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
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
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.
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
- 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
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Domestic flight Cairo→Aswan (can be arranged on request).
- All drinks during meals and any bar tabs (soft and alcoholic) are not included.
- Egypt visa fees: GBP £25 e‑Visa (≈£28 on arrival) or US$30 e‑Visa (US$35 on arrival).
- Gratuities for ship crew, guide, drivers and local staff are not included.
- Personal expenses and any items of a private nature are excluded.
- Optional Karnak‑at‑sunset add‑on is not included.
- Pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded and require separate tickets.
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 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.
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
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- 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.
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
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 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.
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.
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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