Nile Cruise Package · Aswan → Luxor · 4 days · 3 nights
4-Day Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise, Solar Eclipse 2027
Three nights sailing Aswan via Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna to Luxor; stay onboard after 09:00 checkout; 6m 23s totality at 12:43, ISO glasses provided.
The short answer
Solar Eclipse Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor is a 4-day, 3-night trip to Luxor and Aswan: 3 nights on a Nile cruise. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at £1,915 per person, two sharing (Classic).
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Per person | Choose |
|---|---|---|
| Classicfrom £1,9155★ hotels | £1,915 |
Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 4-day, 3-night trip · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna
- 1
After landing at Aswan Airport, our driver arranges your onward transfer to the booked hotel or Nile cruise departure point. Your Egyptologist then introduces three important sites around Aswan. At the High Dam, completed in 1970, you’ll see the structure that changed the Nile’s annual flooding. The Unfinished Obelisk remains partly cut from Aswan’s granite quarry.
A short boat journey reaches Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, where your guide explains the sanctuary’s dedication to Isis and its relocation during the dam project. Visit timings may change if your flight arrives late.
- 2
Today’s guided sightseeing follows the Nile between two Ptolemaic temples. At Kom Ombo, your Egyptologist explains the shared sanctuary of Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, including reliefs beside the river. Later, visit Edfu Temple, built for Horus and known for its substantial entrance gateway and carved religious scenes.
You’ll walk through the courtyards and explain the temple’s symbolism with your guide as the day progresses. Ancient paving can be uneven, so sensible footwear is useful.
- 3
Your Egyptologist begins with Luxor Temple on the east bank, where Roman additions sit alongside monuments from earlier Egyptian periods. You then explore Karnak Temples, a vast religious complex developed over many centuries. The Great Hypostyle Hall contains 134 stone columns, while the Sacred Lake reflects the role of water in temple ceremonies.
This sightseeing follows the Nile cruise itinerary, with time later in the day to continue travelling along the river. Expect uneven ancient paving and limited shade around some outdoor areas.
- 4
This morning, your guide leads you into the Valley of the Kings, where royal burial chambers were cut into Luxor’s western hills. You will enter three tombs during the visit. At Deir el-Bahari, explore the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and its wide terraces set against the cliffs. The final stop is the Colossi of Memnon, two large quartzite statues associated with Amenhotep III’s memorial temple.
Relax on board the sundeck to admire the Solar Eclipse. Later, our driver takes you from Luxor downtown to Luxor Airport for your departure.
02Overview
A first look
The sun deck’s teak is still warm when the sky goes dark at 12:43 for six minutes twenty‑three seconds. You watch totality from the sun deck while the Nile slips past the cruiser, the light changing across the West Bank.
We keep you onboard after the 09:00 checkout; bags are stored and the sun deck and lounges remain yours. Unlike cruises that require early disembarkation, we keep the sun deck for viewing through totality; ISO 12312‑2 viewing glasses, an astronomy escort briefing, our Egyptologists and a Luxor airport transfer after fourth contact are all arranged.
What lingers
- 01Watch the eclipse aboard from the sun deck – 6m 23s of totality at 12:43
- 02Remain onboard after the 09:00 checkout – your bags are stored, and the sun deck and lounges are yours to use
- 03ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses + briefing from an astronomy escort
- 04A three-night voyage from Aswan to Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna and Luxor
- 05Philae Temple, High Dam, Kom Ombo and Edfu (horse carriage); Karnak optional
- 06Transfer to Luxor airport after fourth contact
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- All entry tickets
- Felucca ride
Not bundled in
- Domestic flights
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Three nights aboard a five‑star Nile cruiser on a Full Board basis.
- Eclipse viewing from the ship’s sun deck; totality 6 minutes 23 seconds at 12:43 local time.
- We provide ISO 12312‑2 solar‑viewing glasses and an astronomy escort with briefings on Day 3 and the morning of Day 4.
- Private Egyptologist with you at every shore excursion (Philae, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu; Karnak optional).
- Meet‑and‑assist at Aswan airport or hotel and private transfer to embarkation; transfer to Luxor airport after fourth contact.
- Standard temple entrance fees included: Philae, High Dam, Kom Ombo and Edfu; Karnak optional entrance available at booking.
- Horse‑drawn carriage at Edfu and a short felucca sail at Aswan are included as shore‑excursion elements.
- Full Board meals throughout, with a chef‑plated eclipse‑day lunch served onboard; all Egyptian government taxes and VAT included.
- We keep the ship’s sun deck and lounges reserved for passengers after the 09:00 checkout so you can remain onboard for totality.
