Travaholica
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A black lunar disc with a faint corona and pink prominences at the lower and right edges during the April 2024 eclipse.
Photograph by Dan St. Hilaire — April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Used with permission.

July 30 – August 6, 2027Cairo & Luxor8 days

Witness totalityover ancient Egypt

The Sun's corona and pink-red chromosphere—usually hidden from view—blaze into sight around the perfectly black disc of the Moon. Birds fall silent. Around you, a few dozen people share a moment that most of humanity will never witness.

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No payment todayRegister now, pay the deposit when booking opens.

Up to 25 participants — places are allocated in the order deposits are received.

Eclipse
August 2, 2027
Totality
about 6 minutes
Location
Luxor, Egypt
Group
Up to 25
Price
$4,450 USD per person

Where the Sun Has Always Mattered

The itinerary has been developed with eclipse observers and photographers in mind.

A professionally organized Egypt expedition built around the August 2, 2027 Total Solar Eclipse—an extraordinary astronomical event experienced in a land where the Sun held a profound place in ancient Egyptian thought, religion, kingship, and cosmology.

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From the solar traditions of ancient Egypt and the temples of the Nile Valley to the rare phenomenon of totality in the modern sky, this journey brings together astronomy, archaeology, and cultural heritage in one experience.

The itinerary has been thoughtfully designed for eclipse observers, astrophotographers, amateur and professional astronomers, and World Heritage enthusiasts, with dedicated time for equipment preparation, testing, rehearsal, observation, and the practical logistics of eclipse day.

Participants will travel as a coordinated international group, with accommodation, transfers, guided experiences, sightseeing, and local operational support organized as one comprehensive expedition.

For those who come to Egypt for the eclipse, the experience extends far beyond the few minutes of totality: it is an opportunity to encounter the Sun in a landscape where its presence has shaped human imagination for thousands of years.

The moment

A sky that goes dark at midday

The Moon covers the Sun during the April 2024 total solar eclipse, with the white corona visible against a dark sky.
Photograph by Dan St. Hilaire — April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Used with permission.

For a few extraordinary minutes, the familiar rhythm of daylight is interrupted. As the Moon moves into perfect alignment with the Sun, the landscape gradually changes. Shadows sharpen, the light takes on an unusual quality, and the temperature begins to fall. Then, suddenly, midday becomes twilight.

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There is something deeply unsettling and fascinating about witnessing a phenomenon that transforms the world around you without warning, even when you know exactly when it will happen.

A total solar eclipse is not simply a spectacular sight. It is an experience that stays with you long after daylight returns. And on August 2, 2027, it will be the defining moment of our journey through Egypt.

Totality

About 6 minutes of totality

What generally happens around and during totality, from the first beads of sunlight to the last.

  1. Baily's beadsBeads of sunlight flicker through lunar valleys.
  2. Diamond ringA last bead of sunlight flares at the Moon's edge, then vanishes.
  3. Corona visibleThe Sun's outer atmosphere glows around a black disc.
  4. Planets appearBright planets and stars show in a darkened sky.
  5. 360° horizon glowA sunset-colored glow rings the whole horizon.
  6. Temperature dropThe air cools noticeably without direct sunlight.
  7. Second diamond ringSunlight returns at the opposite edge, and totality ends.
  8. Baily's beadsBeads of sunlight flicker through lunar valleys.

Typical order, not to scale.

The expedition

Organized on the ground in Egypt

The essentials below are arranged for the group in Egypt. You book your own international flights; the domestic flights are arranged by Travaholica and charged separately.

  • Arrival & support

    Meet-and-greet and airport assistance, and guest relations support throughout.

  • Tour Guidance

    An experienced English-speaking Egyptologist/tour guide.

  • Transfers

    All transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Accommodation

    Comfortable hotel accommodations in Cairo (3 nights) and apartment-style accommodations in Luxor (4 nights), carefully selected for the itinerary and eclipse experience.

