NEW TRIP
Witness a celestial event in Egypt’s iconic realm of temples and tombs
Total Solar Eclipse of 2027: Luxor, Egypt
Overview
Join us for the 2027 total solar eclipse in one of the world’s most storied settings—Luxor, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power and an open-air museum of many of Egypt’s major archaeological treasures. We begin in Cairo with visits to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the tombs of Saqqara, and the Great Pyramids of Giza. From there, we’ll embark on a fantastic Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, with stops at the enchanting temples of Philae, Edfu, and Esna. Our grand finale is, of course, the total solar eclipse itself, which we will view from the top deck of our luxurious private boat.
Throughout our journey, we’ll engage in captivating discussions with our esteemed guide to the cosmos, Dr. Alex Filippenko, whose expertise and enthusiasm bring invaluable insights. We’ll also learn more about the region’s rich history and exciting new discoveries from renowned Egyptologist Dr. Salima Ikram, and discover the impressive celestial acumen of the Egyptians with Dr. Bernadette Brady.
Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
Depart: Cairo, Egypt
Highlights
- Private eclipse-viewing spot on the deck of the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
- Witness a full 6 minutes and 22 seconds of totality—one of the longest periods imaginable
- Presentations by distinguished astrophysicist Dr. Alex Filippenko of UC Berkeley and guest
- Egyptologists Dr. Bernadette Brady and Dr. Salima Ikram
- Five-day Nile cruise aboard the deluxe Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
- Special access to the Tomb of Senenmut, home to the earliest star map and original 12-month calendar
Itinerary
We are welcomed to Egypt with a tour of the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the first presentation by Dr. Alex Filippenko on eclipses and the cosmos. Our explorations continue to the necropolis of Saqqara and the Step Pyramid, with special access to the recently discovered Wahti’s’ Tomb, and a presentation by Dr. Salima Ikram on her studies at that site. We enjoy a special private opening of the Giza Pyramid Complex and private tour of the Sphinx. Overnights at the Four Seasons First Residence.
Flying to fantastic Nile-side Abu Simbel, we tour the great temples of Ramses II, then fly by charter to Aswan and board our luxurious vessel, the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. Our Nile cruise brings us to the romantic Philae Temple, the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the Egyptian crocodile-god, and the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu. We’ll also explore the Temple of Khnum at Esna. Presentations by Dr. Filippenko and our Guest Speakers will be ongoing. Overnights aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.
In Luxor, we head to the West Bank of the Nile to explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, with visits to the Temples of Hatshepsut and Ramesseum and the Tomb of Senenmut, a UNESCO Astronomical World Heritage Site with the earliest known Egyptian star map. Overnight aboard the
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.
This morning is free to prepare for the eclipse, with the top deck set up for viewing and refreshments available throughout the morning and afternoon. Tonight we gather for a festive Farewell Dinner. Overnight aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV.
After a visit to the splendid Temple of Karnak, a charter flight brings us to Cairo for an overnight at the Intercontinental City Stars. Depart Day 11.
We will not be offering multi-day extensions, given the heat this time of year. However, we will be offering options for single-day extensions in Cairo on July 24 and 25 for those who wish to arrive early.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 2, Easy to Moderate, according to our trip grading system. It is a cultural and archaeological adventure with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern land. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.
Review Trip Level Details
It is important to keep in mind that this trip will take place in the summer months of July and August. All guests must expect high temperatures every day and come prepared to be on their feet walking in temperatures above 100° Fahrenheit.
Let’s be honest—August in Egypt comes with a unique challenge—it’s hot, really hot. Daytime highs around Luxor are likely to be near 107° Fahrenheit, and while there’s very little humidity and it’s often quite breezy, it’s safe to assume that shade and air-conditioning will be our good friends. We’ve carefully planned our excursions for the cooler parts of early mornings and late afternoons and will use the midday hours as much as possible in air-conditioned comfort for our various lectures, visits to museums, lunch, and of course, some time to relax. However, there is only so much that can be done to avoid Egypt’s summer heat and guests must be prepared for this.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.