Eclipse 2027
12 days, 11 nightsJuly 23 – August 3, 2027
All of Egypt — building to the total solar eclipse of August 2027.
On 2 August 2027 the Moon's shadow crosses Egypt, and for a few minutes in the middle of the afternoon the desert goes dark. This is the longest total eclipse visible from land this century — nothing else until 2114 comes close — and the centreline runs straight over the country. Most of the world will watch it on a screen. A few thousand people will stand under it.
We watch from Siwa. Luxor gets about forty seconds more totality and it will get tens of thousands of people with it: coach convoys on the corniche, hotels booked out years ahead, tripods three deep along the river. Siwa is eight hours west of the coast, near the Libyan border, and reachable that morning only the way we're doing it — a private charter in for the day. We hold a private viewing site above the oasis, forty travellers, and the horizon to ourselves.
The eleven days before it are the country properly done: Cairo's pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae and Abu Simbel in the south, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, a balloon over the west bank at sunrise. The eclipse lands at the end, not the start, so everything builds toward it.
Then, for five and a half minutes, the corona comes out over the Great Sand Sea and nobody says anything at all.
At a
Glance
Table of Contents
Map
Day 1
Friday, July 23
Arrival Day
A short walk off the plane, before you reach customs, someone is holding a Travel With Amen Ra sign. They take care of the visa queue and walk you out to your car. You're on Gezira Island at the Novotel El Borg, the Nile on both sides and Zamalek a walk away. Your driver and your Egyptologist guide are with you for the whole twelve days. If you've landed early enough, we'll put you on a felucca for the sunset.
Airport Transportation Service
Private airport transfers, both ways — a driver meets your flight and takes you straight to your hotel, and back to the airport when it's time to fly home. No taxis, no haggling.
Novotel Cairo Airport
Cairo International Airport Road, El Nozha, Cairo, Egypt
A short shuttle from Cairo International, which is the whole point of it — a proper bed and a real breakfast when your flight out is at dawn. Low-rise blocks around a pool and gardens, quiet despite the location, and no pre-dawn dash across the city to make check-in.
Cairo Private Sedan
A private car and driver at your disposal for the day — comfortable, air-conditioned, and on your schedule as you move between the day's sites.
Sunset Felucca Ride on the Nile
A felucca is one of the small lateen-sailed boats that have worked the Nile for centuries — no engine, just canvas and the current. You go out from Cairo as the light drops and the city noise falls away behind you. It's a nice way to unwind after all the travel, and the best first look at Egypt there is.
Day 2
Saturday, July 24
Temple of Philae & Aswan Arrival
Flight to Aswan
The flight to Aswan takes you directly to one of Egypt's key cities along the Nile. Aswan is known for its ancient temples, including the nearby Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Upon arrival, you can explore the lively local markets or take a felucca ride on the Nile to see the city from the water.
Obelisk Nile Hotel
2-day stay1 Corniche El Nile St, Sheyakhah Thalethah, Aswan 1, Aswan Governorate 1240892, Egypt
A welcoming hotel right on Aswan’s Nile Corniche, looking out over the river and its feluccas. A calm, well-placed base for exploring Aswan — Philae Temple, the souk, and sunset sailing are all close at hand.
Philae Temple
Philae, Aswan 1, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Visit Philae Temple, located on an island in the reservoir between the old and new dams in Aswan Governorate. Explore the well-preserved structures and intricate carvings that tell stories of ancient Egyptian deities. Don't miss the graffiti left by Napoleon's soldiers, adding a unique layer to the site's history, and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding waters and natural landscape.
Day 3
Sunday, July 25
Majestic Temples of Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel, Aswan Governorate 1211501, Egypt
The Abu Simbel Temples, located in the Aswan Governorate, feature colossal statues of Ramses II carved into the mountainside. Visitors can explore the grand interiors and admire intricate hieroglyphics that tell stories of ancient Egypt. After touring the temples, take a break at the nearby café to relax and reflect on the impressive scale of this historical site, which has garnered a high rating from travelers for its significance and beauty.
