Nile Cruise Package · Cairo → Cairo · 8 days · 7 nights
Cairo and Nile Cruise Package for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Sail for seven nights from Luxor to Aswan, with visits to Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple.
The short answer
The assigned vessel is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel travelling from Luxor towards Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Small group
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- A 7-night, 8-day stay
- Travel style
- Nile Cruise Package with an Egyptologist Guide
- Accommodation
- Comfort or Classic Cairo Hotels & 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the cruise vessel and hotels are operated by third-party suppliers.
- Destinations
- Cairo · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · The Nile
- Includes
- Cairo hotel accommodation · 5-star Nile cruise cabin accommodation · Airport, hotel and embarkation transfers as stated · Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing · Egyptologist guide during included visits · Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple visits · Valley of the Kings with three included tombs · Edfu and Kom Ombo temple visits · Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk visits
- Best for
- Travellers coming to see the 2027 solar eclipse · Visitors making their first trip to Egypt · Ancient-history enthusiasts · Travellers combining Cairo and a Nile cruise
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The journey is scheduled around the 2027 solar eclipse, so the exact travel dates determine both viewing prospects and local conditions. Egypt’s main sightseeing season is generally October to April, when Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are cooler; summer daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C in Upper Egypt. Check Ramadan, school holidays and national holidays before confirming, as opening hours, meal schedules and crowd levels may change.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- 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 sightseeing is led by Egyptologist guides.
- Airport, hotel, embarkation and sightseeing transfers are arranged according to the confirmed itinerary.
- The cruise vessel and hotels are booked through third-party suppliers; Discovery Tours Egypt does not operate them.
- International and domestic flights, visa charges, gratuities and travel insurance are clearly identified as exclusions.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile reflects the pale sky beyond Luxor, while your cruiser eases into the slower pace of river travel. From the deck, cultivated banks give way to desert, then to the carved stone of Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple. On land, Cairo brings a sharper contrast: traffic, museum galleries and the open space of the Giza Plateau before the river takes over.
The 2027 solar eclipse provides the journey’s organising point, although the final viewing site and conditions depend on the confirmed date. We arrange the hotels, private vehicles, cruise cabin and sightseeing, with our Egyptologists explaining each visit and the practical eclipse plan as details are finalised.
Background
The facts
This 8-day Egypt package combines Cairo sightseeing with a planned Nile cruise journey from Luxor towards Aswan, arranged around the 2027 solar eclipse. The land itinerary includes the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, followed by guided visits in Upper Egypt. The specific cruise vessel is assigned at booking and is not fixed in the package description.
In Luxor, the sightseeing programme covers Karnak Temple, including the Sacred Lake, and Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile. Karnak developed over many centuries, with major construction from the Middle Kingdom onwards, while Luxor Temple was substantially expanded during the New Kingdom. On the west bank, the itinerary includes the Colossi of Memnon, three included tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
The cruise route includes the Temple of Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo before reaching Aswan. Edfu Temple, dedicated primarily to Horus, is one of Egypt’s best-preserved Ptolemaic temples. Kom Ombo is a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Aswan sightseeing includes Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk; Philae Temple was relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam.
Transfers between airports, hotels, embarkation points and sightseeing locations are arranged according to the final itinerary. Eclipse visibility depends on the confirmed date, viewing location, weather and local conditions. Safe solar-viewing equipment and appropriate eye protection are not included and should be obtained separately from a reputable supplier.
Named in this entry
Cairo·Cairo's international airport·Luxor·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo·Temple at Kom Ombo·Aswan·Philae Temple·Nile River·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Amenhotep III·Ramesses II
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This package suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts and travellers aged approximately 16 and above who want to combine Cairo’s major monuments with a slower-paced Nile itinerary. It is best for travellers comfortable with early starts, walking on uneven surfaces, steps and changing between hotel, airport and cruise accommodation.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different date or itinerary if you struggle with summer heat or need step-free access throughout. The eclipse period may bring higher demand and busier sites than a typical Nile cruise.
What lingers
- 01Plan your Egypt visit around the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027
- 02Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple with an Egyptologist
- 03Follow the Nile route south from Luxor through Edfu and Kom Ombo
- 04Visit Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple during the cruise itinerary
- 05See Philae Temple in Aswan where it appears in the final sightseeing programme
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Combines Cairo sightseeing with a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise
- Visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple with an Egyptologist
- Includes Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple along the Nile
- Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing are covered
- Cairo hotel and cruise cabin accommodation are arranged
Things to Consider
- August sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan can exceed 38°C
- Eclipse demand may increase crowding and limit availability
- Temple paths include uneven stone and exposed walking
- Eclipse viewing equipment is excluded and must be arranged separately
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standalone Nile cruise, this package adds Cairo hotel accommodation, airport transfers and visits to the Giza Plateau, Great Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum. Unlike a fixed-vessel cruise product, the cruise ship is assigned at booking, while the itinerary is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt and the vessel is operated by a third-party supplier.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 7-night, 8-day stay · Cairo · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · The Nile
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Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.
Comfort
from £5,135 ppClassic
from £5,235 ppBundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Three nights' bed-and-breakfast accommodation at a Cairo hotel
- Four nights' lodging in a cabin on a 5-star Nile cruise ship
- Hotel accommodation at any other land-based stops listed in the final itinerary
- Transfers between airports, hotels, embarkation points and sightseeing locations specified in the itinerary
- Standard entrance fees for sightseeing included in the itinerary
- An Egyptologist to guide the included excursions
Not included
- International and domestic flights, unless added to your booking
- Egypt entry visa and any visa processing charges
- Meals and drinks not specified in the confirmed itinerary
- Gratuities for Egyptologists, drivers, cruise staff and hotel staff
- Optional visits and premium admissions, including pyramid interiors and premium tombs, unless requested in advance
- Personal expenses, travel insurance and solar eclipse viewing equipment
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose eclipse viewing grounds with a clear western horizon, then confirm the exact local contact time closer to the date.
