5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Watch the total solar eclipse from the sun deck on 2 August 2027, with Egyptologist-led visits from the Valley of the Kings to Philae Temple.
At a glance
- Length
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Departs
- Daily
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The assigned Nile cruiser is a deluxe full-board vessel operating between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Small group
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Photography
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- A four-night, five-day stay
- Travel style
- Nile Cruise package with guided eclipse viewing
- Accommodation
- Deluxe full-board Nile cruise cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the Nile vessel and onboard services are operated by a third-party cruise supplier.
- Destinations
- Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Four nights in a cruise cabin · Meals from lunch on embarkation to breakfast on disembarkation · Egyptologist guide for included shore programme · Transport for included shore excursions · Reserved sun-deck eclipse viewing on 2 August 2027 · Embarkation assistance in Luxor · Transfer to Aswan Airport after disembarkation
- Best for
- Eclipse travellers · Ancient history enthusiasts · Astronomy-focused travellers · First-time Egypt visitors · Travellers who prefer an escorted itinerary
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The eclipse departure is fixed for August 2027, when daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan commonly reach around 38–42°C, with very limited rainfall. August is hotter and often quieter than the main winter season, although the 2 August eclipse period is expected to create exceptional demand; Ramadan dates vary by year and should be checked separately.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the itinerary, cruise vessel, shore transport and guiding through relevant suppliers.
- The operator is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Included shore sightseeing is accompanied by an Egyptologist guide.
- Cruise accommodation and onboard services are provided by a third-party vessel supplier; Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking but does not operate the vessel.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn on the Nile, the air is cooler above the water and the limestone banks take on a pale gold colour. On 2 August 2027, the deck becomes your viewing point for the total solar eclipse, while the river and desert horizon darken around you. It is a striking contrast to the busy courtyards and worn stone of Luxor’s West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Between shore visits, there is time to sit in the shade, watch villages pass and listen to the steady movement of the vessel. Our Egyptologist brings the carved scenes into focus, while we arrange embarkation in Luxor, local transport and your transfer onwards from Aswan Airport.
Background
The facts
This five-day Nile cruise package travels south from Luxor to Aswan, with four nights in a cruise cabin and sightseeing at major archaeological sites along the river. The itinerary begins with Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, followed by the Luxor West Bank, including the Colossi of Memnon, the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. The Valley of the Kings visit includes three tombs; entrance fees for premium tombs are not included.
The route continues to Edfu, approximately 105 kilometres south of Luxor by road, where the Temple of Horus is located, and Kom Ombo, about 65 kilometres north of Aswan. The Temple of Horus was built primarily during the Ptolemaic period between 237 and 57 BC. Kom Ombo is a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, constructed and modified during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
In Aswan, the programme includes Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO-led Nubia Campaign in the 1960s and 1970s after the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened its original island location. Disembarkation follows breakfast on Day 5, with an arranged transfer to Aswan Airport.
The total solar eclipse takes place on 2 August 2027. Reserved viewing from the vessel’s sun deck is scheduled for Day 3, subject to the vessel’s operating arrangements and local weather conditions. The cruise package includes full-board cabin accommodation from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, but monument entrance fees, drinks, visas and gratuities are separate costs.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Agilkia Island·Nubia Campaign·total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This package suits adults and older children interested in ancient Egyptian history, astronomy and a structured river journey with escorted shore visits. Travellers should be comfortable walking on uneven archaeological surfaces, boarding and leaving a vessel, and managing warm outdoor conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different trip if you need step-free access or cannot manage hot conditions and uneven archaeological surfaces. The fixed 2–6 August 2027 dates also rule it out for travellers who need flexible timing.
What lingers
- 01A reserved spot on the sun deck to watch the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
- 02Explore Luxor’s West Bank, including the Kings’ Valley, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 03See Karnak Temple in Luxor
- 04Discover Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo Temple
- 05Explore Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam and Aswan Bazaar
- 06An Egyptologist guide accompanies the included shore programme
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Reserved viewing from the sun deck for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
- Combines Luxor's West Bank sites with temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo
- Includes Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and Aswan Bazaar
- Full-board cruise meals run from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- An Egyptologist guides the included shore programme
Things to Consider
- August temperatures in southern Egypt are often above 35°C
- Uneven ground and steps at archaeological sites
- Monument entrance fees, drinks and gratuities are extra
- Fixed dates coincide with expected high demand for eclipse travel
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Luxor and Aswan itinerary, this package combines overnight sailing with scheduled visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo, reducing the need for separate intercity road transfers. Unlike a standard Nile cruise, it includes reserved sun-deck viewing for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, while the vessel itself is assigned through a third-party supplier at booking.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A four-night, five-day stay · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Price |
|---|---|
| Classic | from £4,622 |
Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Four nights in a full-board cruise cabin
- Meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Egyptologist guide for the included shore programme
- Transport for the included shore excursions
- Reserved viewing from the sun deck for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, planned for Day 3
- Use of the vessel’s shared facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Embarkation assistance in Luxor
- Disembarkation assistance and transfer to Aswan Airport
Not included
- Monument entry and sightseeing charges
- Drinks apart from those served with meals, plus alcoholic beverages
- Cruise crew gratuities, minimum €18 per person per day
- International flights
- Arrival and departure visas
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Keep a light layer handy on deck; open Nile water can feel cooler before sunrise than Luxor’s streets.
