2 August 2027
By rail to totality
Three legendary cities. Seven unforgettable days.
One extraordinary moment of totality. The Abela X Amisol Eclipse Express IV turns travelling to the Total Solar Eclipse of 2 August 2027 into a classic Egyptian rail adventure.
Begin among the Pyramids and treasures of Cairo, skip the busy domestic airports and board the Abela Elite Sleeper Train south: sleep in Cairo, wake up in Luxor. Explore the Valley of the Kings, join our specially organised Total Solar Eclipse Festival, and watch daylight disappear above ancient Thebes.
Then, while Luxor is at the centre of the eclipse crowds, continue south by rail to Aswan for Philae, felucca sailing on the Nile and the option to discover magnificent Abu Simbel. Cairo to Luxor to totality to Aswan and back: avoid the airport, follow the Nile, catch the eclipse, enjoy the journey.
Day by day
Itinerary
Day 1 · July 31, 2027
—
Welcome to Cairo
Welcome to Egypt and the beginning of your Abela X Amisol Eclipse Express IV journey. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet your local representative for welcome assistance before transferring privately to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight: 4* Hotel Novotel Cairo or similar (B&B).
Day 2 · August 1
B · D
Giza Pyramids • Grand Egyptian Museum • Eclipse Express to Luxor
After breakfast, meet your Egyptologist and begin at the Giza Plateau: the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the legendary Great Sphinx. Continue to the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, with time to explore its extraordinary collection. Tonight the Eclipse Express begins: transfer to Cairo Railway Station and board the Abela Elite Sleeper Train for the overnight journey south, with dinner on board as the train travels through the Nile Valley. Overnight: sleeper train.
Day 3 · August 2
B · L
Total Solar Eclipse Day - Luxor • Ancient Thebes • Aswan
Arrival in Luxor is expected at approximately 5:00 AM. Meet your Egyptologist at the station and begin an early exploration of the West Bank in the cooler morning hours: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. After the visits, transfer to a hotel to rest and refresh, then continue to the Abela X Amisol Total Solar Eclipse Festival at our specially prepared green-field viewing venue in Luxor: a reserved prime viewing area, comfortable chairs, umbrellas and shaded areas, space for personal cameras, water and soft drinks, light refreshments and a freshly grilled festival lunch. Then comes totality - daylight fades over the ancient landscape of Thebes. From approximately 4:00 PM, depart the venue for an evening visit to the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, then board the train south to Aswan. Overnight: Aswan hotel.
Day 4 · August 3
B
Aswan Highlights - Philae Temple • High Dam • Felucca on the Nile
After breakfast, visit the Aswan High Dam, one of the great engineering projects of modern Egypt, with views across Lake Nasser. Continue by motorboat to the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis and carefully relocated to save it from the rising waters. After sightseeing, return to your hotel, then board a traditional felucca for a peaceful sailing around Aswan's islands - palms, granite rocks, desert and the blue waters of the Nile. Overnight: 4* Hotel Gloria Aqua Park Aswan or similar.
Day 5 · August 4
B · D
Aswan at Leisure or Optional Abu Simbel • Eclipse Express to Cairo
The morning is yours: relax at the hotel, explore Aswan independently or join our optional excursion to the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel (optional, not included in the basic package price). In the evening, transfer to Aswan Railway Station and board the Abela Elite Sleeper Train for the overnight journey north, with dinner on board. Overnight: sleeper train.
Day 6 · August 5
B
Return to Cairo • Khan El Khalili
Arrive in Cairo in the morning and continue to the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar, with its maze of lanes, shops and cafés. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Overnight: 4* hotel in Cairo or similar.
Day 7 · August 6
B
Departure or Extend Your Journey
Breakfast at the hotel, then a private transfer to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight - or extend your stay in Egypt: Nile cruise, Red Sea, Alexandria, Siwa Oasis, Western Desert, golf or a longer Cairo stay.
Where you stay
Accommodation
- 2 nights in Cairo at Novotel 4* or similar (B&B)
- 2 nights in Aswan at Gloria Aqua Park 4* or similar
- 2 nights aboard the Abela Elite Sleeper Train in a private cabin (half board)
What's inside
Inclusions
What's Included
- 6 nights' accommodation and overnight transportation according to the itinerary
- 2 hotel nights in Cairo (4* Novotel or similar, B&B)
- 2 hotel nights in Aswan (4* Gloria Aqua Park or similar)
- 2 overnight journeys aboard the Abela Elite Sleeper Train: Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
- Rail journey Luxor to Aswan
- Meals aboard the sleeper trains as specified and daily breakfast
- Meet & assist upon arrival at Cairo International Airport and private arrival and departure airport transfers
- Private air-conditioned transportation for the included sightseeing and transfers
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide for the included sightseeing
- Entrance fees to the included sites: Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple (with motorboat transfer), traditional felucca sailing in Aswan and Khan El Khalili
- Admission to the Abela X Amisol Total Solar Eclipse Festival: reserved Eclipse viewing area, chairs and umbrellas, water and soft drinks, light refreshments, freshly grilled festival lunch, Abela catering and hospitality, Amisol Travel event organisation, on-site local assistance and WC facilities
Not Included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa, where required
- Travel and medical insurance
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion on 4 August
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included, and drinks except where specifically stated
- Optional excursions and activities not listed under what is included
- Entrance inside the Great Pyramid or other special-entry archaeological tickets unless specifically confirmed
- Professional photography permits or specialist photographic equipment charges, where applicable
- Personal expenses, laundry, minibar and telephone charges
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, train staff and other service personnel
- Additional hotel nights before 31 July or after 6 August
Rates per person
Prices & payment schedule
| Category | Double | Single |
|---|---|---|
| Per person in a double room / cabin | USD 3,490 | USD 4,990 |
Payment schedule: 30% of the total package price due on confirmation, 30% due by 5 February 2027 and the remaining 40% due by 5 March 2027. All payments are non-refundable once made, in accordance with the 2027 Eclipse Programme terms.