Total solar eclipse above the River Nile in Luxor, Egypt.
One Special Departure ·

Grand Egypt Solar Eclipse Tour 2027

Cairo, Nile Cruise, Total Solar Eclipse and Red Sea

Experience the very best of Egypt on an extraordinary journey of 14 or 16 nights combining Cairo's greatest ancient treasures, a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the MS Royal Princess, the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027 over Luxor and a relaxing all-inclusive stay beside the Red Sea. Choose the new 16-night itinerary and stay two extra nights beside the Red Sea for £500 per person less than the original 14 nights.

14 or 16 nightsDeparting 23 July 2027Heathrow or Manchester3 nights Cairo7-night Nile cruise4 or 6 nights Red SeaFrom £6,995 per person
£6,995 per person
Based on two people sharing a twin or double room and cruise cabin. Sole occupancy of your own room and cabin throughout: £9,995 per person.
  • International and domestic flights included
  • 2 full-day Cairo tours included
  • 7 nights aboard the MS Royal Princess
  • 11 Nile cruise excursions included
  • Total solar eclipse viewing arrangements
  • 4 or 6 nights all-inclusive beside the Red Sea
  • All transfers
  • ABTA and ATOL protection
Why 2027 is exceptional

Six Extraordinary Minutes Over Luxor

Approximately 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality

Timings are based on current astronomical calculations and may be refined before departure.

On , the Moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun, bringing one of the longest total solar eclipses of the century to Upper Egypt. Luxor lies close to the point of maximum totality and is expected to experience approximately six minutes and 22 seconds of darkness in the middle of the day.

The eclipse forms the spectacular climax of the Nile cruise. After seven nights exploring the temples, tombs and landscapes of Upper Egypt, guests will experience the total solar eclipse in the Luxor area, close to the point of greatest eclipse.

The journey

Four Chapters, One Extraordinary Fortnight

3 nights

Cairo

  • Pyramids of Giza
  • Great Sphinx
  • Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Saqqara and Memphis
  • Historic Cairo
  • Khan el Khalili
7 nights

The Nile

  • MS Royal Princess
  • Luxor
  • Kom Ombo
  • Aswan and Philae
  • Return to Luxor
  • 11 included excursions
2 August 2027

The Eclipse

  • Approximately 6 minutes 22 seconds of totality
  • One of the longest total eclipses of the century
  • Close to the point of greatest eclipse
  • Full information and safety guidance before departure
4 or 6 nights

The Red Sea

  • Standard Sea View or Partial Sea View Room
  • All-inclusive accommodation
  • Time to relax after the eclipse
  • Return flight from Hurghada
Day by day

The Full Itinerary

Day 1Fly from the UK to CairoFriday 23 July 2027

Depart from the UK on your EgyptAir flight to Cairo: indicatively a direct morning departure from London Heathrow (around 09:40, arriving 16:35) or an afternoon departure from Manchester (around 14:30, arriving 21:40), with exact timings confirmed at ticketing. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Overnight: Cairo
Day 2Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian MuseumSaturday 24 July 2027

After breakfast, enjoy the included Full Day Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour.

  • Great Pyramids of Giza
  • Great Sphinx
  • Grand Egyptian Museum

Transport, entrance fees, lunch and an expert English-speaking Egyptologist are included. Return to your Cairo hotel following the tour.

Overnight: Cairo
Day 3Saqqara, Memphis, Mosque and BazaarSunday 25 July 2027

After breakfast, enjoy the included Full Day Saqqara, Memphis, Mosque and Bazaar Tour.

  • Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
  • Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt
  • Citadel of Saladin
  • Mosque of Mohamed Ali
  • Khan el Khalili Bazaar

Transport, entrance fees, lunch and an expert English-speaking Egyptologist are included. Return to your hotel for your final evening in Cairo.

Overnight: Cairo
Day 4Cairo to Luxor and Nile cruise check-inMonday 26 July 2027

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your domestic flight to Luxor. On arrival in Luxor, transfer to the MS Royal Princess and check in for your seven-night Nile cruise.

Dinner and overnight aboard the MS Royal Princess in Luxor. A light snack will be provided for late arrivals.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 5Luxor West BankTuesday 27 July 2027

After breakfast, cross the Nile to explore Luxor's West Bank.

  • Colossi of Memnon
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Valley of the Queens
  • Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Medinet Habu Temple

Return to the MS Royal Princess and begin sailing south. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served aboard the boat.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 6Sailing and Kom OmboWednesday 28 July 2027

Continue sailing south through Upper Egypt. Visit the unusual double temple at Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus.

