxor Temple·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut·Deir el-Bahari·Colossi of Memnon
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This suits couples, solo travelers, and families with older children who want the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse combined with Egypt’s classic Aswan to Luxor route. It fits travelers who value organized sightseeing, full-board cruising, and a private Egyptologist rather than planning each visit independently.
Maybe not, if
- It is not suited to travelers who need step-free access, quiet sightseeing away from crowds, or cooler weather, because ancient sites involve uneven surfaces and August is very hot. Travelers seeking a flexible schedule should choose a land-based private tour instead.
What lingers
- 01Eclipse onboard from the sun deck – 6m 23s totality at 12:43
- 02Stay onboard after 09:00 checkout – bags stored, sun deck and lounges yours
- 03ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses + astronomy escort briefing
- 04Three nights sailing Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Esna → Luxor
- 05Philae Temple, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu (horse-carriage), Karnak optional
- 06Luxor airport transfer after fourth contact
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Eclipse viewing is planned around 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality
- Private Egyptologist accompanies visits to major ancient sites
- Classic route includes Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor
- Full-board dining reduces meal planning during the cruise
- Edfu carriage ride and Aswan felucca add varied transport experiences
Things to Consider
- August heat can exceed 40°C around Luxor and Aswan
- Early site visits and fixed sailing schedules limit flexibility
- Ancient stone, sand and temple steps require steady walking
- Drinks, gratuities and Egypt visa costs are extra
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most operators do standard sightseeing during a Nile cruise. We structure this sailing around the August 2, 2027 eclipse, with scheduled astronomy briefings and viewing from the sun deck. Most cruise packages treat the final morning as a simple disembarkation. We include continued access to onboard lounges and the sun deck after the stated 09:00 checkout.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
· Aswan to Luxor · departs Fri 30 Jul 2027
| Cabin | Eclipse Week (2027) |
|---|---|
| Triple cabin (per person) | $2,400 |
| Double cabin (per person) | $2,700 |
| Single cabin | $4,200 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- All entry tickets
- Felucca ride
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- 3 nights onboard a 5★ Nile cruiser, Full Board basis
- Eclipse onboard from sun deck · ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses included
- Astronomy escort briefing on Day 3 + Day 4 morning
- Private Egyptologist guide at every site visit
- Aswan airport (or hotel) pick-up + Luxor airport transfer
- All temple entrances (Philae, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, optional Karnak)
- Horse-drawn carriage at Edfu, felucca at Aswan
- Full Board onboard meals + chef-plated eclipse-day lunch
- All Egyptian government taxes and VAT
Not included
- International flights to/from Egypt
- Domestic flight Cairo→Aswan (we can book on request)
- Drinks during meals + soft/alcoholic bar tabs
- Egypt visa (£25 e-Visa or ~£28 on arrival; US $30 e-Visa / $35 on arrival)
- Gratuities for ship crew, guide, drivers
- Personal expenses, optional Karnak-at-sunset add-on
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Philae, sit on the right side of the boat for clearer first views of the island approach.
- 02
At Edfu, confirm the carriage meeting point before leaving the vessel to avoid walking in midday heat.
- 03
For Karnak, ask your Egyptologist to point out the alignment between the central axis and the Nile.
- 04
Bring a refillable water bottle, hat, and closed shoes for exposed paths and uneven temple paving.
Tailor it
Make it yours
A Cairo to Aswan domestic flight can be arranged on request, and the optional Karnak Temple sunset visit can be added. Travelers can also request pre-cruise Aswan nights, post-cruise Luxor nights, or additional sightseeing, subject to availability and the vessel schedule.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best placed after a Cairo visit and before additional Luxor sightseeing, using the cruise to connect Upper Egypt’s major temples in one south-to-north route. Add Abu Simbel from Aswan if your schedule allows an extra day.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves boarding and leaving a Nile cruiser, walking on uneven surfaces, steps, and transfers between the vessel and archaeological sites. Philae Temple requires a boat transfer, and the High Dam, Kom Ombo and Edfu visits include outdoor walking over hard or uneven ground. Edfu includes a horse-drawn carriage, but boarding and disembarking require assistance. A wheelchair may be usable onboard only if the assigned cruiser has suitable access, which must be confirmed before booking. Please tell us about mobility, balance, or stair requirements so our licensed Egyptian tour operator can assess the arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required travel documents
- Solar eclipse viewing glasses supplied for the tour
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent for evening deck time
- Small day bag for site visits
- Any required prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure straps
- A light layer for early mornings and the evening deck
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear with a cover-up for onboard areas
- Hat and sunglasses for sun exposure
Children & families
Children may join, but the minimum age and child fare depend on the cruise provider and the child’s age at travel. Please request the applicable rate before booking, as infant and child pricing is not automatically the same as adult pricing. Strollers are generally impractical at Philae Temple, Kom Ombo and Edfu because of boat access, steps, uneven surfaces, and carriage boarding. High-chair availability should be requested in advance and is subject to confirmation onboard.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport — ArrivalsMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Philae Temple12 km
- Aswan High Dam17 km
- The Unfinished Obelisk2 km
- Temple of Kom Ombo47 km
- Temple of Edfu105 km
- Karnak Temple230 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Eclipse viewing planned around scheduled totality
02
Private Egyptologist at every listed site visit
03
Aswan to Luxor route with carriage and felucca rides
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The itinerary uses road transfers arranged with local Egyptian transport providers, a Nile cruiser, a traditional felucca at Aswan, and a horse-drawn carriage at Edfu. These local services keep spending with Egyptian boat crews, drivers, carriage owners, guides, and site staff. We arrange sightseeing with a private Egyptologist rather than combining guests into a large group, which can reduce unnecessary vehicle movements at the sites. Felucca and carriage operations depend on local conditions and animal welfare standards. We do not claim that the cruise or vehicles are carbon-neutral. Guests should follow onboard water and energy guidance and avoid leaving waste at archaeological sites.
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
The August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse is scheduled for 12:43, with 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality stated for this Aswan to Luxor cruise itinerary. Visits include Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple.
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
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated 14 February 2025Product ID: TOU-LUX-331180
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