SUNSET: 
Witness the longest total solar eclipse until 2114 — and explore Egypt’s spectacular antiquities — on one of Sky & Telescope’s seven expeditions to Luxor in August 2027.
When the Moon completely covers the Sun on August 2, 2027, it’s going to be the event of a lifetime — because this eclipse offers the longest duration of totality (6m 23s) for the next 87 years. And you’ll be able to witness this eclipse’s extra-long totality in royal style — with cold beverages, ample shade, and air conditioning close at hand — on one of seven exciting tours offered by Sky & Telescope and Insight Cruises.
The path of totality crosses the heart of Egypt and almost directly over Luxor, the famed ancient city of Thebes that served as the great capital of Upper Egypt during the New Kingdom. Today Luxor is a thriving metropolis of more than 1.3 million that straddles the mighty Nile and serves as centrally located portal to some of the country’s most amazing archaeological treasures.
Xavier Jubier
To enrich your stay in Egypt, you can join an optional program of excursions to a choice selection of the Luxor region’s monuments, temples, and tombs. You’ll also have the option to enjoy captivating educational presentations by leading authorities on Egyptian archaeoastronomy and on the key aspects of civil engineering that made Ancient Egypt’s sophisticated civilization possible.
If you’ve dreamed of visiting Egypt for this very long total solar eclipse, you’ll have a challenging time choosing from among the seven tantalizing opportunities detailed below. But they are sure to sell out long before the Moon’s shadow streaks across Egypt. So don’t wait to secure your participation in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combines a stunning spectacle in the sky with the remarkable treasures of this ancient land.
 Winter Palace |  Hamees (ship) |  Misr (ship) |  Darakum (ship) |  Sphinx (ship) |  Hilton Luxor |  Jolie Ville | |
| Status | sold out | available | sold out | available | sold out | sold out | available |
| Dates | 7/28 - 8/4 | 7/28 - 8/3 | 7/27 - 8/13 | 7/26 - 8/3 | 7/27 - 8/13 | 7/28 - 8/4 | (varies) |
| Nights | 7 | 6 | 17 | 8 | 17 | 7 | 3 - 7 |
| Cost per night | $325-1500 | $325 | $645-1175 | $544-1094 | $675-1175 | $325-400 | $295-995 |
| Taxes, fees, tips | $580 | $475 | included | $200 | included | $610 | $85/nt |
| Site excursions | $2050 | $2050 | $3850 | $2650 | $3850 | $2050 | $2050 |
| Conference | $1250 | $1250 | $1750 | $775 | $1750 | $1250 | $1250 |
| Cruise to Cairo | $6499+ | $6499+ | included | $6499+ | included | $6499+ | $6499+ |
Note: Information in the table above is given on a per-person basis and is subject to change. Costs for the site excursions, conference presentations, and cruise to Cairo are optional (unless included in the tour pricing). Click here to view a comprehensive comparison of all seven options.
| Click here to reach the Luxor 2027 portal at Insight Cruises to register for one of these options. There you’ll also find full details and slide shows for all seven tours — or browse through the tour-by-tour summaries and pricing listed below. |
Tour 1: Sofitel Winter Palace
Sorry, this option is currently sold out.
You’ll enjoy views of the magnificent Nile from our base at the luxurious and legendary Sofitel Winter Palace, one of the world’s iconic travel destinations. After the eclipse, you’ll have the option of spending five nights cruising northward along the Nile, stopping for visits to ancient sites along the way, and four nights in Cairo.
About the Sofitel Winter Palace: Discover the sumptuous history of a hotel that’s hosted royalty and celebrities: the 5-star Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor (official site; video walking tour). Built in 1907 and surrounded by century-old Royal Gardens, the hotel overlooks the Nile and the West Bank Necropolis. It’s an oasis of tranquillity — and a gateway to the splendors of pharaonic times. Come and bask in an atmosphere steeped in history, romance, and adventure — all while enjoying the modern conveniences only a 5-star hotel can provide.
Main tour: 7 nights accommodation, including virtually all meals, starting at $2,275 ; Site-visit package: $2,050; Lecture package: $1,250; Optional Nile-to-Cairo cruise (Aug 3–11, 2027): starting at $6,499. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 26-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 2: Aboard the ms Hamees
If you’re a fan of cruising, spend a week aboard the splendid ms Hamees, which will be docked directly in front of the Sofitel Winter Palace by day but embark on scenic cruises on the Nile each evening during dinner. After the eclipse you’ll have the option to stay two nights at the hotel or stay aboard the ms Hamees for nine more adventurous days and nights (five on the Nile and and four in Cairo).
About the ms Hamees: Mövenpick’s ms Hamees has a comfortable, contemporary design and is among the largest and best-appointed craft cruising on the Nile. It offers 70 spacious cabins with relaxing soft cream colors. Enjoy a truly memorable, 5-star experience while in Luxor and (optionally) on the ship’s post-eclipse journey to Cairo. While on board you’ll experience some of Egypt’s most scenic and historical sights with top facilities and attentive staff.
Main tour: 6 nights accommodation on ms Hamees, 2 nights in Sofitel Winter Palace, including virtually all meals, starting at $2,950 ; Site-visit package: $2,050; Lecture package: $1,250; Optional Nile-to-Cairo cruise (Aug 3–11, 2027): starting at $6,499. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 26-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 3: Aboard the ss Misr
Sorry, this option is currently sold out.