- Unlike typical cruise‑ship shore tours, we use the vessel itself as the eclipse viewing platform rather than transferring guests ashore at totality.
Not included
- Flights to and from Egypt from overseas
- Flight from Cairo to Aswan, which can be booked on request
- Soft and alcoholic drinks with meals
- Tips for the cruise crew, Egyptologist and drivers
- Personal expenses
- Egyptian visa
- Optional sunset visit to Karnak Temple
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Philae, sit on the right side of the boat for clearer first views as you approach the island.
- 02
Confirm the horse-drawn carriage meeting point at Edfu before leaving the vessel, especially during the heat of the day.
- 03
At Karnak, ask your Egyptologist to explain the alignment between the temple’s central axis and the Nile.
- 04
Bring a hat, water 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. You can also request extra nights in Aswan before the cruise or in Luxor afterwards, subject to availability and the vessel schedule.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This August 2027 cruise suits couples, solo travellers and families with older children, roughly eight and above, who want to see the total solar eclipse alongside Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu. Choose it if you value a planned schedule, full-board meals and a private Egyptologist over the flexibility of an independently arranged trip.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based private itinerary if you need a flexible schedule, step-free access or cooler sightseeing conditions. August heat and fixed sailing times are significant constraints.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The eclipse plan centres on 6 minutes 23 seconds of scheduled totality.
- A private Egyptologist accompanies visits to major ancient sites.
- The route includes Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu.
- Full-board meals reduce the need to plan dining onboard.
- An Edfu carriage ride and Aswan felucca vary the transport.
Things to Consider
- August temperatures around Aswan and Luxor can reach 42°C.
- Fixed sailing times and early visits limit schedule flexibility.
- Uneven ancient stone, sand and steps require steady walking.
- Drinks, gratuities and the Egyptian visa cost extra.
Where it fits
This Aswan to Luxor cruise fits between a Cairo visit and further sightseeing in Luxor, with the 2027 solar eclipse scheduled during the voyage. Add an Abu Simbel visit from Aswan if you have an extra day.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruise itineraries centre on standard sightseeing; this one schedules astronomy briefings and sun-deck viewing around the 2 August 2027 eclipse. Many cruise packages end with disembarkation; this itinerary allows continued access to onboard lounges and the sun deck after the stated 09:00 checkout.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Nile cruise with a private guide
- Accommodation
- 5-star Nile river cruiser
- Destinations
- Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna · Luxor · Karnak Temple
- Includes
- Three nights on board a five-star Nile cruise boat · Full-board onboard meals, including eclipse-day lunch · Solar viewing glasses meeting ISO 12312-2 · Briefings with an astronomy escort · A private Egyptologist on visits to sites · Aswan pick-up and Luxor airport transfer · Entrance fees for the sites listed · Felucca trip and horse-drawn carriage in Edfu
- Best for
- Solar eclipse travellers · Nile cruise travellers · History enthusiasts · Travel with a private guide · Astronomy enthusiasts
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and printed boarding pass
- ISO 12312-2 eclipse viewing glasses (we supply a pair; bring a spare if you have one)
- Sunscreen SPF50+, sun hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle (refillable onboard)
- Light daypack for camera, binoculars and personal items
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to nausea
- Any prescription medication in original packaging
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for warm days
- Layered fleece or light jumper for cooler mornings and evenings
- Sturdy, closed shoes for temple walking and uneven stone
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Wide-brimmed hat for sun-deck viewing
Children & families
Minimum age for this cruise is six years old due to the eclipse viewing environment and shore excursions logistics. Children aged 6–11 are charged at a child rate where available; older teenagers are charged as adults. Strollers are usable on the quayside and main decks but may be impractical on temple approaches and at Edfu where carriage access involves steps. High chairs are not guaranteed on the cruiser; let us know dietary or seating needs ahead of travel and we will confirm what the crew can provide.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise and the associated site visits require a moderate level of mobility. Boat decks and sun decks have short flights of steps, low railings, and uneven surfaces; the sun deck is open to direct sun and can be windy. Temple entrances at Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu involve stone steps and uneven ancient paving; Edfu includes a horse-carriage transfer that requires stepping up and down. Shore transfers use private cars with three steps to enter in some vehicles. Wheelchair users should know that full independent access at river temples is limited, and ramps are not available at all sites. We can arrange assistance for embarkation and disembarkation and recommend a travelling companion for guests with limited mobility. Please tell us about mobility needs at booking so we can plan suitable vehicles and assistance. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we coordinate local helpers, but we cannot guarantee elevator access at historic sites.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use air-conditioned minibuses and private cars for transfers between airport, quayside and sites, and the cruise relies on the local crew who run the vessel; fuel is standard diesel for these classes of river boat. We work with local suppliers in Aswan and Luxor, including Egyptologists, carriage drivers and felucca crews who are paid directly by us for each service, keeping revenue in the local economy. ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses are single-use for safety; we provide them to avoid unsafe viewing. Where possible we schedule daytime activities to reduce late-night transfers and we encourage guests to leave tips directly with guides and crew, which supports household incomes. We do not claim carbon neutrality; if you wish, we can recommend verified UK-based carbon-offsetting options at booking.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Aswan → Luxor Eclipse Cruise?
