- Dates: Jul 30 - Aug 08, 2027
- Duration: 10 days, 9 nights
- Trip Level (1-4):3
- Arrive: Cairo, Egypt
- Depart:Cairo, Egypt
This tour departs in
DAYS
Highlights
- Begin your journey in Cairo, a vibrant metropolis steeped in ancient history
- Discover the unrivaled collection of treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Cruise the Nile for three days and nights aboard a luxury river cruise ship
- Enjoy over 6 minutes of totality during the "Eclipse of the Century" on August 2nd
- Wander among the towering obelisks and imposing statues of Luxor Temple
- Explore the magnificent Temple of Karnak, dedicated to the god Amun-Ra
- Investigate pharaohs’ tombs carved into rocky cliffs in the Valley of the Kings
- Experience privileged access to the Giza Plateau and attend a lecture by Dr. Zahi Hawass between the paws of the Sphinx before opening hours
- Enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Subterranean Chamber and the Queen’s Chamber before opening hours
- Visit the amazing Abu Simbel temple site
- Enjoy a lecture by Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Egypt’s Head of Antiquities
- Join us on a 6-day Pre-tour to Petra, Jordan
For many of us, journeying to Egypt is a lifelong dream we can trace back to schoolbook photos of the Great Pyramid or documentaries about the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Yet as we’ve gone on to explore all parts of the world, from the streets of London or Paris to wild seacoasts and remote mountain trails, the Land of the Pharaohs has perpetually shifted down our bucket lists to await some ideal future point in perpetually busy lives.
Until now.
TravelQuest has crafted a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves together the most dramatic monuments of ancient Egypt with an appropriately spectacular astronomical event: the total solar eclipse of August 2027. Join us as we experience the best of Cairo, then fly south to Aswan and embark on a three-day cruise up the Nile, stopping to explore magnificent temples and royal monuments along the legendary river. Then on the morning of August 2, head to our expertly chosen site near Luxor to take in “The Eclipse of the Century” as the Moon’s shadow passes over the desert in a remarkable 6 minutes and 22 seconds of totality.
Your Egyptian journey also includes the temples of Edfu and Karnak, the tomb-filled Valley of the Kings, and of course, the iconic pyramids and exclusive access to the Great Sphinx enclosure at Giza, with a lecture given by the world-renowned Dr. Zahi Hawass. Also included is an excursion with an expert guide to visit the temple complex of Abu Simbel, a marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture that is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With the additional option to join our pre-tour to the famed ruins of Petra, Jordan, and a post-tour to Alexandria this is indeed the adventure you’ve always dreamed of – moved to the top of your list at last.
Luxor, Egypt – August 2027 Eclipse Weather Prospects by TravelQuest eclipse meteorologist Jay Anderson
Climate data for Egypt and Luxor:
Cloud is an endangered species in Egypt in August. Weather station measurements show sunshine on 92 percent of the daylight hours and the cloud that occurs is typically a struggling cumulus that will dissipate with the oncoming lunar shadow or a wispy transparent cirrus. Afternoon temperatures are high, however, averaging 42°C (107°F) in early August, so TravelQuest’s luxury eclipse site will provide easy access to air conditioning and refreshments. With so much of the eclipse track lying along and over the Sahara Desert, airborne dust is a common feature of North African skies, but seldom thick enough to do more than put a thin veil across the Sun. For an all-but-guaranteed eclipse, Egypt is the place to be.
Tonight, you’ll have the exceptional opportunity to attend the inaugural lecture of the tour, delivered by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist. Dr. Hawass is celebrated for his extensive contributions to the field of Egyptology, including groundbreaking discoveries and excavations in sites such as the Valley of the Kings and the Giza Plateau. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of ancient Egyptian history and culture. During this lecture, Dr. Hawass will share his profound insights into recent discoveries, offer a unique perspective on the archaeological marvels of Egypt and lead a Q&A session.
Then later tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to attend a lecture by the esteemed Egyptologist Dr. Mostafa Waziri. Dr. Waziri is a distinguished Egyptian archaeologist and the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Renowned for his significant contributions to the field, he has led numerous important excavations, including those in the Saqqara necropolis, where he uncovered the extraordinary cache of mummies. His expertise and insights into ancient Egyptian history and archaeology have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of Egypt's rich cultural heritage. During this lecture, Dr. Waziri will share his latest discoveries and offer a deep dive into the archaeological wonders of Egypt.
Then, instead of observing the Sphinx from afar, our special access enables us to bypass the usual barriers and position you directly in front of this colossal monument, offering a truly immersive experience. You will then have the unique opportunity to attend the final lecture of the tour, presented once again by the distinguished Dr. Zahi Hawass, the acclaimed Egyptian archaeologist. Known as the modern-day ‘Indiana Jones,’ Dr. Hawass will share fascinating insights into the enigmatic mysteries of the Sphinx, providing an exclusive perspective from between its massive paws.