  • Sightseeing

    All sightseeing and visits in the itinerary, with entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary.

  • On the ground

    Local operational and logistical support.

No specialist knowledge is required.

AI illustration of the Nile, boats, and hills near Luxor in warm light.
AI-generated illustration inspired by the Nile at Luxor; not a photograph of the destination.Illustration: AI-generated · Created by client

The program

A day-by-day program

  1. Day 1Welcome to Cairo
  2. Day 2Icons of Ancient Egypt
  3. Day 3South to Luxor
  4. Day 4TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE DAYEclipse day
  5. Day 5Edfu & the Temple of Horus
  6. Day 6The West Bank of Luxor
  7. Day 7Valley of the Kings
  8. Day 8Until Next Time, Egypt
See the full itinerary

Logistics

Getting there — flights

  1. Home to CairoInternational flight · Booked by traveler
  2. Cairo to LuxorAug 1 · MorningBooked by Travaholica · Airfare charged separately
  3. Luxor to CairoAug 5 · EveningBooked by Travaholica · Airfare charged separately
  4. Cairo to HomeInternational flight · Booked by traveler

International Flights

International airfare is not included in the expedition price. Participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their own international flights.

The recommended airport is Cairo International Airport (CAI).

For participants following the full group itinerary, we recommend the following travel schedule:

  • Arrival in Cairo: July 30, 2027, in the morning, preferably between 6:00 and 7:00 AM.
  • Departure from Cairo: August 6, 2027, based on each participant’s scheduled international flight.

Travaholica will coordinate airport transfers and group logistics based on the confirmed arrival and departure details provided by each participant.

Domestic Flights

Travaholica will arrange the group’s domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor (Cairo–Luxor and Luxor–Cairo).

Domestic airfare is not included in the expedition price and will be charged separately once the group flight arrangements and final fares have been confirmed.

Inclusions

What's included

Included

  • Meet-and-greet and airport assistance
  • Guest relations support throughout
  • Experienced English-speaking Egyptologist/tour guide
  • All transfers in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • 3 nights accommodation in Cairo
  • 4 nights accommodation in Luxor
  • All sightseeing and visits in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
  • Local operational and logistical support

Not included

  • International flights
  • Domestic flights (arranged by Travaholica, charged separately)
  • Egyptian entry visa
  • Optional tours and activities not in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses (drinks with meals, SIM/mobile data, laundry, phone calls, personal purchases)
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal astronomical/photographic equipment

Who we are

Designed for the eclipse. Delivered with local expertise.

  • The Eclipse Is the Centerpiece

    This journey has been designed with eclipse observers and photographers in mind—because on August 2, the details matter.

  • Local Knowledge. Eclipse-Focused Support.

    An experienced Egyptian ground team handles the journey on the ground, with specialist support focused on the eclipse-viewing experience.

  • Booking terms

    The contracting party, booking terms and insolvency-protection details will be published before booking opens.

  • Who's responsible

    Travaholica is the tour operator receiving participant funds and responsible for all ground arrangements in Egypt.

Traveling With the Group

Portrait of Mahmoud Shaaban

Mahmoud Shaaban Expedition Organizer

Mahmoud Shaaban is an Egyptian cultural tourism and heritage expert based in Berlin and the founder of Travaholica. With a background in Egyptology, World Heritage, and intercultural communication, he has spent more than a decade connecting people and cultures through travel, heritage, and meaningful cultural experiences.

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He is a member of the ICOMOS International Committee on Cultural Tourism (ICTC) and has collaborated with international cultural networks, universities, and media organizations, including European Radio for Cairo and rbb (Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg).

Drawing on his experience across Egypt and Europe, Mahmoud co-created the 2027 Egypt Total Solar Eclipse Expedition, bringing together astronomy, Egyptology, travel, Egyptian heritage, and intercultural exchange to transform an extraordinary celestial event into an unforgettable journey through Egypt.