Visit the nearby Crocodile Museum before returning to the boat and continuing towards Aswan. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served aboard the MS Royal Princess.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 7Aswan sightseeingThursday 29 July 2027

After breakfast, explore some of Aswan's principal attractions.

  • Aswan High Dam
  • Unfinished Obelisk
  • Temple of Isis on Philae Island

Return to the boat for lunch. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 8Aswan and the Botanical GardensFriday 30 July 2027

The morning is at leisure, or guests may join an optional excursion to Abu Simbel at an additional cost.

After lunch, enjoy the included boat trip around Elephantine Island and visit the Botanical Gardens on General Kitchener Island.

Dinner and overnight aboard the MS Royal Princess in Aswan.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 9Sailing towards LuxorSaturday 31 July 2027

Enjoy a relaxing morning aboard the MS Royal Princess before beginning the return journey north towards Luxor.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served aboard the boat.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 10Karnak and Luxor TemplesSunday 1 August 2027

Continue sailing towards Luxor.

  • Karnak Temple
  • Luxor Temple
  • Avenue of Sphinxes

Return to the MS Royal Princess for dinner. Eclipse information and safety guidance will be provided before the following day's event.

Overnight: MS Royal Princess
Day 11Total solar eclipse and Red Sea transferMonday 2 August 2027

After breakfast, the day is given over entirely to the total solar eclipse. As the Moon covers the Sun over the Luxor area, daylight will give way to darkness and the solar corona will appear.

Luxor is expected to experience approximately six minutes and 22 seconds of totality, making it one of the foremost locations in the world from which to witness the eclipse. Full eclipse information and safety guidance will be provided to all guests before departure.

Following the eclipse, travel by road to the Red Sea. Luggage will be transported as part of the transfer arrangements.

On arrival, check in for four or six nights in a Standard Sea View or Standard Partial Sea View Room on an all-inclusive basis, depending on whether you choose the 14 or 16-night itinerary.

Overnight: Red Sea
Day 12Red SeaTuesday 3 August 2027

Enjoy a full day at leisure and make use of your hotel's facilities. All-inclusive accommodation is provided throughout your stay.

Overnight: Red Sea
Day 13Red SeaWednesday 4 August 2027

Enjoy another relaxing day beside the Red Sea.

Overnight: Red Sea
Day 14Red SeaThursday 5 August 2027

Enjoy your final full day at your hotel.

Overnight: Red Sea
Final dayHurghada to the UKFriday 6 August (14 nights) or Sunday 8 August 2027 (16 nights)

The 16-night itinerary adds two further nights beside the Red Sea. On your final morning, check out of your hotel and transfer to Hurghada International Airport for your return EgyptAir flight to the UK via Cairo, indicatively departing in the morning and arriving into Heathrow or Manchester in the early afternoon. On the overnight return you land in the UK early the following morning, with a full final day beside the Red Sea.

Chapter one

Begin Among Egypt's Greatest Treasures

The journey begins with three nights in Cairo, giving you two complete days to explore the monuments, museums and historic districts of the Egyptian capital. Both full-day tours are included in the holiday price, together with entrance fees, lunch, transport and the services of an expert English-speaking Egyptologist.

Stay at one of our selected five-star Cairo hotels, including the Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Hyatt Centric Cairo West, Kempinski Nile Hotel or Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan, or a similar or equivalent property, in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Included in your holiday

Full Day Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour

Stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx before exploring the treasures of ancient Egypt inside the Grand Egyptian Museum. This full-day experience brings together Egypt's most recognisable monuments and its spectacular new home for the country's archaeological collection.

  • Great Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Transport, entrance fees and lunch
  • Expert English-speaking Egyptologist
Included in your holiday

Full Day Saqqara, Memphis, Mosque and Bazaar Tour

Trace the story of Egypt beyond Giza, from the Step Pyramid at Saqqara and the ancient capital of Memphis to the Citadel, Mosque of Mohamed Ali and the lanes of Khan el Khalili Bazaar.

  • Saqqara, Memphis, the Citadel and Khan el Khalili
  • Transport, entrance fees and lunch
  • Expert English-speaking Egyptologist
Chapter two

Seven Nights Aboard the MS Royal Princess

The MS Royal Princess will be your home for seven nights as you cruise from Luxor to Aswan and return, following the same storied stretch of river that inspired Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile. Full-board accommodation and 11 guided Nile cruise excursions are included, led throughout by an expert English-speaking Egyptologist, with entrance fees included for the stated cruise programme.

