The initiative. “Egypt, the Eclipse of the Century” is a 10-day, 9-night private tour, from July 28 to August 6, 2027. The highlight is Monday, August 2, 2027: in Luxor, the ancient Thebes of the pharaohs, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun for approximately six minutes and twenty-two seconds. It is the longest total eclipse visible from land in this century and will not occur again until 2114. Guests will observe it from a reserved viewing area, after visiting the Temple of Karnak—the sanctuary of the sun god Amun-Ra—at dawn.
The route. Four nights in Cairo at the Fairmont Nile City, including visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun’s treasure, Saqqara, the interior of the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Sphinx. Then Luxor, featuring the Valley of the Kings and Nefertari’s tomb, followed by a four-night cruise on the Nile aboard the five-star motorboat Amwaj, with stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, the Temple of Philae, and a felucca ride. The trip concludes with a flight to Abu Simbel and the Colossi of Ramses II.Customizable extensions available. The trip can be customized with an extension before or after the cruise, upon request: a few days of relaxation at a Red Sea resort, a stay in Alexandria, or extra nights in Cairo or Aswan. This option offers added value for those who want to experience Egypt at their own pace.
The Pros. Abercrombie & Kent’s on-site expertise and organization, featuring private Egyptologists and a dedicated tour coordinator. (English-speaking) Visa, domestic flights, and comprehensive insurance are included. Each participant receives a complimentary travel kit that includes a bag and a guidebook to Egypt. . Program in collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent.
14.800,00 €
The Eclipse of the Century
On Monday, August 2, 2027, the skies over Upper Egypt will be the site of the longest total solar eclipse visible from land in this century. In Luxor, the ancient Thebes of the pharaohs, the Moon will completely cover the Sun’s disk for about six minutes and twenty-two seconds—more than twice as long as a typical total eclipse. A phenomenon this long will not occur again until 2114. This exceptional duration is due to three factors coming together. The Earth is near the point in its orbit farthest from the Sun, which therefore appears slightly smaller. The Moon is near its closest point to us and appears larger. Finally, Luxor is close to the Tropic of Cancer: the Sun is nearly at its zenith, and the Earth’s rotation keeps pace with the Moon’s shadow, slowing its progress. Starting at 11:40 a.m., the Moon begins to cover the Sun: the light takes on a metallic quality and the air cools. At 1:02 p.m., day turns to night. Around the black disk, the solar corona—a pearly halo—appears, and the planets come to life, while a 360-degree sunset unfolds across the entire horizon. At 1:08 p.m., the first ray of sunlight returns to illuminate the Nile Valley.
The Amwaj Living Stone is a five-star deluxe motorboat that cruises the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. It offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, with 62 cabins and suites in total, ensuring attentive and personalized service. Standard cabins measure approximately 20 m². They feature large panoramic windows overlooking the river, a king-size bed or two single beds, and a private bathroom with a shower. They are equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, a telephone, a safe, a minibar, and a hair dryer. For those seeking more space, there are 30 m² Junior Suites, featuring separate sleeping and living areas, and four large suites— Presidential and Royal, up to 50 m². On the lower deck, the main restaurant serves international cuisine, with a buffet breakfast and lunch, and à la carte dinner service. On the main deck is the Tanya Lounge, featuring a bar and evening entertainment. The sun deck, with lounge chairs and umbrellas, is the ideal spot to watch the Nile flow past palm groves, villages, and the desert. Here you’ll also find the outdoor pool with a jacuzzi, a poolside bar, and the Sun Deck Bar. For wellness, there’s a spa offering massages, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. Wi-Fi, in-cabin service, laundry facilities, a boutique, and a 24-hour reception desk are also available on board.
