A Once-in-a-Lifetime Eclipse — Then the Red Sea
On 2 August 2027, a Total Solar Eclipse will sweep across Egypt — and Luxor will sit directly in its path of totality. This exclusive 7-day itinerary from Pure Nile Tours is designed for travellers who want to experience not only the eclipse, but the full breadth of what Egypt offers: ancient Cairo, the temples of Luxor, a dramatic eclipse viewing experience in the Nile Valley, and then Red Sea relaxation in Hurghada to close the journey.
Day 1 opens with Cairo’s greatest hits — the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Day 2 covers Old Cairo: the Hanging Church, the Ben Ezra Synagogue, Abu Serga Church, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Day 3 brings a domestic flight to Luxor for the East Bank — Karnak and Luxor Temple. Day 4 is the centrepiece: West Bank sightseeing in the morning — the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon — followed by the Total Solar Eclipse viewing experience, then a transfer to Hurghada. Days 5 and 6 are yours: the Red Sea, optional desert safaris, Giftun Island boat trips, and optional diving. Day 7 is departure.
Two accommodation packages are available: Package A from $1,850/person (5-star standard hotels) and Package B from $2,250/person (5-star superior hotels). Both include the domestic Cairo–Luxor flight, all transfers, a professional English-speaking guide, all entrance fees, and organisation of the eclipse viewing experience in Luxor.
Accommodation Options
Package A — 5-Star Standard (From $1,850/person)
- Cairo (2 nights): Stay Inn Hotel or similar — Bed & Breakfast
- Luxor (1 night): Pyramisa Luxor Hotel or similar — Bed & Breakfast
- Hurghada (3 nights): Old Palace Hotel or similar — All Inclusive
Package B — 5-Star Superior (From $2,250/person)
- Cairo (2 nights): Ramses Hilton or similar — Bed & Breakfast
- Luxor (1 night): Steigenberger Resort Achti or Sonesta St. George Hotel — Bed & Breakfast
- Hurghada (3 nights): Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh or similar — All Inclusive
What to Bring to Egypt
Travel Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months from travel date)
- Visa or e-Visa confirmation
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Copies of passport and important documents
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Modest outfits for mosques and religious sites
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Hat or cap
- Light jacket or shawl (evenings and air-conditioned places)
- Swimwear (for Red Sea resorts and optional water activities)
Sun Protection
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (high SPF — reef-safe for water activities)
- Lip balm with SPF
Health & Personal Items
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid kit
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Insect repellent
Electronics
- Mobile phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (the eclipse and the Red Sea are both worth it)
- Universal travel adapter (Type C/F plugs)
Money
- Some cash in Egyptian Pounds
- Credit/debit cards
Optional Extras
- Small backpack or day bag
- Reusable water bottle
- Scarf (sun protection and mosque visits)
- Binoculars (temples, desert views — and the eclipse corona)
Why Choose This Tour?
This itinerary offers a rare combination: the historical depth of Cairo and Luxor, a once-in-a-century astronomical event over the Nile, and three nights of All Inclusive Red Sea relaxation in Hurghada. It is ideal for first-time visitors to Egypt who want to experience both the ancient world and the natural world in a single remarkable journey. For those wanting to add a Nile Cruise component, we offer bespoke extensions — contact our team for a personalised quote.
Overview
On 2 August 2027, a Total Solar Eclipse will pass directly over Luxor, Egypt. This exclusive 7-day itinerary from Pure Nile Tours pairs a complete Egypt experience with a front-row seat to the most spectacular astronomical event of the decade. The journey covers Cairo (Giza Pyramids, GEM, Old Cairo), a domestic flight to Luxor (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple), the Total Solar Eclipse viewing experience, and then three nights of All Inclusive relaxation in Hurghada on the Red Sea. Two packages: Package A from $1,850/person and Package B from $2,250/person. Domestic flight, all transfers, guide, and entrance fees included.
Highlights
- Total Solar Eclipse of 2 August 2027 — designated viewing site in Luxor with special safety arrangements
- Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo
- Old Cairo: Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Luxor East Bank: Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple
- Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon
- 3 nights All Inclusive in Hurghada — Red Sea beach resort with optional excursions
- Optional Hurghada excursions: Giftun Island snorkeling, diving, glass boat, desert quad biking, Bedouin village dinner
- Domestic flight included: Cairo to Luxor
- Professional English-speaking guide and all entrance fees throughout
