SUMMARY - 27-ET-Egypt in Luxury

This exclusive two-week luxury expedition of ancient Egypt from July 26 to August 9, 2027. On this luxury expedition to Egypt, you will experience all the iconic sites including a visit to the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum. This is(remove) expedition is a comprehensive once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip to explore Egypt with expert Egyptologists as your guides.

Discover the beauty and majesty of ancient Egypt culture by exploring sites such as the massive Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Abu Simbel, Valley of Kings and Queens, and many other amazing sites throughout the old and new Kingdoms. With Eclipse Tours/Ring of Fire Expeditions you will experience Egypt like no one else! This tour includes stays at legendary luxury hotel properties across Egypt, including Four Seasons.

The solar eclipse portion of this trip will be led by Dr. Carolyn Sumners of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, a veteran of 13 solar eclipses.

Day 0 – Monday, July 26, 2027

Depart North America

Your journey begins as you depart North America on your overnight flight to Egypt, anticipating the adventure of a lifetime.

Day 1 – Tuesday, July 27, 2027

Welcome to Cairo

Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be warmly greeted and assisted through visa and customs procedures. Then transferred to your elegant hotel overlooking the Nile in downtown Cairo. Overnight: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or similar

Day 2 – Wednesday, July 28, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel.

Pick-up to visit the new crown jewel of the Grand Egyptian Museum.Y our Egyptologist guides you through the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, a showcase of over 100,000 artifacts dating back millennia, including the treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Group Lunch at restaurant inside the Grand Egyptian Museum

Mid-afternoon transfer back to hotel and some time at leisure

Evening pick-up for a cultural walking tour from Al Moez Street to Khan El Khalili Bazaar, known for its beautiful brassware, copper, leather, perfumes, silver, gold, antiques, and other goods.

Return to hotel by 8PM.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or similar

Day 3 – Thursday, July 29, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

Pick-up to visit Necropolis of Sakkara (including entry to Step Pyramid & Mereruka tomb). Mereruka was buried in a mastaba to the north of the pyramid of Teti in Saqqara. Reflecting his status, it is among the largest in the Teti cemetery, and among the most exquisitely decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom (c.2686–2181 BC)

Lunch at 9 Pyramids Lounge with stunning views of the Giza Plateau

Continue to visit Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx (including entry to Cheops Pyramid where you step inside to explore the secret chambers of the pharaohs. The Giza Plateau is Egypt at its most iconic, with the pyramids of Mycerinus and Chephren, the Great Pyramid, and the inscrutable Great Sphinx presiding eternally over the desert sands.

Late afternoon return to hotel with the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or similar

Day 4 – Friday, July 30, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

Guests will choose one Tour from below options:

1- Full-day to visit NMEC Museum & Coptic Cairo (Lunch will be at Le Pacha or El Kababgy restaurant)

2- Full-day to visit Coptic Cairo & Islamic Cairo. (Lunch will be at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant at Khan El Khalili)

3- Full-day to visit Egyptian Museum in downtown & Islamic Cairo (Lunch will be at Le Pacha or El Kababgy restaurant)

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Four Seasons Nile Plaza or similar

Day 5 – Saturday, July 31, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

Group transfer to Cairo Airport. Fly CAIRO / LUXOR (Egypt Air). Arrive Luxor and on the way to the hotel, visit the impressive complex of the Karnak Temple. Karnak is built as a series of temples, expanded by generation after generation of pharaohs with its courtyards and soaring pillars carved with symbols and gods glistening golden in the afternoon sun.

Arrive at the hotel in time for a group lunch.

Check-in after lunch & spend afternoon time at leisure.

Late afternoon pick-up from hotel to visit Luxor Temple with its towering statues of Ramses II and the Colonnade of Amenhotep II. The tour will finish after dark to experience the temple with its masterful illuminations and to experience the recently restored avenues of the Sphynx. Tour will finish with return to hotel in time for dinner.

Overnight: Steigenberger Palace Hotel Luxor or similar

Day 6 – Sunday, August 1, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

After breakfast, you will depart for a full day visit to Denderah & Abydos Temples. Just north of Luxor, sit two of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt. The sacred city of Abydos is home to the temple of Seti I. The Hathor Temple in Dendera is one of the most colorful temples in Egypt

Lunch Boxes will be provided for convenience.