Begin your 2½-week journey in Aswan, which has served as a gateway and cultural crossroad since antiquity. Then board the ss Misr — King Farouk’s opulent yacht — for a 15-day Nile cruise that stops in Luxor for the eclipse before continuing northward to Cairo.
About the ss Misr: Explore the wonders of the ancient Egyptian world in luxury and historic charm. Originally built by the British Royal Navy in 1918 and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk, the ss Misr is a true time capsule that rekindles the nostalgia of a golden age, with luxurious, 5-star accommodations, cuisine, and service. (Pronounced miss her, Misr means “frontier” and is the Arabic name for Egypt.) It offers 16 cabins and eight suites, and it’s considered the most luxurious cruise ship sailing the Nile between Cairo and Aswan.
Main tour: 17 nights accommodation, including virtually all meals, starting at $10,965 ; Site-visit package: $3,850; Lecture package: $1,750. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 29-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 4: Aboard the ms Darakum
Your immersion in Egyptian culture begins with a two-night stay at the legendary, 5-star Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, near ancient Egypt’s southern frontier. You’ll visit Abu Simbel, then board the ms Darakum for a six-night, 130-mile-long venture down the Nile to Luxor, the spiritual center of the kingdom. After arriving in Luxor, you’ll have the option of viewing the total solar eclipse from aboard the ship or from the renowned gardens of Luxor’s historic Winter Palace Hotel — just steps away from the dock.
About the ms Darakum: With 52 spacious cabins, the ms Darakum is one of the largest vessels cruising the Nile River between Cairo and Aswan. Its opulent, Moroccan-inspired design will offer an unforgettable journey as you cruising through 7,000 years of history. A variety of recreational activities are available onboard, including a swimming pool, sun deck with recreational area, and a gym.
Main tour: 8 nights accommodation (two in Aswan and six aboard the ship), including virtually all meals, starting at $4,350 ; Site-visit package: $2,650; Lecture package: $775. Optional Nile-to-Cairo cruise (Aug 3–11, 2027): starting at $6,499. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 34-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 5: Aboard the ss Sphinx
Sorry, this option is currently sold out.
This itinerary is identical to that of Tour 3, which has already sold out. Begin your 2½-week journey in Aswan, which has served as a gateway and cultural crossroad since antiquity. Then board the ss Sphinx for a 15-day Nile cruise that stops in Luxor for the eclipse before continuing northward to Cairo. After arriving in Luxor, you’ll have the option of viewing the total solar eclipse from aboard the ship or from the renowned gardens of Luxor’s historic Winter Palace Hotel — just steps away from the dock.
About the ss Sphinx: You can look forward to an authentically immersive onboard experience, with bespoke decor by local artisans and materials sourced regionally — such as fine Egyptian cottons, marble, and hand-carved blonde wood — to highlight Egyptian craftsmanship. All 42 of the gorgeously appointed staterooms and suites have French balconies.
Main tour: 17 nights accommodation, including virtually all meals, starting at $16,575 . Site-visit package: $3,850; Lecture package: $1,750. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 29-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 6: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa
Sorry, this option is currently sold out. But please check out the similar itinerary at the Jolie Ville resort (Tour 7 below)
Imagine watching the convergence of Moon and Sun overhead as traditional felucca sailboats drift past your spectacular viewing site along the largest Nile waterfront in Luxor. After the eclipse, you’ll have the option of spending five nights cruising northward along the Nile, stopping for visits to ancient sites along the way, and four nights in Cairo.
About the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa: This spacious 5-star resort boasts a contemporary Arabic design and glorious, unobstructed views of the Nile and its West Bank. Situated less than 4 miles from central Luxor via shuttle, it’s the ideal base from which to explore the rich and ancient culture of the Nile Valley. The resort offers traditional felucca sailing as well as horseback and camelback tours of the riverbanks, with both Karnak and Luxor temples within 2½ miles. Perks include three restaurants, five stylish bars, two infinity pools, a holistic spa,and a kids’ corner. Winner of a 2023 Traveler’s Choice Award from Tripadvisor.
Main tour: 7 nights accommodation, including virtually all meals, starting at $2,275; Site-visit package: $2,050; Lecture package: $1,250; Optional Nile-to-Cairo cruise (Aug 3–11, 2027): starting at $6,499. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 36-page brochure with full details & pricing.
Tour 7: Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa (Kings Island)
If you’re dying to see the 2027 eclipse but are looking for flexible-duration accommodations or perhaps something suitable for your entire family, then this will be an attractive choice. Tailor your stay with a variety of room options: Choose a classically furnished standard room with Nile or garden view — or perhaps you’ll snag a deluxe room sized for two adults and two kids or a suite large enough to sleep six. After the eclipse, you’ll have the option of spending five nights cruising northward along the Nile, stopping for visits to ancient sites along the way, and four nights in Cairo.
About the Jolie Ville Hotel & Spa: Surrounded by 150 acres of spacious gardens and expansive landscape overlooking the magnificent Nile River, this 5-star oasis of unblemished beauty and tranquility nestled on the exclusive paradise known as “Kings Island.” The island has a huge variety of trees and plantation vegetation, and you can relax in the soothing waters of the resort’s infinity pool, oasis pool with waterfall, an adults-only pool, or splashing children’s pool.
Main tour: 3 to 7 nights accommodation (3-night minimum), starting at $295 per night. Site-visit package: $2,050; Lecture package: $1,250; Optional Nile-to-Cairo cruise (Aug 3–11, 2027): starting at $6,499. (All prices are per person based on double occupancy.)
Click here to download a 36-page brochure with full details & pricing.
