Tour Description

Total Solar Eclipse Tour - 12 Days
Cairo to Luxor & Red Sea | 27 July – 7 August 2027
Join Pink Lotus Tours for a once-in-a-lifetime celestial and cultural journey across Egypt.
From the marvels of Ancient Cairo to a private Dahabeya cruise along the Nile, and culminating in the breathtaking Total Solar Eclipse over Luxor, this luxurious experience is led by a professional Egyptologist.

Beginning in Cairo at the historic Marriott Mena House Garden View Room, located at the foot of the Pyramids of Giza and nearby the recently opened Grand Egyptian Museum.

On August 2, 2027, Luxor, Egypt, will experience a total solar eclipse, with the moon completely obscuring the sun for several minutes. The eclipse will create a surreal, twilight-like atmosphere over the ancient city, casting a shadow across the Nile and iconic monuments like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The sky will darken, temperatures will drop, and stars may briefly appear.
This awe-inspiring celestial event, set against Luxor's ancient history, offers a rare opportunity to witness the wonders of both nature and Egypt's timeless heritage in one unforgettable moment.

Before leaving Egypt, visit one of the most famous dive spots in the world, the pristine blue waters of the Red Sea

ACCOMMODATION
Marriott Mena House Garden View Room - 3 nights
Private Dahabeya - Air-conditioned & ensuited cabin - 5 Nights
Luxury Red Sea Resort - 3 Nights
Twin-share only available
Travel with a loved one or we will match you with another solo traveller.
Due to limited availability of accommodation for this once in a lifetime event, we will only be offering twin-share/double rooms/cabins
Maximum Group size 24
*Suite Supplement (4 available) in Queen Bed USD700 per person
Deposit Terms:
USD3000 per person to secure space

Balance 1st February 2027

Tour Highlights

2027 Total Solar Eclipse in Luxor
Grand Egyptian Museum
Museum of Egyptian Civilisation
Pyramids of Giza
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Red Sea - Hurghada

Day 1: Arrival Day Cairo

Tuesday 27 July 2027

• VIP arrival assistance at Cairo International Airport

• Fast-track through visa, baggage, and customs

• Private transfer to your Cairo hotel

• Relax, settle in, and enjoy the hotel’s facilities

Welcome Dinner: Meet your Egyptologist and fellow travellers over a traditional Egyptian meal.
Receive your detailed welcome pack and a briefing on the days ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Marriott Mena House, Garden View Room
OPTIONAL: Upgrade to Pyramid View Room at additional cost

Day 2: Saqqara BBQ Lunch

Wednesday 28 July 2027

• Breakfast at hotel

• Explore the ancient necropolis of Saqqara, a vast burial ground over 5,000 years old

• Stand before the Step Pyramid of Djoser, history’s first monumental stone structure

• Go underground into the Serapeum, a network of tunnels and massive granite tombs for sacred bulls

• Learn about Imhotep, the genius behind pyramid design and the deified architect of the ancient world

Lunch at a countryside restaurant specializing in Egyptian BBQ (kebabs, kofta, salads, and fresh bread)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Marriott Mena House, Garden View Room

Day 3: Giza Pyramids Sphinx

Thursday, 29th July 2027

Start your day with an early breakfast at the hotel.

To beat the heat, we’ll make an early start and head straight to the Giza Plateau, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to stand beside the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Feel the awe of standing in the very place where ancient Egyptians once stood.

For those interested, we’ll take a thrilling camel ride through the Sahara (optional extra cost), offering a truly memorable experience with stunning desert views.

Next, we’ll visit the iconic Sphinx, the legendary guardian of the pyramids, whose serene presence has watched over the plateau for millennia.

Our journey continues with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing an unparalleled collection of artifacts. Enjoy some free time for lunch inside the museum before your guide takes you through the highlights of the collection. After the guided tour, you’ll have time to explore the museum’s many fascinating exhibits at your own pace.