Day 4
Monday, July 26
Edfu Exploration and Luxor Arrival
Aswan to Luxor Shuttle
The Aswan to Luxor shuttle offers a convenient way to travel between these two historic cities along the Nile River. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, providing views of the riverbanks and local life. Once in Luxor, you can explore the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple, both key highlights of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Edfu
Edfu, Adfo, Edfu, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Edfu is home to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Visitors can explore its massive stone walls and intricate hieroglyphics, which detail the mythology of Horus and the ancient Egyptian pantheon. The temple complex also features impressive pylons and a sacred lake, providing a glimpse into the religious practices and architectural achievements of the time.
Farida Palace Hotel
3-day stayPH7W+3RP, Al Aqaletah, Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1341431, Egypt
A comfortable base in Luxor, close to the West Bank and its ancient sites. Restful rooms after full days among the temples and tombs — the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and the Nile all within easy reach.
Day 5
Tuesday, July 27
Karnak Temples & Balloon Adventure
Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over Luxor offers a unique view of the Valley of the Kings and the surrounding landscape. As you float in the early morning sky, you'll see ancient temples and the Nile River stretching below. This experience typically lasts about an hour, providing an opportunity to take in the rich history of the area from a new perspective, with the sun rising over the horizon illuminating the terrain.
Karnak & Luxor Temples
Karnak, Luxor, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Karnak, located in Luxor Governorate, is a vast temple complex known for its towering pylons and intricately carved columns. Visitors can stroll through the expansive grounds, admiring the impressive architecture and detailed hieroglyphs. While the site can get busy at times, especially at popular spots, the overall experience is well worth it, with many travelers praising its historical significance and scale.
Luxor Shuttles
Day 6
Wednesday, July 28
Luxor Valley of Kings & Queens
The west bank today. The Valley of the Kings, where the tombs run deep into the rock and the painted ceilings are still bright three thousand years on; the Valley of the Queens beside it; and Hatshepsut's mortuary temple rising in terraces against the cliff behind. Which tombs are open rotates — they're closed and rested to protect the paint — so your guide will pick the best of what's accessible on the day. Another night at the Farida Palace.
Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor, Luxor Governorate 1340420, Egypt
The Valley of the Kings and Queens, along with Hatshepsut Temple, showcases the burial sites of ancient Egyptian royalty. Visitors can explore well-preserved tombs adorned with clear drawings and carvings, some of which date back thousands of years. The site also features real mummies and impressive statues, offering a glimpse into the lives of the pharaohs, though it can get crowded and humid inside the tombs during the summer months.
Day 7
Thursday, July 29
Return to Cairo
Cairo to Luxor Roundtrip
Round-trip flights between Cairo (CAI) and Luxor (LXR) — about an hour each way — so your time goes to the temples, not the road.
Novotel Cairo Airport
5-day stayCairo International Airport Road, El Nozha, Cairo, Egypt
A short shuttle from Cairo International, which is the whole point of it — a proper bed and a real breakfast when your flight out is at dawn. Low-rise blocks around a pool and gardens, quiet despite the location, and no pre-dawn dash across the city to make check-in.
Day 8
Friday, July 30
Gems and Pyramids of Giza
Pyramids of Giza
Giza, El Omraniya, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Giza is home to the famous Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, which are some of the most recognized structures in the world. Visitors can explore the ancient tombs and learn about the history of the Pharaohs through guided tours. The site also offers camel rides for a unique perspective of the pyramids against the desert backdrop, making for a memorable experience in one of Egypt's most significant archaeological locations.
Grand Egyptian Museum
X4VF+V38, Cairo - Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Al Haram, Giza Governorate 3513203, Egypt
The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza Governorate showcases an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, including treasures from King Tutankhamun. Visitors can explore well-organized galleries that make it easy to navigate through thousands of years of history. Don't miss the interactive workshops and fun games available, which add an engaging element to your visit and enhance your understanding of ancient culture.
Day 9
Saturday, July 31
Cairo's Historic Treasures and Citadel Views
Salah El Din Citadel
Salah al-Din, al-Ayyubi, Saladin, Cairo Governorate 4252360, Egypt
Salah El Din Citadel in Cairo Governorate offers a deep dive into Egypt's history with its expansive grounds and several museums. The highlight is the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the city. With an entry fee of around 450-550 EGP, visitors can easily spend half a day exploring the site and taking in the rich heritage that surrounds them.
