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
Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise for solar eclipse 2027 is a 4-day cruise covering Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor in Upper Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Nile Cruise
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna · Luxor
- Includes
- 3 nights onboard full board · Eclipse viewing from sun deck · ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses · Private Egyptologist guide · Aswan pickup · Luxor airport transfer · Temple entrance fees · Horse-drawn carriage at Edfu · Felucca at Aswan · Government taxes and VAT
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Eclipse travelers · Couples · Families with older children · First-time visitors to Upper Egypt
Best time to go
This product is tied to the 2027 solar eclipse date, so the critical travel period is the eclipse sailing itself rather than a seasonal window. In Upper Egypt, daylight temperatures can be hot from late spring through early autumn, while winter months are milder and generally more comfortable for sightseeing. Crowds are often heavier around major holidays and during peak winter travel periods. Ramadan may affect daytime service hours and some local routines, so travelers should check the operating calendar if they are combining the cruise with other land arrangements.
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Private Egyptologist guide at each site
- All standard temple entrance fees included
- Government taxes and VAT included
- Onboard eclipse safety briefing with ISO 12312-2 glasses
02 Overview
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 runs from Aswan to Luxor and is designed around the 2027 total solar eclipse on the final day of the voyage. The itinerary sails north from Aswan, with scheduled stops at Philae Temple and the High Dam in Aswan, then Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna before arrival in Luxor. The cruise remains onboard through the eclipse day, with totality expected at 12:43 and a duration of 6 minutes 23 seconds from the sun deck.
The route follows the classic Upper Egypt river corridor. Philae Temple is reached from Aswan by boat after the High Dam visit, while Kom Ombo lies on a bend of the Nile between Aswan and Edfu and is known for its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Edfu Temple is one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples and is typically reached by horse-drawn carriage from the river landing, before the vessel continues through Esna toward Luxor.
Guests stay on board after the daytime checkout on Day 4, with luggage stored and access to the sun deck and lounges maintained until the eclipse has passed. This arrangement is intended to keep passengers at the cruise location for viewing conditions rather than requiring an early disembarkation. After the fourth contact, the itinerary continues with transfer to Luxor Airport.
The cruise includes private Egyptologist guiding at the included sites, standard temple entrance fees, and onboard meals on a full-board basis. It also includes ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses and an astronomy escort briefing on Day 3 and again on the Day 4 morning, which supports safe viewing procedures for the eclipse event.
Named in this entry
Aswan · Luxor · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Temple of Kom Ombo · Temple of Edfu · Esna · Karnak Temple · Nile River · Solar Eclipse 2027 · ISO 12312-2
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary is suitable for travelers who want a structured Upper Egypt cruise with a rare astronomical event built into the schedule. It is a good fit for adults and older children who are comfortable spending several hours on a vessel and walking around temple sites.
- It also suits history-focused visitors who want private guiding at major Nile Valley monuments, including Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and optionally Karnak. The pace is moderate rather than strenuous, making it appropriate for travelers who prefer organized transport and onboard accommodation.
What lingers
- 01 Eclipse onboard from the sun deck – 6m 23s totality at 12:43
- 02 Stay onboard after 09:00 checkout – bags stored, sun deck and lounges yours
- 03 ISO 12312-2 viewing glasses + astronomy escort briefing
- 04 Three nights sailing Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Esna → Luxor
- 05 Philae Temple, High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu (horse-carriage), Karnak optional
- 06 Luxor airport transfer after fourth contact
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard Nile cruise, this itinerary is timed so passengers remain onboard for eclipse viewing on the final day rather than disembarking in the morning. The package also includes astronomy briefing and eclipse glasses, which are not part of ordinary cruise departures. Compared with independent Nile travel, the itinerary combines temple sightseeing, onboard accommodation, and airport transfer in one fixed route. Compared with a land-based eclipse trip, it keeps travelers on the river corridor between Aswan and Luxor with guided stops at major monuments.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Esna
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.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The itinerary can be booked as a private cruise experience with dedicated guiding, or adapted if you want to add more time at Luxor sites after disembarkation. Common modifications include upgrading dining, adding a sunset visit to Karnak, or arranging a domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan before boarding.
- The cruise can also be adjusted for arrival logistics, such as hotel pickup in Aswan instead of airport transfer. Meal arrangements and pre- or post-cruise extensions in Luxor can be added on request.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
On the ground
Your route
· In summary
This 4-day Nile cruise sails from Aswan to Luxor and includes Philae Temple, the High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and an optional Karnak visit. On Day 4, guests remain onboard for the 2027 solar eclipse, with ISO 12312-2 glasses and an astronomy escort briefing included.
The package includes 3 nights on a 5-star Nile cruiser, full board meals, private Egyptologist guiding, temple entrance fees, Aswan pickup, and Luxor Airport transfer.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 How 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. -
02 What 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. -
03 What 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. -
04 How 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. -
05 Are 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. -
06 What 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. -
07 How 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. -
08 Can 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. -
09 Which 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. -
10 How 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
Last updated 28 May 2026 Product ID: TOU-LUX-331180
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