The day’s adventure isn’t over yet—next, we’ll visit a government-regulated Papyrus Institute, where you’ll learn how the ancient Egyptians recorded their history on the very first paper, papyrus.

After a fascinating day, we’ll return to your hotel to relax and unwind.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4: Civilisation Museum

Friday, 30th July 2027

• Breakfast at hotel then checkout

• Morning visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, with a deep dive into Egypt’s evolution through tools, fabrics, jewellery, and royal mummies

• Free time to explore or shop at the museum’s boutique

• Transfer to Cairo Airport for a short domestic flight to Luxor

• Upon arrival, board your private Dahabeya—an elegant, wind-powered Nile cruise ship with en-suite cabins and panoramic views

• Settle into your cabin and enjoy sunset on deck with welcome drinks

Your Floating Sanctuary: The Egyptian Dahabeya

Step aboard your private Dahabeya, a beautifully handcrafted sailing vessel that captures the elegance and romance of 19th-century Nile travel—once reserved for royals, nobles, and early explorers.

This will be our floating hotel for 5 Nights, docked locally in Luxor.

Unlike large cruise ships, our Private Dahabeya offers an intimate, tranquil, and refined river experience, gliding silently along the Nile powered by the wind.

With just a small number of cabins, every guest receives personalized attention, five-star service, and front-row views of Egypt’s timeless landscapes.

Features:

- Luxuriously appointed en-suite cabins with panoramic windows and plush linens

- Spacious sundeck with shaded lounges and open-air dining

- Gourmet cuisine freshly prepared by an onboard chef, featuring Egyptian and international dishes

- Indoor salon & bar area for relaxation, reading, or socializing

- Attentive crew providing butler-style service with genuine Egyptian hospitality

- Silent sailing—no engines while cruising, creating a serene, eco-conscious journey

- Each day offers the pleasure of waking up to desert breezes, watching life on the river bank, and dining under the stars.

- The Dahabeya is a floating boutique hotel, a private retreat, and a front-row seat to Egypt’s eternal river of life.

• Dinner onboard

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard Dahabeya – Luxor

Day 5: Karnak Temples

Saturday 31 July 2027

• Depart early to witness Karnak Temple at opening—see the sunrise illuminate the forest of pillars in the Great Hypostyle Hall

• Visit sacred shrines, obelisks, and the lake where priests once purified before rituals

• Return to the Dahabeya for a generous brunch

• Afternoon at leisure: enjoy sunbathing on deck, or use a day pass at a local hotel to swim, spa, or nap
In the late afternoon, around 4pm, we’ll depart for Luxor Temple, where you’ll have the chance to explore this magnificent temple, beautifully lit in the evening.
Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the Avenue of the Sphinx, soaking in the magical atmosphere of this historic site.

Meals: Light snacks, Brunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard Dahabeya

Day 6: Valley of the Kings

Sunday 1 August 2027

• Optional: Early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor for breathtaking views of ancient temples and tombs

• Explore the Valley of the Kings: enter select royal tombs adorned with vivid murals and hieroglyphs

• Visit Queen Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari

• Gourmet lunch at local Luxor hotel

• Afternoon spa or swim session at local Luxor hotel

• Evening Eclipse Briefing

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard Dahabeya

Day 7: Total Solar Eclipse

Monday, 2nd August 2027

• Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast onboard

When the Sun Bows to Shadow

– The Total Solar Eclipse

In the heart of Egypt, where temples sleep and the Nile remembers every god’s name, the sky will pause—

and darkness will bloom in daylight.

A hush will fall.

Birdsong will still.

And above the sands of Luxor, the sun will surrender to the moon, if only for a moment.

Stars will awaken in the midday blue, and you’ll stand there—not watching, but witnessing—a wonder once charted by ancient priests and now revealed to you,

wrapped in silence, bathed in shadow, blessed by light.

