Nile Cruise · 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
02 Overview
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 programme. The vessel’s excursion programme 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 travellers 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 travellers, and guests who prefer a cabin-based journey rather than repeated hotel changes.
What lingers
- 01 Sun deck viewing for the 2027 solar eclipse on arrival day, with no early checkout
- 02 Egyptologist-guided shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 03 Shore calls at Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04 Full board dining throughout the sailing
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins 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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin). Two or more children require their own cabin.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 Where 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. -
02 Do 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. -
03 What 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. -
04 Is 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. -
05 What 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. -
06 Is 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 2026 Product ID: CRP-LUX-519204
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