Portrait of Rick St. Hilaire

Rick St. Hilaire Special Contributor & Expedition Participant

Rick St. Hilaire is a cultural heritage attorney and former presidential appointee to the U.S. Cultural Property Advisory Committee, where he participated in the Committee’s consideration of the U.S.–Egypt cultural property agreement. He also teaches an annual university course on antiquities trafficking and cultural heritage crime. Having traveled to Egypt several times, Rick has longstanding experience and interest in archaeology and cultural heritage preservation.

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Rick is also an amateur astronomer and dedicated solar observer. His daily solar observations contribute to the determination of the American Relative Sunspot Number.

Rick will join the expedition as a participant and will be available informally to share his knowledge and experience with fellow travelers, particularly on Egypt, solar observation, eclipse preparation, and practical travel considerations.

Rick is not a tour operator, travel agent, tour guide, or representative of Travaholica. All travel arrangements and tour services are provided exclusively by Travaholica and its authorized service providers.

Booking status

Price & payment

$4,450 USD per person Domestic flights arranged by Travaholica, charged separately — amount to be confirmed.
  1. $750 deposit — due when you book (secures your place)Part of the total price, not an additional fee. Refundable until the domestic flight arrangements and airfare are confirmed. Subject to the final booking terms.
  2. $1,600 — due February 15, 2027
  3. $2,100 — due May 15, 2027
  4. Total$4,450 USD per person

Before you decide

Frequently asked questions

Still have a question?

What if it's cloudy on eclipse day?

No eclipse site can guarantee clear skies, and we won't pretend otherwise. Luxor was chosen partly because August there is typically hot, dry and sunny, and our viewing site is chosen with local weather patterns in mind.

How does payment work?

Payment is in three stages: a $750 deposit when you book — part of the total price, refundable until the domestic flight arrangements and airfare are confirmed (subject to the final booking terms) — then $1,600 by February 15, 2027, and $2,100 by May 15, 2027. See "Price & payment" above for the package price in full. Registering your interest today is free.

How large is the group?

Up to 25 participants, so everyone gets personal attention from our guides and a comfortable spot at the eclipse viewing site.

How physically demanding is the trip?

The pace is moderate: guided walking tours at historical sites, some uneven ground, and warm August temperatures. No technical or strenuous activity is required.

Do I need to book my own international flights?

Yes — international flights are not included, so you arrange and purchase these yourself. We recommend flying into Cairo (CAI) and arriving on July 30, 2027 within the recommended arrival window of 6:00–7:00 AM (the program is planned around a landing at approximately 6:15–6:45 AM), and departing on August 6, 2027.

Are the domestic flights between Cairo and Luxor included?

The Cairo–Luxor–Cairo domestic flights are arranged by Travaholica — Cairo to Luxor on the morning of August 1, 2027, and Luxor to Cairo on the afternoon/evening of August 5, 2027 — and charged separately; the airfare amount is still being confirmed.

Can I bring my telescope or camera?

Participants bring and are responsible for their own viewing/photographic equipment. If you plan to bring specialized equipment, such as a telescope or tracking mount, you may need to provide its technical details in advance. We'll let you know what is required. Day 3 includes equipment testing and an eclipse rehearsal at the viewing location.

Do I need to create an account to book?

No. You can join the priority list as a guest — no account needed.

Why is the expedition based in Luxor?

Luxor sits within the path of totality for the August 2, 2027 eclipse and offers some of Egypt's richest historical sites nearby, making it the ideal base for combining totality with the ancient wonders around it.

Groups & partners

Groups, agencies & media

Traveling as an organized astronomy group, working with a travel agency, or planning media or production coverage of the eclipse? We'd like to talk directly about your plans.

Contact us about groups & partnerships

Ready to see totality over Egypt?

Join the Priority List and we'll follow up with you personally.

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