• Travel to our exclusive eclipse viewing site near Luxor, selected for optimal sun angle, visibility, and minimal light pollution

• Viewing equipment, cameras etc are travellers responsibility

• Receive your ISO 12312 2 certified eclipse glasses

• Enjoy refreshments and snacks as the sky darkens and stars emerge in daytime

• Witness the total eclipse—a few minutes of celestial perfection

• Return to Dahabeya and begin sailing north toward Qena, reflecting on a day you’ll never forget

Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
Overnight: Onboard Dahabeya docked in Qena

Day 8: Dendera Temple and Sailing Time

Tuesday 3 August 2027

• Morning visit to the Temple of Dendera, one of Egypt’s most complete and vibrant temples

• See ancient carvings of zodiac symbols, Hathor’s rituals, and astrological ceilings

• Lunch onboard as you sail back to Luxor

• Farewell dinner onboard celebrating your journey

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Onboard Dahabeya

Day 9: Red Sea Hurghada

Luxor to the Red Sea (Aqua Park style hotel)

Wednesday 4 August 2027

• Morning breakfast onboard then final farewells to our amazing crew.

• Depart by road across the Eastern Desert to the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada

• Check into your luxury beachfront hotel—where the desert meets the sea

• Spend the afternoon at leisure: relax poolside, walk along the beach, or enjoy resort amenities

Dinner included at the resort, featuring fresh local cuisine and international dishes

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight: Red Sea Resort – Hurghada

Day 10: Hurghada Red Sea

Thursday 5th August 2027

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Please discuss with your Pink Lotus Tours representative.
These can include:
Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Hurghada is a paradise for underwater enthusiasts. The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life. You can enjoy snorkeling right off the beach or take a scuba diving excursion to explore sites like Giftun Island, Sha’ab Abu Ramada, and The Brothers Islands.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the clear waters and abundant sea life offer an unforgettable experience.

Boat Tours & Island Excursions
Hop on a boat for a day trip to one of the nearby islands, like Giftun Island or Mahmya Island, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax on pristine beaches.
Many boat tours also offer glass-bottom boat rides, so you can view the incredible marine life without getting wet.
Enjoy a relaxing day on the water with lunch and drinks provided.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included at your resort

Day 11: Hurghada

Red Sea Leisure & Optional Bedouin Safari
Friday 6th August 2027

A Day of relaxation or exploration—your choice.

• Optional snorkelling or scuba diving excursions to vibrant coral reefs

• Take a glass-bottomed boat ride for a peek at the underwater world

• Indulge in a spa treatment, or simply soak up the sun

Optional Bedouin Safari Adventure (additional cost)

• Travel by 4WD into the desert to a remote Bedouin camp

• Ride camels across the dunes at golden hour

• Watch the sunset over the Eastern Desert

• Enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style BBQ dinner, with local music and storytelling under the stars

Meals: Breakfast (Dinner included if safari is chosen)

Overnight: Red Sea Resort – Hurghada

Day 12: Return to Cairo & Departure

Saturday 7 August 2027

• Breakfast at the resort

• Check out and transfer to Hurghada Airport

• Flight to Cairo to connect with your international departure flight

• Assistance provided throughout the connection process

Meals: Breakfast

Package Includes

Airport meet & assist (arrival, internal flights, departure)
5-star Cairo hotel with breakfast
Luxury Dahabeya Nile cruise with full board
Domestic flights: Cairo to Luxor
Domestic Flight Hurghada to Cairo
All entrance fees to listed archaeological sites
Access to exclusive eclipse viewing site
ISO 12312 2 certified eclipse glasses
English-speaking Egyptologist
Bottled water during all tours
Day use + lunch at local Luxor hotel
Air-conditioned transport throughout
Tips for Dahabeya crew, airport staff, and eclipse ground team
Government taxes & service fees

Package Excludes

International Airfare & Travel Insurance.
Viewing or camera equipment
Entry Visa to Egypt.
Any optional tours.
Pre or post tour accommodation.
Personal spending.
Hot Air Balloon.
Tipping in free time/extra services
Tip for our tour guide. Industry standard currently USD10 per person per day, however tipping is a personal choice and relative to how much you enjoyed the tour.