Expected time to return to hotel is late afternoon.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Steigenberger Palace Hotel Luxor or similar

Day 7 – Monday, August 2, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

Total Solar Eclipse Experience Today is the highlight of your journey. Witness the Total Solar Eclipse —an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime event. Celebrate this extraordinary moment with special programming, including a Q&A session with a scientist a festive lunch after the Eclipse, and optional evening stargazing.

Set-Menu lunch at hotel

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Steigenberger Palace Hotel Luxor or similar

Day 8 – Tuesday, August 3, 2027

Breakfast at leisure at hotel

Pick-up from hotel after check-out before we head to the West Bank for the legendary Valley of the Kings and the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut Entry to King Tut - Seti I - Nefertari Tombs are included (Tombs subject to change/approval by Ministry of Antiquities) Also on the West Bank of the Nile River lies quite possibly the world’s most incredible open-air museum: the Necropolis of Thebes. Here lie the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, the grandest resting places of the rulers of Ancient Egypt. See the mysterious “singing” Colossi of Memnon and the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut. Delve inside Queen Nefertari’s colorfully painted tomb; the storied chamber of Tutankhamun, revealed to the world in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter; and the beautifully preserved and decorated tomb of Seti I.

Mid-day Transfer to Sanctuary Sun Boat IV— the elegant Nile riverboat that is your home for the next four nights. Lunch is served on board

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

(Optional tour to Luxor Museum or Sound and Lights show at Karnak Temple)

Overnight: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV - Charter for 04 nights (or similar)

Day 9 – Wednesday, August 4, 2027

Breakfast at leisure onboard

After breakfast onboard, depart for a 2nd visit to West Bank (Ramasseum Temple - Medinet Habu – Nobles tombs). Arrive at Madinat Habu, located at the southern end of the Theban Necropolis, where the first labor strike in recorded history against their Pharao Ramesses III was launched. This Ramesses III memorial temple is one of Egypt's best-preserved temples, surrounded by a large mud-brick enclosure wall that may have been fortified.

Lunch and dinner are served on board

Afternoon cruising on the Nile

Overnight: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV - Charter for 04 nights (or similar)

Day 10 – Thursday, August 5, 2027

Breakfast at leisure onboard

Visits to Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples. View the Temple of Horus, falcon-headed god of the sky, at Edfu.

Lunch and dinner are served on board

Scenic cruising on the Nile

Later, visit the unique twin temple of Kom Ombo, the Greco-Roman temple dedicated to Haroeris (the sun god) and Sobek (the crocodile god).

Overnight: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV - Charter for 04 nights (or similar)

Day 11 – Friday, August 6, 2027

Breakfast at leisure onboard

Visits in Aswan with its spectacular Philae Temple and a sunset Felucca ride in the legendary Cataracts of Aswan.

Afternoon walk will explore the ancient granite quarries with the site of the Unfinished Obelisk, a partially excavated monolith taller than any other ancient Egyptian obelisk.

Lunch and a Galabeia Farewell Dinner served onboard

Overnight: Sanctuary Sun Boat IV - Charter for 04 nights (or similar)

Day 12 – Saturday, August 7, 2027

Early morning Breakfast at leisure onboard. Transfer to Aswan airport. Fly ASWAN / ABU SIMBEL / ASWAN (Egypt Air). Abu Simbel Excursion Abu Simbel finds you face to face with the commanding twin temples of Ramses II and his wife, Queen Nefertari. The former’s façade is dominated by four 70-foot-tall statues of the pharaoh. The entire site was disassembled and moved here to save it from the floodwaters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1970’s by herculean efforts of UNESCO.

Fly back to Aswan & transfer to Movenpick Aswan Resort

Set-menu lunch is served

Check-in after lunch & spend some afternoon time at leisure.

Evening tour of the city’s famous Spice Market and Souk.

Overnight: Movenpick Aswan Resort (or similar)

Day 13 – Sunday, August 8, 2027

Breakfast at leisure

Transfer to Aswan airport. Fly ASWAN / CAIRO (Egypt Air). Transfer Cairo airport to hotel

Lunch & dinner are on your own

Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Hotel Heliopolis (or similar)

Day 14 – Monday, August 9, 2027

Breakfast at leisure (if applicable – see breakfast hours at hotel)

Individual transfers to airport for final departure back to North America

Note: Some flights depart just after midnight, while others depart very early morning hours.

For your convenience, you will have your room at your disposal for the night as needed based on your flight times.

