The Great Egyptian Eclipse
Overview
Ancient wonders, the timeless Nile, and one extraordinary moment beneath the shadow of the moon
For thousands of years, Egypt has looked to the sky.
On 2 August 2027, the country will become the stage for one of the most extraordinary celestial events of our time, as a total solar eclipse passes across Egypt and the moon moves between the Earth and the sun.
This 11-night set departure is designed around that singular moment, but the journey begins long before the sky goes dark. Accompanied by a private Egyptologist, discover the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, and wander through the historic streets and bazaars of Old Cairo. From Aswan, board the MS Acamar for seven nights on the Nile, traveling through a landscape where temples, ancient settlements, and river life have unfolded for millennia.
Having a private Egyptologist alongside you brings another dimension to the journey. Rather than simply visiting Egypt’s great monuments, you’ll begin to understand the people who built them, the beliefs that shaped them, and the stories written into the landscapes around you. Then, on 2 August, look skyward.
Along the path of totality in Upper Egypt, day briefly turns to darkness as the moon passes across the sun. It is a rare moment within a journey already shaped by thousands of years of history, bringing together ancient civilization, the Nile, and the cosmos in an experience unlikely to ever be repeated in quite the same way.
Highlights
- Total Solar Eclipse
- Private Egyptologist
- Nile Cruising
- Ancient Wonders
Destinations
Egypt
Itinerary Overview
Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.
Days 1–3
Cairo
Ancient history and modern life exist side by side in Egypt’s extraordinary capital. Stand beneath the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, explore the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and discover another side of Cairo among the mosques, architecture, and centuries-old streets of the historic city.
Days 4–10
The Nile
The Nile has shaped Egyptian life for thousands of years. Traveling by river reveals the country at a gentler pace, passing fertile riverbanks, desert landscapes, ancient monuments, and communities whose lives remain closely connected to the water. Seven nights aboard the MS Acamar allow time to experience this historic landscape rather than simply pass through it.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 1–2
Check-in:
Sofitel Downtown Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and settle in for three nights in the Egyptian capital.
With your private Egyptologist, begin at Giza, where the Great Pyramids and Sphinx rise from the desert on the edge of the modern city. Take in the scale of the plateau from its panoramic viewpoint, with the opportunity for a camel ride, before continuing to the Grand Egyptian Museum and its extraordinary collection of ancient treasures.
The following day reveals a different chapter of Cairo. Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization before exploring the exquisite Islamic architecture of El Moez Street and the labyrinthine Khan El Khalili Bazaar. With your Egyptologist providing context along the way, these extraordinary places become more than monuments, revealing the civilizations, beliefs, and everyday lives behind them.
Itinerary Breakdown
Days 4–10
Check-in:
MS Acamar Nile Cruise
Fly south to Aswan and board the MS Acamar for seven nights on the Nile.
The pace changes here. From the river, Egypt unfolds gradually, with ancient landscapes, archaeological sites, and everyday life appearing along its banks. Your private Egyptologist continues the journey with you, bringing the history of Upper Egypt to life as you explore according to the cruise’s sightseeing program.
Between excursions, there is time to simply watch Egypt pass by. Palm-lined riverbanks give way to desert horizons, villages appear at the water’s edge, and the Nile becomes the constant thread connecting thousands of years of history.
On 2 August, the journey reaches its defining moment.
From within the path of totality, watch as the moon moves across the sun and daylight briefly gives way to darkness. In the Luxor region, totality is expected to last for more than six minutes, creating an extraordinary celestial spectacle above a landscape already synonymous with eternity.
After the eclipse, continue along the Nile, allowing the magnitude of the experience to settle as the river carries you through the final days of the journey.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 11
Check-in:
Waldorf Astoria Cairo
Fly from Aswan back to Cairo for one final night.
After the richness of the Nile and the extraordinary events of the past week, this final stay offers time to pause before your journey home. Settle into the Waldorf Astoria and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, reflecting on a journey through ancient history and one of nature’s rarest spectacles.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 12
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for your onward journey.
Expert Insight:
Don’t rush home.
After an experience as extraordinary as the eclipse, consider adding a few days somewhere completely different. The Red Sea is an easy extension from Cairo and gives you time to slow down, swim and simply process everything you’ve just experienced before flying home.
Speak to your Travel Concierge about extending your journey.
Signature Experiences
Witness the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse
On 2 August 2027, experience the defining moment of the journey as the moon passes completely across the sun. From within the path of totality in Upper Egypt, daylight will briefly disappear, creating a rare natural spectacle against one of the world’s most historic landscapes.
Explore Egypt with a Private Egyptologist
Travel alongside a private Egyptologist who brings thousands of years of history into focus. From decoding the symbolism of ancient monuments to understanding the people, beliefs, and dynasties behind them, their insight transforms each encounter into something far more meaningful.
Stand Before the Pyramids of Giza
Walk beneath the Great Pyramids, encounter the enigmatic Sphinx, and take in the scale of the Giza Plateau from its panoramic viewpoint. With your Egyptologist alongside you, discover the stories behind one of humanity’s most extraordinary achievements.
Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum
Explore one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Egyptian history. Set close to the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum brings together monumental artifacts and extraordinary treasures, revealing the scale and sophistication of one of history’s greatest civilizations.
Sail the Nile for Seven Nights
Experience Egypt at the pace of its most legendary river. Seven nights aboard the MS Acamar allow time to settle into the landscape, moving between ancient sites while villages, palm-lined riverbanks, and desert horizons drift slowly past.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
Make this itinerary yours
The date of the eclipse may be fixed, but the journey around it doesn’t have to be.
Arrive earlier for more time in Cairo, extend your journey into Egypt’s desert landscapes, or continue to the Red Sea after the Nile. Our Travel Concierge will tailor every surrounding detail around your interests while preserving the carefully planned set departure at the heart of the journey.
With availability across Egypt changing quickly for the 2027 eclipse, early planning is strongly recommended.
TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
FAQ
The Great Egyptian Eclipse
Our team of seasoned specialists share everything you need to know, from essential travel tips to thoughtful insights that ensure a seamless journey from start to finish.