A traditional five star cruiser styled on the golden age of travel, in the footsteps of Agatha Christie, the Royal Princess pairs authentic Italian-inspired interiors and a sweeping grand staircase with a sun deck and pool for the hours between temples. The boat has been awarded a certificate of achievement for food hygiene by Intertek Cristal.

Discover the MS Royal Princess

Highlights along the Nile

Valley of the Kings
Valley of the Queens
Temple of Hatshepsut
Medinet Habu
Kom Ombo
Philae Temple
Aswan and the Botanical Gardens
Karnak and Luxor Temples
Chapter three ·

The Total Solar Eclipse over Luxor

After seven nights exploring the Nile Valley, the journey reaches its extraordinary climax in Luxor. As the Moon moves across the face of the Sun, daylight will briefly give way to darkness and the solar corona will become visible around the Moon.

The eclipse of 2 August 2027 is one of the longest total solar eclipses of the century: Luxor lies close to the point of greatest eclipse, where totality is expected to last around six minutes, a duration that will not be exceeded until 2114. Very few places on Earth pair that spectacle with the temples and tombs of the ancient world.

Approximate Luxor eclipse timings

Partial eclipse beginsapproximately 11:40
Totality beginsapproximately 13:02
Maximum eclipseapproximately 13:05
Totality endsapproximately 13:08
Partial eclipse endsapproximately 14:26

Eclipse timings are based on current astronomical calculations and may be refined before departure.

Your eclipse day

The day is built entirely around totality. You will experience the eclipse in the Luxor area, close to the point of greatest eclipse, and every guest will receive full eclipse information and safety guidance before departure.

Why Luxor’s skies favour eclipse watchers

Luxor lies close to the centre of the path of totality as it crosses Egypt, and the deserts of Upper Egypt enjoy some of the most dependably clear skies on Earth. Rainfall in Luxor is close to zero across the year, and August days are typically cloudless with eleven to twelve hours of sunshine. No view of a natural event can ever be guaranteed, but few places along the entire path offer better prospects of a clear sky.

What you will see during totality

In the final moments before totality the light thins and sharpens, the temperature falls noticeably, and the last brilliant point of sunlight flares into the diamond ring. As the Moon covers the Sun completely, the corona appears as a silver crown around the black disc, bright stars and planets emerge in the daytime sky, and for around six minutes day becomes an extraordinary twilight before the process reverses.

The partial phases must never be viewed without proper eye protection. Every guest receives full eclipse information and safety guidance before departure.

A solar eclipse is a natural event and visibility may be affected by weather or atmospheric conditions. Classic Holidays cannot guarantee an uninterrupted view of the eclipse. Timings and the day's arrangements may be adjusted in accordance with operational requirements, local authority guidance and security arrangements.
Chapter four

Unwind Beside the Red Sea

Following the eclipse, travel by road from the Luxor area to the Red Sea for four or six nights of all-inclusive relaxation. The journey takes several hours, and after Cairo's monuments, a week on the Nile and the spectacle of totality, the Red Sea provides a peaceful conclusion to the journey.

Four or six nights (your choice of the 14 or 16-night itinerary) in a Standard Sea View or Standard Partial Sea View Room at the Old Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh, Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas, SUNRISE Holidays Resort, Hilton Hurghada Plaza, KaiSol Romance Resort, Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort, or a similar or equivalent hotel, on an all-inclusive basis.

Everything in one price

What Is Included

  • International flight to Cairo from London Heathrow or Manchester, chosen at checkout
  • International flight from Hurghada back to your chosen UK airport
  • Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor
  • 3 nights in a Standard Room at a five-star Cairo hotel, bed and breakfast
  • Full Day Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour
  • Full Day Saqqara, Memphis, Mosque and Bazaar Tour
  • Lunch and entrance fees during both Cairo tours
  • Expert English-speaking Egyptologist during the Cairo tours
  • 7-night Nile cruise aboard the MS Royal Princess, full board
  • 11 included Nile cruise excursions with entrance fees for the stated cruise programme
  • Expert English-speaking Egyptologist during the cruise
  • The total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027 in the Luxor area, close to the point of greatest eclipse
  • Full eclipse information and safety guidance before departure
  • 4 or 6 nights in a Standard Sea View or Standard Partial Sea View Room at a Red Sea hotel
  • All-inclusive Red Sea accommodation
  • All transfers
  • ABTA and ATOL protection
Optional: the Abu Simbel excursion is available at an additional cost.
One departure, confirmed prices

Confirmed Prices and How to Book

This is a single special departure with everything arranged: return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester (chosen at checkout), both Cairo tours, the full cruise programme, the eclipse and the Red Sea stay. Prices are confirmed, not starting prices.