Included in this package are:

Entry VISA for Egypt
Domestic Flights in Egypt
Accommodations at 5-star hotels
Cruise Accommodations on Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
Admission & Entry Tickets to all places in the itinerary
Photo Access (When fees are collected for photography)
Insider Access to Grand Egyptian Museum
Insider Access to Abdeen Palace
Special Access to the restoration labs at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
All tours led by private English-speaking Egyptologists
Services of local expert and tour coordinator escorting group throughout the tour
Modern air-conditioned vehicles for transfers
30 Meals including Breakfast each day, 11 lunches and 5 Dinners.
Hosted by an Eclipse Expert and Escorted by Direct Travel's Direct Travel Groups Team
Mineral water on vehicles
Porterage of luggage
Exclusive use of Viewing Venue on Eclipse Day
Viewing Glasses for the Eclipse

Not Included with Eclipse Tours Events:

International Airfare
Passport/Visa Fees (unless stated above)
Trip cancellation and delay insurance (cancel for any reason is recommended) and out of country medical insurance (to include $1 million emergency evacuation insurance). Direct Travel requires proof of purchase if you have your own insurance.
Room Service, Meals, and Snacks that are not specified in the Itinerary
Alcoholic beverages (not commonly found in Egypt – Wine + Beer are available)
Personal items such as Laundry, Wi-Fi, and Telephone Calls
Medical Services & Fees
Tipping is at the participant’s discretion
Fuel Surcharges
Excess baggage charges
Any item not specified in the Price Includes section

To make a reservation: A reservation request can be submitted by completing this form. Reservations are recorded and acknowledged in order received.
For questions about reservations or billing contact Direct Travel by phoning +1 309-834-3739 or toll free 1-866-592-0455 or email reservations@directtrravelgroups.com.
Due to a higher than usual volume of inquiries, please allow up to 3 business days for a response.

Deposits/Payments: A non-refundable deposit of $3500 per person is due at time of booking.

Final payment is due no later than 8/7/2026

Direct Travel handles all invoicing.

Cancellations and Refunds: Cancellation fees are based on the date the written notice is received by Direct Travel. (Notification of cancellation must be received in writing.) A full copy of our terms can be found in the booking form.

Itineraries: All itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of Eclipse Tours/Ring of Fire Expeditions or Direct Travel. Eclipse Tours and Direct Travel (or any delegated ground provider) cannot guarantee perfect weather conditions for this eclipse or any other eclipse observation. However, based on our long track record of eclipse chasing as well as examination of weather records in the region we should have an excellent chance to see the event clearly and with minimal cloud cover. Keep in mind that unexpected schedule changes could affect the program. Your Tour Director will keep you fully informed of any changes to planned activities.

Tour size: Exclusively designed for EclipseTours/Ring of Fire Expeditions, operated by Direct Travel, this expedition is limited to participation based on double occupancy. The minimum group size for the main program is 16 with a maximum of 48. Should the minimum group number not be met, we reserve the right to levy a small-group surcharge.

Pricing adjustments: All tour prices are based on costs and U.S. dollar exchange rates, tariffs, in-tour transportation, fuel surcharges, and airfares in effect at the time of posting. While we do everything possible to maintain the prices listed, they are subject to change. By October 30, 2026, EclipseTours.com and/or Direct Travel will inform participants of any changes in the price of the expedition selected.

Travel insurance: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation protection covering trip interruption, travel delay, as well as medical coverage. Additionally, your policy should include coverage for medical transport out of the country which is strongly advised by the U.S. Embassy as medical services in Egypt are not of Western standard, expensive, and not reliable. Our talented advisors will happily send you a quote with our trusted Insurance provider Allianz Global Assistance.

General Considerations – observation equipment

As the Government of Egypt is led by what essentially amounts to a military government, strict rules on sensitive equipment such as telescopes, cameras, etc. are in place. Be advised that our Egypt Land Expeditions come with several risks as outlined below.

High Risk of Confiscation: We strongly advise not to bring telescopes, high-power binoculars, or long telephoto lenses (>600mm) into Egypt.

Potential Work-around: Should you desire to bring such equipment, you may be required to register cameras and optical devices with serial number; provide purchase receipts for each item; provide photos showing you using them for amateur astronomy; and keep them in your carry-on for inspection. No guarantees can be made by Eclipse Tours/Ring of Fire Expeditions that such a work-around will be available upon your arrival into Egypt. Such undertaking is entirely at your own risk, and no assistance can/will be given by Eclipse Tours/Ring of Fire Expeditions.