On August 2, 2027, the Moon will cover the Sun over Egypt for up to six minutes. In Luxor, totality lasts about 6 minutes 22 seconds, starting just after 1:00 pm local time. It is one of the longest total solar eclipses of the 21st century, and the path of totality passes directly over the temples of ancient Thebes.
That combination has turned one summer week in Luxor into one of the most sought-after travel dates in the world. If you have started looking at eclipse tours, you have probably noticed the prices: many luxury Nile cruise packages for the eclipse now cost $12,000 to $15,000 per person, and some go well beyond that. This guide explains why, what you actually get at each price level, and how to plan a trip that is still worth it.
For the eclipse itself (timing, path of totality and the best viewing spots), see our guide: What Day Is the Total Eclipse of the Nile 2027?
What eclipse trips to Egypt cost right now
Prices below are the published “from” prices of well-known eclipse programs, checked in November 2026. They are per person, sharing a double cabin or room, and they usually exclude international flights.
| Type of trip | Typical price per person | Availability (Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Nile cruise programs run by major US travel organizations (10–11 days) | About $14,700 to $18,300 sharing; $25,000+ for a single traveler | Mostly waitlisted |
| University and alumni eclipse trips with private flights or charters | Around $27,000 and higher | Sold out, waitlist only |
| Luxury dahabiya and rail-and-Nile expeditions (9–10 days) | About $8,000 to $10,500 | Most departures sold out |
| Long cruise programs on historic steamers (17 nights) | About $11,000 and up, before excursions | Waitlist |
| Standard packages with 4–5 star hotels or cruises | About $2,700 to $7,000 | Still available on some dates |
In short: if you want a five-star cruise or hotel right on the Nile for eclipse week, with private guiding and good viewing arrangements, a budget of $12,000 to $15,000 per person is realistic. Standard packages still exist, but the best ships and rooms are going fast.
Why eclipse prices in Egypt are so high
1. Everyone wants the same place on the same day
Luxor sits close to the center of the path of totality, with clear summer skies and some of the most famous monuments on Earth. Thousands of travelers, tour operators, astronomy groups and universities are all aiming for the same few kilometers of the Nile on one single afternoon.
2. The number of Nile cruise cabins is fixed
A Nile cruise ship cannot be added overnight. The cruise fleet between Luxor and Aswan is limited, and the top five-star ships and dahabiyas only have a small number of cabins each. Many of these ships were reserved in full by international tour operators long in advance, so few cabins ever reach the open market.
3. Luxor has a limited number of five-star hotel rooms
Luxor is a small city. It has only a handful of five-star hotels on the Nile, and travel sellers reported heavy eclipse bookings at these hotels as early as late 2025. Once the best rooms are allocated to groups, the remaining ones are priced for the demand.
4. Minimum stays and package-only sales
For eclipse week, many hotels and ships only sell full packages or require minimum stays of six nights or more. You often cannot book just one or two nights around August 2, which raises the total cost of the trip.
5. Domestic flights, guides and vehicles are in short supply too
It is not only rooms. Flights between Cairo and Luxor, licensed Egyptologist guides and private air-conditioned vehicles will all be in high demand during the same week. Good planning secures them early; late bookings pay more.
What a $12,000–$15,000 luxury eclipse trip usually includes
At this level, travelers are paying for comfort, a well-chosen viewing spot and a trip that runs smoothly in the August heat. A typical luxury program includes:
- Five-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, or a premium Nile cruise cabin or suite
- Domestic flights inside Egypt
- Private guiding with a professional Egyptologist
- Private air-conditioned transfers and VIP airport assistance
- Planned eclipse viewing on August 2, away from the crowds
- Sightseeing such as the Pyramids, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and often Abu Simbel
Always check exactly what is included in any quote: international flights, visas, tips and travel insurance are usually extra.
Luxury eclipse and Nile trips with Amon Ra Tours
Amon Ra Tours is an Egypt-based company, so we work directly with hotels, cruise ships, guides and drivers on the ground. These are the trips most travelers ask us about for 2027:
- Egypt Solar Eclipse Tour with Nile Cruise (July–August 2027): our dedicated eclipse journey with 5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, a private luxury Nile cruise, domestic flights, Abu Simbel and special arrangements for viewing the eclipse on August 2.
- 8 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise Luxury Package by Flight: a classic luxury itinerary that can be timed around the eclipse.
- 6 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Luxury Tour: for travelers with less time who still want the highlights in comfort.
- 11 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Sharm El Sheikh Luxury Tour: add a few days on the Red Sea after the eclipse.
- 7 Days Wellness Dahabiya Cruise Luxor to Aswan & Cairo: a slower, more private way to sail the Nile on a traditional sailing boat.
Prices for eclipse week depend on the ship or hotel, the cabin category and the number of travelers, and they change as availability changes. Contact us for a current quote.
Tips to get the best value
- Book as early as you can. The good ships and hotels will not come back once they are gone.
- Be flexible on dates. Arriving a few days earlier, or continuing to Aswan or the Red Sea afterwards, can open up better options.
- Compare inclusions, not just prices. A cheaper package that excludes flights, entrance fees and guiding can end up costing more.
- Plan for the heat. Luxor in early August is very hot. Choose a program that schedules sightseeing early in the morning and gives you shade, water and an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Use proper eclipse glasses for every phase except totality.
Frequently asked questions
When is the solar eclipse in Egypt?
Monday, August 2, 2027. In Luxor, totality begins at about 1:02 pm local time and lasts about 6 minutes 22 seconds.
Is Cairo in the path of totality?
No. Cairo will see a deep partial eclipse (about 95%), but not totality. For the full experience you need to be in Luxor or elsewhere along the path in Upper Egypt.
Why are eclipse Nile cruises so expensive?
The number of cruise cabins and five-star rooms in Luxor is limited, demand is concentrated on one day, and many ships were booked in full by tour operators long in advance. Most also sell only multi-night packages for eclipse week.
Are there still eclipse tours available?
Many international programs are sold out or waitlisted, but options still exist. Contact us with your dates and number of travelers and we will check current availability.
Planning to see the 2027 eclipse in Egypt?
Tell us your travel dates, number of travelers and preferred hotel or cruise level, and our team will send you a personalized itinerary and quote.
WhatsApp us: +20 114 505 5184Send an inquiry
Or email us at booking@amonratours.com
Prices in this article are publicly listed “from” prices of various eclipse programs as checked in November 2026. They are for guidance only, may change at any time and are not Amon Ra Tours prices.
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