Ancient Bazaars
4 Haret Khan Al Khalili, El-Gamaleya, El Gamaliya, Cairo Governorate 4331303, Egypt
El Hussein Bazaar is a lively market located in the heart of Cairo, filled with narrow streets and ancient architecture. Visitors can browse through a wide range of Egyptian souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts, while enjoying the atmosphere created by horse-drawn carts and busy shops. Bargaining is common here, so be prepared to negotiate prices for unique items and gifts.
Day 10
Sunday, August 1
Cairo at Leisure
Nothing scheduled. You've had eight days of sites and there's an eclipse the day after tomorrow, so this one is deliberately empty. The hotel is on Gezira Island, so Zamalek's cafés and bookshops are a walk away, and the Corniche is right there for the evening. If you'd rather fill it, your guide can arrange whatever you've been eyeing — a felucca hour, the Coptic quarter, a cooking class, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir for the things the new museum didn't take. Otherwise: rest. Tomorrow is a long one.
Day 11
Monday, August 2
Solar Eclipse Day
Eclipse day. A private charter takes the group west from Cairo to Siwa in the morning — a couple of hours over open desert to an oasis near the Libyan border, and well clear of the crowds that will fill Luxor. We hold a private viewing site above the oasis for the day: food and refreshments, shade, and a clear horizon in every direction. Ramy plays records through the early afternoon. Then, at around 3pm, everything stops — roughly five and a half minutes of totality over the Great Sand Sea, with the corona out and the horizon glowing on all sides. Afterwards the party starts again and runs until it's time for the airstrip. We're still finalising the programme for the day and will confirm the details closer to the date. What's fixed is the part that matters: the site, the location, and the fact that you'll be standing under it well away from anyone else.
Private Charter to Siwa for the Eclipse
A private aircraft chartered for eclipse day, flying the group west to the Siwa Oasis to watch the total solar eclipse from a reserved private rooftop over the oasis — far from crowds and city light.
Totality Over Siwa
The reason for the whole trip. At mid-afternoon on 2 August 2027 the Moon's shadow crosses the Western Desert, and for about five and a half minutes the Sun disappears behind it. The light goes strange first — sharp-edged and metallic — then the temperature drops, the horizon glows in every direction at once, and the corona comes out around a black disc. Siwa sits close to the centreline, well away from the crowds that will fill Luxor. Eclipse glasses are provided; you take them off for totality, and only for totality.
The Gathering
We take a private viewing site above the oasis for the day — food and refreshments through the afternoon, shade, and an unobstructed horizon. Juices, fruit, snacks, coffee and tea, water, and lunch served during the eclipse itself. Ramy plays records into the early part of the afternoon, then everything goes quiet about ten minutes before totality begins: nobody wants a soundtrack over those five minutes. Afterwards the celebration picks back up and runs until it's time to head for the airstrip. The exact location is still being finalised — we'll confirm it well before you travel.
Day 12
Tuesday, August 3
Departure Day
Breakfast, and a private car to Cairo International whenever your flight goes. If you're leaving late we'll hold your bags rather than have you sit in a terminal — the Egyptian Museum and Zamalek are both close, and twelve days in you'll know what you want a last hour for. You go home having seen the country end to end and stood under a total eclipse in the Western Desert. Not many people can say the second part.
Airport Transportation Service
Private airport transfers, both ways — a driver meets your flight and takes you straight to your hotel, and back to the airport when it's time to fly home. No taxis, no haggling.
Booking Your Trip
Packages
Choose the package that best fits your travel style
Cairo to Totality
Twelve days, Cairo to Siwa, built around five and a half minutes in the dark. A private charter flies our group into the desert for eclipse day, to a viewing site held for us alone — forty travellers, no crowds, no coach convoys on the centreline.