Two people sharing a twin or double room and cruise cabin pay £6,995 per person. Prefer your own room and cabin throughout? Sole occupancy is £9,995 per person. Mix the two freely to match your party.

Secure your place with a deposit of 20% of the holiday price: £1,399 per person sharing, or £1,999 for sole occupancy. The remaining balance is due by Friday 16 April 2027.

Every party can book online, whatever the size or mix, up to 9 passengers; larger groups are very welcome, simply call us free on 0800 041 8400. Every booking is protected: see our booking conditions and ABTA and ATOL protection.

Grand Egypt Solar Eclipse Tour 2027
16 nights · Departing , returning Sunday 8 August 2027
£6,995 per person sharing
Two people sharing a twin or double room and cruise cabin.
Sole occupancy of your own room and cabin: £9,995 per person.
Two sharing£6,995 per person
Sole occupancy£9,995 per person
Pay today (20% deposit)£1,399 / £1,999 pp
Balance due (Friday 16 April 2027)£5,596 / £7,996 pp
PassengersUp to 9 per online booking
2
Total holiday price
Deposit due now (20%)
Balance due (Friday 16 April 2027)
Return UK flights included; choose London Heathrow or Manchester at checkout.
Prefer to Talk It Through?
Call Free on 0800 041 8400
Genuine guest letters

Trusted by Egypt Travellers

"I wanted to compliment you on the superb organisation of my holiday. How our tour manager and tour guide managed such clockwork precision I have no idea. To deliver excellent service at a competitive price is priceless. Congratulations on running such an excellent organisation."
Guy Wrench
"Just a brief note to say how much we enjoyed our recent Nile cruise. The organisation was perfect. Everything ran like clockwork. Peter and our two guides Sam and Ayman were superb."
Colin Mealing
"Thank you for a fantastic holiday which exceeded our expectations. Particular thanks to our brilliant guide, whose knowledge was exceptional and made the trips to the sites both enjoyable and enlightening. We have already suggested to our friends that they should without doubt take a Nile cruise."
Mike and Maggie Kettle