- 02
Ask whether your cabin faces the river or the opposite bank when the vessel is assigned; layouts differ between ships.
- 03
Carry certified eclipse glasses in hand luggage and inspect them for scratches before use.
- 04
At Karnak, allow time to look beyond the Great Hypostyle Hall towards the Sacred Lake.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can discuss private or small-group arrangements, alternative Cairo sightseeing, additional Luxor or Aswan visits and extra hotel nights, subject to availability. Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, flights, travel insurance, eclipse equipment and gratuities can be added or arranged separately where possible. The assigned cruise vessel and hotel category should be confirmed in the final booking documentation.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– This package links Cairo sightseeing with a southbound Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, timed around the 2027 solar eclipse. It can sit within a longer Egypt holiday that adds time in Cairo or extends the Nile itinerary.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary combines airport transfers, guided visits and a seven-night Nile cruise. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple include uneven paving, sand, exposed stone, steps and limited shade. Wheelchair access is not consistent across these sites. Philae also requires boat boarding, while cruise embarkation may involve a gangway and steps. Standard vehicles may not accommodate a wheelchair unless arranged in advance. Guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so our team can assess walking distances, boat access and assistance at each visit.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required Egypt entry documents
- ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse viewing equipment, if observing the eclipse
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF50+, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Required prescription medicines
- Small day bag for temple visits
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Breathable layers for early mornings and evenings beside the Nile
- Comfortable closed walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Hat and sunglasses for strong sun
- Light jumper or jacket for air-conditioned transport and indoor areas
Children & families
Children may join this itinerary, but the supplied programme does not confirm a minimum age or fixed child fare. The price normally depends on the child’s age, cabin and room occupancy, so we confirm the amount before payment. Strollers are difficult to use at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae because of sand, uneven paving and steps. Dining facilities may have high chairs, subject to advance request and supplier availability.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Luxor cruise terminalMap
- Departs
- 31 July 2027, embarkation on arrival in Luxor
- Notes
- Guests are met on arrival in Luxor and transferred to the West Bank sightseeing before boarding the Nefertiti at the Luxor cruise terminal.
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- The Egyptian Museum0.0 km
- Giza Plateau15 km
- Karnak Temple0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Cairo sightseeing paired with a Luxor-to-Aswan cruise
02
2027 eclipse dates shape the travel programme
03
Vessel and land hotels confirmed at booking
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange road transfers between Cairo and Luxor, transport for sightseeing and boat access to Philae Temple. The cruise combines river travel with visits along the Nile route, although fuel use, waste handling and onboard purchasing depend on the individual cruise provider. Our arrangements use Egyptian Egyptologists, drivers, cruise suppliers and other local businesses, keeping spending in the destinations visited. We do not claim carbon neutrality or environmental certification for this trip. A refillable bottle, sensible water use and careful disposal of rubbish help reduce avoidable waste. Please follow site rules and do not touch ancient stonework.
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
This package includes Cairo hotel accommodation, a 5-star Nile cruise cabin, airport and sightseeing transfers, standard entrance fees and Egyptologist-guided visits. The sightseeing programme covers the Giza Plateau, Great Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of this Cairo to Aswan Solar Eclipse 2027 Nile Cruise package?
This holiday spans 8 days and 7 nights, combining hotel stays in Cairo with a 7-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. It is designed to incorporate the 2027 solar eclipse.02What is included in the price of this tour?
The package includes hotel accommodation in Cairo, a 7-night stay in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin, all transfers between airports, hotels, and sightseeing locations, standard entrance fees for included sites, and the services of an Egyptologist guide during visits.03What is not included in this tour package?
International and domestic flights, Egypt entry visas, meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary, gratuities for staff, optional visits like pyramid interiors or premium tombs, personal expenses, travel insurance, and solar eclipse viewing equipment are excluded.04What kind of cruise ship will I be on for the Nile portion of the trip?
You will be accommodated on a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser for 7 nights. The specific vessel is assigned at the time of booking, so no particular ship name is attached to this package in advance.05What are the typical pickup and transfer arrangements for this tour?
We arrange all transfers between airports, hotels, and cruise embarkation points as stated in your itinerary. Our drivers will meet you at designated times for private transfers to ensure smooth transitions throughout your journey.06Is this tour suitable for travellers with mobility challenges?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites, climbing stairs, and navigating cruise ship gangways. While we strive to accommodate, some sites may present challenges for those with significant mobility limitations. Please contact us to discuss specific needs.07What should I wear and bring for this trip to Egypt?
We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable when visiting religious sites like temples and mosques.08Are children welcome on this Nile cruise package?
Children are welcome on this tour. The combination of land excursions and a Nile cruise offers varied experiences. Please note that some historical sites involve extensive walking, which might be tiring for very young children.09What is the best time of year to take this specific tour, considering the solar eclipse?
This specific package is designed around the 2027 solar eclipse, which occurs in August. While August is a hot month in Egypt, this itinerary focuses on the unique celestial event. General travel to Egypt is most comfortable from October to April.10Will I have an Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing activities?
Yes, the services of a licensed Egyptologist guide are included for all stated sightseeing visits throughout your tour. Our guides provide expert insights into the history and significance of each ancient site you explore.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday
- 15–30 days
- 50% back, or 75% kept as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% back, or 50% kept as credit
- 2–6 days
- Nothing back; 25% kept as credit
- Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up
- No refund and no credit
Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TOU-NIL-955915
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