What's Included
Included
- Local Guides
- Activities
- Entrance Fees
- Equipment/Gear
- Transfers
- Group Transportation
- Airport Pickups
- Accommodations
- Domestic Flights
- Water
- Private Eclipse Charter Flight
Not Included
- International Flight
- Travelers Insurance
- Additional Luggage Fees
- Tips/Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
- Optional Excursions
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Travel Vaccinations
- Egypt Visa
Book Now
Secure your spot on this incredible journey
Cairo to Totality
We're Here to Help
Preparing for Your Trip
Your Journey, Our Priority
We believe that travel should be exciting, not stressful. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or embarking on your first international adventure, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What to Expect
- Personalized packing lists and travel tips for your destination
- Visa and documentation guidance
- Travel insurance recommendations
- Currency and budgeting advice
Getting Ready
- Review your itinerary and reach out with any questions
- Check passport validity (6+ months from travel date)
- Download offline maps for your destinations
- Join our traveler group chat for pre-trip updates
Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out — we're just a message away.
About Us
Travel With Amen Ra
We specialize in intimate, accessible, unique travel experiences.
Let’s set out on a journey together that goes beyond borders, a journey that nourishes our curiosity and shifts our perspectives about the world.
What People Are Saying
Karen Hill
4 months agoIf you’re even thinking about going to Egypt—go. And if you want it done right, go with Ramy and @travelwithamenra. From the moment we landed, every detail was handled with precision and care. This wasn’t just a trip, it was a fully curated experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in Egypt’s history, culture, and beauty without the usual stress of travel logistics. Ramy’s level of organization and expertise was unmatched. Every transfer was seamless, every guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and every stop felt intentional and not rushed or touristy, but meaningful. Whether we were standing in awe at the pyramids, cruising the Nile, or exploring ancient temples, we always felt taken care of and safe. What really stood out was the balance: structured enough to maximize everything we wanted to see, but flexible enough to actually enjoy the moments. The accommodations, food, and overall service exceeded expectations, and you could tell this wasn’t a cookie-cutter itinerary, it was thoughtfully designed. Traveling with my line sisters made it even more special, and Ramy ensured our group experience was smooth, fun, and unforgettable from start to finish. If you’re looking for a trip that combines history, adventure, culture, and top-tier service—this is it. I cannot recommend Ramy and @travelwithamenra enough. 10/10 experience. Egypt owes me nothing. 🇪🇬✨
Kia Dunn
4 months agoJust returned from the most incredible trip to Egypt with @travelwithamenra and I can’t recommend them enough! ✨ They planned an unforgettable experience for our group of 7 women—from the moment we arrived, we felt completely safe, supported, and taken care of. Every detail was handled seamlessly, including transportation, lodging, knowledgeable tour guides, and even unique dining experiences that let us enjoy authentic Egyptian cuisine. We had a jam-packed week full of adventure—touring the pyramids, riding camels and ATVs, sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca, and exploring so many breathtaking monuments and temples. We traveled from Cairo to Aswan to Luxor and then Hurghada, and every transition was smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was how attentive and communicative the team was. They stayed in constant contact, shared helpful travel tips, and taught us so much about the history and culture of ancient Egypt along the way. Traveling internationally with a group can sometimes feel overwhelming, but they made it easy, organized, and truly enjoyable. If you’re considering Egypt (or any destination they offer), this is the team you want by your side. Highly, highly recommend! 💛
Liliana Mutascio
4 months agoWe traveled to Egypt in November 2025 for my 40th birthday and the trip was amazing. Rami organized excellent guides for us at all of the sites, and seeing the pyramids and ancient temples and hieroglyphics in person was mind-blowing. We kept saying that every day was better than the last. It was great having all the transfers organized for us, we did not need to worry about anything when it came to getting around. Aswan was beautiful and it was amazing to sleep at a hotel on the banks of the Nile. Spending a few days in Dahab was an excellent end to the trip - Rami showed us the amazing snorkeling at the reef right off of our beach, and took us to the Blue Lagoon, which was picturesque and surreal. And there are kittens there! Also Rami always had the BEST food recommendations, everything was delicious. I think we definitely saw a more local/authentic side of Egypt and met some amazing people because of Rami, rather than a westernized/touristy vacation.