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for bazaar purchases, and confirm the price before accepting goods or services.
- 03
Bring a hat and high-factor sun cream for exposed temple courtyards, especially during the August eclipse period.
- 04
Ask your Egyptologist where photography is restricted before taking pictures inside tombs or temple rooms.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can discuss private or shared guiding, additional Luxor or Aswan hotel nights, alternative airport transfers and pre- or post-cruise extensions. Premium tomb visits, drinks, meal preferences and other extras can be requested subject to availability and separate charges.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
This five-day cruise fits between a Luxor stay and onward travel from Aswan, with the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 during the southbound sailing. Allow extra time in Luxor or Aswan if you want to visit sites beyond the included shore programme.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile itinerary involves walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, compacted dirt, steps and sloped paths at the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Boarding may involve steps or a narrow gangway, and the sun deck is normally reached by stairs. Shore excursion vehicles are not assumed to be wheelchair accessible. A foldable wheelchair may be possible with advance notice, but independent access at archaeological sites cannot be guaranteed. Please request a mobility assessment before booking, particularly if you have difficulty walking, standing or managing heat.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and the necessary entry documents
- Solar-viewing glasses certified to ISO 12312-2
- Walking shoes with firm soles
- Sunscreen SPF 50+, sun hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle you can refill
- Prescription medicines and personal medication
- Small day bag for shore visits
- Egyptian pounds to spend at Aswan Bazaar and for gratuities
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for warm daytime conditions
- Breathable layers for early mornings and time on the sun deck
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Light layer for air-conditioned indoor areas
Children & families
Children must travel with a parent or legal guardian. The minimum age is not confirmed, so please check with us before booking; the eclipse viewing, early sightseeing, heat and uneven ground can be demanding. Child prices depend on the child's age and cabin arrangement, and are quoted individually. Strollers are impractical at several archaeological sites and on narrow gangways. High chairs are subject to availability and should be requested in advance.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor International Airport (LXR), ArrivalsMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak Temple3 km
- The Kings' Valley9 km
- Hatshepsut Temple17 km
- Edfu's Temple of Horus100 km
- The temple at Kom Ombo170 km
- Philae Temple220 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Reserved sun deck viewing for the 2027 total eclipse
02
Edfu and Kom Ombo included on the southbound route
03
Egyptologist-led visits across Luxor and the Nile Valley
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transport with locally operated vehicles and work with Egyptian Egyptologists, 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 route. Using local guides and transport crews keeps operational spending within the communities visited. We do not claim that the vessel or vehicles are emissions-free. Carry a refillable bottle where practical and follow crew instructions for waste disposal. The Aswan Bazaar also provides a direct opportunity to buy from local traders.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
·In summary
This package includes four nights of full-board Nile cruise cabin accommodation from Luxor to Aswan, an Egyptologist guide, transport for included shore excursions and reserved sun-deck viewing of the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. The sightseeing programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk; monument fees, drinks, visas and gratuities are excluded.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the 5-Day Luxor to Aswan Nile Cruise for the 2027 Solar Eclipse?
The cruise package runs for five days and includes four nights in a Nile cruiser cabin. It travels south from Luxor to Aswan, with visits to temples and archaeological sites along the route. Meals are provided from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day.02How do airport transfers work for this Luxor to Aswan cruise?
A transfer is arranged from Luxor Airport to the embarkation point, and from the vessel to Aswan Airport after disembarkation. Share your flight details with us so the arrangements can be matched to your arrival and departure times. International flights are not included.03What is included in the 2027 solar eclipse Nile cruise?
The package includes four nights of full-board cabin accommodation, meals from lunch on the first day to breakfast on the last, an Egyptologist for the shore programme and transport for those visits. Reserved eclipse viewing on the sun deck is included, along with use of the vessel’s public areas.04Is the Nile cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Accessibility depends on the vessel, water level and individual needs. Gangways may be steep, and cruise vessels can have stairs between decks. Shore visits involve uneven ancient stone and sand, with limited shade. Contact us before booking to discuss specific mobility requirements and what can be arranged.05Can children join the 2027 solar eclipse Nile cruise?
Children can travel on this cruise, but the supplied programme does not specify child-focused activities or an age limit. Visits include walking around ancient sites, often on uneven ground and in heat. Ask us to confirm cabin arrangements and any age-related terms before booking.06What should I pack for the Nile cruise and temple visits?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. August is hot in southern Egypt, so plan for strong sun during shore visits. Choose modest clothing for temples, covering shoulders and knees, and carry water for walks between exposed areas.07Can I take photographs at the sites on this cruise?
Photography rules vary by site, and some tombs may restrict cameras or require a separate fee. Outdoor photography is generally permitted, but follow local signs and your Egyptologist’s instructions. Tripods may not be allowed. Check the rules at each location before taking photographs.08What is the best season for a Nile cruise, apart from the 2027 eclipse?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing than the summer months. The eclipse takes place on 2 August 2027, during Egypt’s hot season, so expect high temperatures and strong sun. The exact conditions vary, but early starts and shade breaks can help during visits.09How is viewing arranged for the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027?
Reserved viewing is planned from the vessel’s sun deck on 2 August 2027, the date of the total solar eclipse. The booking includes a place for viewing, but conditions and the precise position of the vessel may affect what you see. Bring suitable eye protection for observing a solar eclipse.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TOU-LUX-056290
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