Read more Classic Holidays reviews

Everything answered

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tour depart?
The tour departs from the UK on Friday 23 July 2027. The new 16-night itinerary returns on Sunday 8 August 2027; the original 14-night itinerary returns on Friday 6 August 2027.
How long is the holiday?
You can choose 14 or 16 nights. Both include three nights in Cairo and seven nights aboard the MS Royal Princess. The new 16-night itinerary has six nights beside the Red Sea and returns on Sunday 8 August 2027; the original 14-night itinerary has four nights beside the Red Sea and returns on Friday 6 August 2027. On the overnight return you land in the UK early the following morning, with a full final day at the Red Sea.
When does the Nile cruise begin?
The seven-night Nile cruise checks in on Monday 26 July 2027.
Where will the eclipse be viewed?
In the Luxor area, close to the point of greatest eclipse. The full arrangements for the day are confirmed to all guests closer to departure and remain subject to operational, security and local authority requirements.
How long will totality last?
Luxor is expected to experience approximately six minutes and 22 seconds of totality. The exact duration will depend on the precise viewing position within the Luxor area.
Is eclipse visibility guaranteed?
No. A solar eclipse is a natural event, and visibility can be affected by weather or atmospheric conditions. Classic Holidays cannot guarantee an uninterrupted view.
What happens on eclipse day?
The day is built around totality in the Luxor area, close to the point of greatest eclipse. Every guest receives full eclipse information and safety guidance before departure, and the day's full schedule is shared with all guests ahead of travel.
What happens after the eclipse?
Following the eclipse, guests will travel by road from the Luxor area to their Red Sea hotel. The journey will take several hours, and the precise arrival time will depend on traffic and operational arrangements.
Which Cairo room is included?
The price includes a Standard Room at the Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Hyatt Centric Cairo West, Kempinski Nile Hotel, Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan, or a similar or equivalent five-star hotel, on a bed and breakfast basis.
Which Red Sea room is included?
The price includes a Standard Sea View or Standard Partial Sea View Room at one of the selected Red Sea hotels, or a similar or equivalent hotel, on an all-inclusive basis.
Is there still availability?
Yes. There is currently availability on this departure and you can book online now, securing your place with a 20% deposit. Availability is shown live on this page.
Is the price confirmed?
Yes. The current price is £6,995 per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room and cruise cabin, or £9,995 per person for sole occupancy of your own room and cabin throughout.
Can single travellers book?
Yes, online. Choose one sole occupancy place at £9,995, which gives you your own hotel rooms and cruise cabin for the whole holiday.
Which UK airports can I fly from?
Return EgyptAir flights are available from London Heathrow or Manchester, chosen at checkout. Outbound flights to Cairo are direct (indicatively Heathrow 09:40 arriving 16:35, or Manchester 14:30 arriving 21:40); the return from Hurghada connects through Cairo. Seats are limited and allocated in booking order. Exact timings are confirmed at ticketing.
What baggage allowance is included?
Each passenger has 23kg of checked baggage plus 8kg of cabin baggage with EgyptAir.
Can we request double or twin beds?
Yes. Choose your bed preference for your rooms and cruise cabins as you book online and we will request it with the hotels and the cruise for you. Preferences are subject to availability.
Are transfers included?
Yes. All transfers included in the itinerary are provided. If you book the without-flights option, your arrival transfer from Cairo Airport, the transfer from the cruise to the Red Sea and the transfer from your Red Sea hotel to Hurghada Airport are all still included; simply email your flight details to support@classicholidays.co.uk after booking so they can be arranged.
Can I book without international flights?
Customers travelling from outside the United Kingdom can book the tour without international flights at £6,495 per person sharing or £9,495 for sole occupancy, joining the tour in Cairo. The domestic Cairo to Luxor flight and the transfers described above remain included. For UK customers the holiday is sold as a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package including return flights.
Are the Cairo tours included?
Yes. The Full Day Pyramids, Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum Tour and the Full Day Saqqara, Memphis, Mosque and Bazaar Tour are both included.
Is Abu Simbel included?
Abu Simbel is not included in the standard itinerary but may be booked as an optional excursion at an additional cost, purchasable on board the boat directly from your Egyptologist.
What will the weather be like on eclipse day?
Luxor in summer is warm, gloriously sunny and reliably clear, which is exactly why it is one of the most dependable places on Earth to watch a total eclipse. Everything is planned so you are settled and comfortable well before totality begins, and full arrangements for eclipse day, including comfort provisions, are confirmed to all guests before departure. Our coaches, cruise ship and hotels are fully air conditioned throughout.
Is the tour suitable for guests with reduced mobility?
The itinerary includes walking, steps, uneven surfaces, coach journeys and very high summer temperatures. Guests with mobility or medical requirements should contact Classic Holidays before booking so that the itinerary can be discussed in detail.
How much is the deposit?
The deposit is 20% of the holiday price: £1,399 per person sharing, or £1,999 per person for sole occupancy.
When is the final balance due?
The remaining balance (£5,596 per person sharing, £7,996 for sole occupancy) is due by Friday 16 April 2027, exactly 14 weeks before departure.
Can I book online?
Yes, every party can book online. Choose how many rooms and cabins you would like with two people sharing and how many for sole occupancy, and the exact price for your party is shown before you confirm.
Can an odd number of passengers book online?
Yes. Any mix works online: for example, three passengers could take one room and cabin with two sharing plus one sole occupancy, all in a single booking.
How many rooms will be booked?
You choose. Each pair sharing receives one hotel room and one cruise cabin between them throughout, and each sole occupancy guest has a room and cabin of their own. Your selection is confirmed as you book.
How much will I pay when booking?
A deposit equal to 20% of the total holiday price for your whole party, shown clearly before you confirm.
Will the sky be clear for the eclipse?
Nowhere on Earth can promise a clear sky, but the odds in Upper Egypt are about as good as they come: Luxor records close to zero rainfall and typically cloudless August days, which is one of the reasons this stretch of the path of totality is so sought after.
What time is the eclipse in Luxor?
On Monday 2 August 2027 the partial eclipse begins at approximately 11:40 local time, totality runs from approximately 13:02 to 13:08, and the partial phases end at approximately 14:26. Timings will be refined nearer the time.
Do UK travellers need a visa for Egypt?
Yes. UK passport holders currently need an Egyptian visa, available as an e-Visa before travel or on arrival. Our Egypt specialists will guide you through the simple process after booking.
Why watch the eclipse from Egypt rather than Europe?
Luxor sits close to the point of greatest eclipse, where totality lasts around six minutes and 22 seconds, among the longest anywhere on the path, and Upper Egypt's desert climate offers far more dependable summer skies than much of Europe. Egypt also pairs the eclipse with the temples and tombs of the ancient world.

Planning more of Egypt? Explore our Nile cruise holidays, Cairo excursions or request a tailored quote.

Speak to a specialist

Enquire About This Tour

Prefer to talk it through before booking, or planning a larger group? Our Egypt specialists know this departure inside out.

From £6,995pp Book This Tour
Loading...
Please Wait
We are searching for your selected items,
this should just take 30 seconds...