The cruise lasts four days and three nights, Aswan to Luxor. Board in Aswan on Friday 30 July 2027; the ship sails Kom Ombo, Edfu and Esna before docking at Luxor on the morning of 2 August. You remain onboard through the eclipse at 12:43 (6 minutes 23 seconds totality) before transfer to Luxor airport.02What time do we check out and how does eclipse-on-disembarkation work?
You check out at 09:00 but remain onboard for the eclipse. At 09:00 bags go into secure onboard storage; the sun deck, lounges and dining room remain available. We choose the Aswan→Luxor direction so the ship is already moored at Luxor during totality and does not sail during the partial phases. ISO 12312-2 glasses and an astronomy escort briefing are provided; transfer to Luxor airport follows fourth contact.03What is included and what is excluded on this cruise?
The cruise includes three nights on a 5★ cruiser, Full Board and all listed temple entrances. Included highlights: ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses; astronomy escort briefings; our Egyptologists at every site; Aswan airport (or hotel) meet-and-assist; Luxor airport transfer; felucca at Aswan; Edfu horse-carriage; chef-plated eclipse lunch; all Egyptian taxes and VAT. Excluded: international flights, Cairo→Aswan domestic flight (we can book), drinks during meals/bar tabs, visa fee, gratuities, personal expenses and optional Karnak-at-sunset add-on.04How do I get to Aswan to embark – domestic flights and transfers?
We provide Aswan airport or hotel meet-and-assist for embarkation; Cairo→Aswan domestic flights are not included. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can book the domestic flight on request; we recommend arriving in Aswan at least the day before embarkation to avoid same-day connection risk. If you need a pre-embarkation hotel we can arrange it.05Are children allowed on the cruise and is it family-friendly?
Children are welcome aboard; parents are responsible for supervision during excursions and the eclipse. ISO 12312-2 glasses are provided for every guest, but supervising eye safety during partial phases is essential. Many shore sites have uneven stone, steps and standing; tell us children’s ages when you book so we can advise cabin bedding and excursion suitability.06What should I bring and wear for eclipse day and temple visits?
Bring strong sun protection and modest clothing for temple visits. Pack a wide-brim hat, SPF50 sunscreen, lightweight long sleeves, closed shoes for temples, a refillable water bottle, prescription medication and a small daypack. We supply one pair of ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses per guest; bring a spare pair if you rely on them and carry cash for gratuities and personal purchases.07How accessible is the ship and the shore excursions for limited mobility?
Mobility needs vary: the ship has accessible public areas but many shore sites present steps and uneven stone. Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo involve stairs, low passages and uneven surfaces; felucca and horse-carriage boarding require stepping. Wheelchair access ashore is limited. Please tell us mobility requirements before booking so we can assess gangway details and arrange extra assistance where possible.08Can I take photographs during totality and are special glasses provided?
You may photograph the eclipse; do not view the Sun through an optical viewfinder while wearing eclipse glasses. ISO 12312-2 glasses are for naked-eye viewing only and should not be used on camera viewfinders. Our astronomy escort will advise camera filters and exposure settings; mobile phones on a small tripod or a camera with a solar filter work best for partial phases, while totality is safe to photograph without solar filters.09Which temples and sites will we visit on the Aswan → Luxor route?
Visits include Philae Temple, the High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu (horse-carriage) and optional Karnak. Our Egyptologists lead private visits and all standard temple entrances listed are included; Karnak-at-sunset is an optional add-on. The itinerary gives proper time at Kom Ombo and Edfu rather than the rushed calls typical of many cruise shuttle schedules; felucca at Aswan is included on embarkation day.10How hot will it be in August and how do you manage the heat during the eclipse?
August temperatures in Upper Egypt commonly exceed 40°C in shade. Eclipse day partial phases start around 11:20 and totality is at 12:43, so much activity coincides with peak heat. We keep you on the ship through the eclipse with shaded sun-deck areas, cold drinks and air-conditioned lounges. Downsides: high heat, limited shade ashore and walking on hot stone at some sites.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-LUX-331180