Victoria Fydrych
4 months agoI cannot recommend Travel with Amen Ra enough if you are hoping to explore the incredible history and culture of Egypt! Ramy and his right-hand man Zayan did an impeccable job planning and executing an awesome itinerary in Cairo for a big group, most of whom were visiting Egypt for the first time. Ramy and Zayan took care of literally every detail, from picking us up before we even reached airport customs to ensuring we had a seamless experience every day of our travels. Ramy planned an itinerary that allowed us to see the best of Cairo (including the incredible Pyramids at Giza) in an efficient and safe way. He even taught us the art of haggling at the bazaar! It was a truly unforgettable trip and would not have been possible but for Travel with Amen Ra's amazing work. Especially if you are a first-time visitor to Egypt, do not waste your time stressing about itinerary planning and travel coordination - call Ramy!
Jordon McAdam
5 months agoWhere do I even start… My wife and I were looking for a DJ for our wedding in El Gouna this year and we connected with Ramy/Amen Ra. After some discussions and letting him know about our desires to have family and friends join from North America and travel Egypt as part of our wedding plans, he WENT TO WORK. Ramy set up a week long itinerary including visas/airport pickup for all 50 of our guests, transportation throughout Cairo for 3 incredible days of customized Cairo tourism, transportation for all to El Gouna, transportation within Gouna to and from our events and wedding, and to top it all off, he set the wedding OFF DJing, hosting, and coordinating the whole night. His team was exceptional, everything was perfect! Our guests just needed to land in Cairo and everything was coordinated and organized for them. There was not one guest that had to worry about a detail of their trip. Zayan was his right hand man and was equally as great to deal with. Both of them were with our group every step of the way and were there to handle anything our group needed throughout our time in beautiful Egypt. Everyone felt safe and well taken care of this whole trip. They went above and beyond what a normal “travel company” may do and became part of our family for that week and now for life. This may not be a normal tourism request but if they can pull this off with flying colours, they can do anything. Everyone that went on this trip is left with a lifetime of memories and Ramy, Zayan and team were a cornerstone of that. Please do not hesitate to use them for any travel requests. They will surpass your expectations with ease!!!! Thank you for making the best week of my life come to fruition and taking care of our family and friends as if they are your own!!! With love, Jord
Sarah Elrafei
5 months agoI cannot say enough good things about Ramy, his partner Zayan, and this company. Ramy was our travel agent extraordinaire for a big group trip of 50 Americans and Canadians traveling to Egypt for my wedding. We had a tall order— create an itinerary for Cairo for 3 days and Gouna for another 2 days, provide transportation all throughout the hectic cities and from one city to another, have a clean and comfortable bus, rally our massive group from place to place for very full tour days, and be reasonably priced across all 3 currencies (USD, CAD, and EGP). And he absolutely delivered, and then some. He provided a structure for our trip, just enough guidance and recommendations without ever being too pushy, and an easy, online platform for folks to book. He made himself available to me as the organizer of the trip but also allowed others to reach out to him directly so that I never got too overwhelmed. He was incredibly flexible, kind, and reasonable throughout the entire process. He also has a vast knowledge of Egypt and the region, but also has an American background as well, so he really knows how to navigate any crowd while having a level of expertise you want when you’re traveling. Most importantly, Ramy took feedback very well and was truly just a dream to work with. I truly, truly cannot recommend this company enough. We look forward to working with them again in the future!
Steph Kelly
5 months agoTraveling with Ramy "DJ Amen Ra" and Zayan was simply the best. They made everything from airport pickups, Coach bus tours with ambitious itineraries, and local recs for food and shopping seamless. They managed 50+ tourists (mostly from US and Canada) but made every moment feel personable and special. The are extremely skilled at handling logistics and are communicative and kind. Also Ramy is an incredible DJ and we ended our trip with an epic wedding set. I would 100% book with them again and recommend them, especially for international travelers visiting Egypt for the first time.
Alaa Elrafei
5 months agoThank you so much for everything you’ve done for us. From welcoming our guests to organizing every detail of their stay, you made the entire experience seamless and unforgettable. Your responsibility, responsiveness, and genuine care for every small and big need did not go unnoticed. You went above and beyond in every possible way. We are truly grateful and so lucky to have you.
Ken Mooney
5 months agoTravel with Amen Ra was absolutely incredible for our week in Egypt for a wedding. Ramy and Zayan handled a huge group of 40-50 people with ease for 4-5 days, getting us around, showing us the sights, and even getting us all down to El Gouna for the wedding. It was one of the best weeks ever!
Jacky L
5 months ago