Nile Cruise Package · Luxor · 8 days · 7 nights
Luxor to Aswan Solar Eclipse 2027 Nile Cruise
Board in Luxor and watch totality from the sun deck the same afternoon, then sail south with Egyptologist-guided calls at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
The short answer
Nefertari Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 days
Best time to go
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically October to April, when daytime temperatures in Upper Egypt are more moderate and sightseeing is more comfortable. Summer months, especially June to August, can be very hot in Luxor and Aswan, with higher midday temperatures and stronger sun exposure. Ramadan and major public holidays can affect opening hours and local traffic, so timed visits may need adjustment.
02Overview
A first look
You board in Luxor on Monday, August 2, 2027, and by early afternoon you are settled on the sun deck as the sky darkens for totality at 12:43 local time. There is no early checkout to negotiate on eclipse day: the ship is your accommodation, moored in Luxor, so you experience the full event without a transfer clock running.
From the next morning, the ship carries you south through Edfu and Kom Ombo to Aswan, with Egyptologist-guided shore excursions arranged at each stop and full board dining onboard throughout.
Background
The facts
Nefertari Nile Cruise is a Nile river vessel arranged for sailings between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation in Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan on the standard southbound program. The vessel’s excursion program typically includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank, and downstream stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Karnak Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt, developed over many centuries from the Middle Kingdom through the New Kingdom, and located about 3 km north of Luxor Temple. The Valley of the Kings lies on the west bank of Luxor, where New Kingdom rulers were buried in rock-cut tombs, including the tomb of Tutankhamun. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved Ptolemaic temples in Egypt, while Kom Ombo is known for its unusual double dedication to Sobek and Haroeris.
Philae Temple is associated with the goddess Isis and was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from rising waters. The cruise operates as a river sailing experience rather than a land circuit, so guests spend nights aboard while moving between Luxor and Aswan, with Egyptologist-guided shore excursions arranged at the main sites.
For the 2027 solar eclipse, the sun deck is used for reserved viewing when conditions allow, with open sightlines over the Nile. Cabin classes are graded Standard, Deluxe, and Suite, and many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adult travelers and older families who want a guided Nile itinerary with site visits at a comfortable pace. It is especially relevant for history-focused visitors, first-time Egypt travelers, and guests who prefer a cabin-based journey rather than repeated hotel changes.
What lingers
- 01Sun deck viewing for the 2027 solar eclipse on arrival day, with no early checkout
- 02Egyptologist-guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 03Shore calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Full board dining throughout the sailing
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board, from lunch on the day you embark through your final meal before disembarkation
- Egyptologist-guided shore excursions at Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple), Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Use of onboard public areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Assistance with embarkation in Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan
- Port and service charges where applicable
Not included
- International flights and arrival/departure visas
- Drinks beyond still water served with meals, unless otherwise stated
- Gratuities for ship staff and Egyptologists
- Optional excursions and personal expenses
- Personal travel insurance
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01Where and when do I board the ship?
You board in Luxor on Monday, August 2, 2027, in time for lunch, ahead of the total solar eclipse that afternoon.02Do I need to check out of a hotel before the eclipse?
No. The ship is your accommodation on eclipse day, so there is no early checkout - you view totality from the sun deck while already settled aboard.03What does the cruise price include?
Full board dining and Egyptologist-guided shore excursions at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are included. International flights, gratuities, drinks beyond water with meals, and personal expenses are not included.04Is a single supplement available?
Yes, a single supplement applies for solo travelers who want a cabin to themselves; ask us for current availability and pricing.05What is the difference between this cruise and the 8-day sailing?
This is a shorter 5-day, 4-night sailing with the eclipse viewed on the very first afternoon in Luxor, then sailing south to Aswan. The 8-day sailing includes additional leisure days and views the eclipse partway through the itinerary.06Is this cruise suitable for families?
Yes, with school-age children and teenagers who can manage temple visits, steps and uneven ground. We can advise on specific arrangements for younger travelers.
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
Last updated 28 May 2026Product ID: CRP-LUX-519204
You Might Also Like
Cairo8 Days
8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour
A guided 8-day holiday combining three nights in Cairo with a four-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange domestic flights, private transfers and an Egyptologist throughout. Sightseeing follows a paced rhythm: Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Luxor East and West Bank temples, sailing stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a scheduled visit to Abu Simbel from Aswan. We arrange hotel check-in nights in Cairo and full-board cruise accommodation, so you move between land and river sections without carrying luggage long distances.
From $1,700
Nile8 Days
Private Guided 8-Day Nile Cruise from Hurghada to Luxor & Aswan (Abu Simbel by Road)
Discover Egypt’s timeless treasures on a private, guided 8-day Nile cruise from Hurghada to Luxor and Aswan. Enjoy seven nights aboard a comfortable Nile ship with daily sightseeing led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist–visit Abu Simbel by road, explore Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu, and walk through Luxor’s Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Hassle-free transfers from Hurghada to Luxor and back are included so you can relax from arrival to departure. This carefully paced itinerary balances iconic ancient sites with leisurely onboard time: full-board meals on the cruise, included standard site entrance fees, and expert guided tours let you experience Egypt’s highlights without the planning stress. Ideal for travelers who want an immersive cultural journey–see temples, tombs and Nile life while enjoying the comfort and service of a full-week cruise. Book this private guided experience for convenience and deeper context at each site: customizable upgrades are available for private cars, upgraded cabins or exclusive excursions. Perfect for families, couples and small groups seeking a premium Nile itinerary that covers Luxor and Aswan’s must-sees, plus the once-in-a-lifetime Abu Simbel road transfer.
From $1,642
Nile8 Days
Luxor to Aswan Solar Eclipse 2027 Nile Cruise Package
A 7-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Nefertiti, timed around the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse. Full board, Egyptologist-guided temple visits at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with totality viewed from the ship in Luxor.
From $2,000