Rail & Sail – Eclipse Express 2027

One great river, one unforgettable eclipse, and a side of Egypt very few travellers ever see.

The forgotten Nile, the ancient pharaohs and the shadow of the Moon. Read on to see if this is your journey.

From Cairo to Luxor, the beautifully refurbished Q Nile is your hotel on the river, with the scenery of Middle Egypt changing outside every window.

A warm welcome on board

Step from Cairo's bustle into the calm of the reception lounge, where the crew greets you on the first evening of your voyage.

Lounges for slow afternoons

Long sailing days through Middle Egypt are made for reading, conversation and tea while the riverbanks drift by.

Dining with a river view

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant with the Nile framed in the windows beside your table.

Generous buffets

Egyptian and international dishes are prepared fresh on board, with plenty of choice after a morning among the temples.

Sun deck and pool

Spend the sailing days between Cairo, Beni Suef and Minya on the open deck, watching farmers, fishermen and villages along the banks.

Golden-hour fitness

Keep active at the open-air gym on deck, with the Nile turning gold as the sun sets over the valley.

Some Q Nile interior images are representative imagery.

1. Day 1 · July 21, 2027

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   Welcome to Egypt — Board M/S Q Nile in Cairo

   On arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative meets and assists you through arrival formalities, then transfers you to M/S Q Nile, your floating home for the journey south. Settle into your cabin and discover the ship's lounges, restaurant and observation decks. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy your first views of Cairo from the river before a relaxing first evening on board. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Cairo.

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2. Day 2 · July 22

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   The Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili

   With your Egyptologist, stand before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the enigmatic Great Sphinx on the Giza Plateau. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where thousands of artefacts reveal the achievements of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Later, wander the historic lanes of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, filled with lanterns, spices and handicrafts, before returning to Q Nile for dinner. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Cairo.

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3. Day 3 · July 23

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   Leaving Cairo Behind — Sailing into the Heart of Egypt

   At around 05:00, Q Nile sets sail south towards Beni Suef and a truly unusual Nile journey begins. As the city falls away, the scenery turns to palm groves, green fields and traditional villages stretching towards the desert. Spend the day on the observation deck watching farmers tend their fields and fishermen cast their nets — the authentic rhythm of life on the river. Arrival near Beni Suef is expected around 17:00. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Beni Suef.

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4. Day 4 · July 24

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   Following the Holy Family — Sailing to Minya

   Continue sailing through Middle Egypt towards Minya, past farmland, desert cliffs and villages that have kept their traditional character, arriving around 19:00. Optional shore excursion (USD 50 per person): visit Gabal El-Tair, an important pilgrimage site associated with the journey of the Holy Family through Egypt, to see the historic Church of the Virgin Mary dramatically set above the Nile and enjoy sweeping views over the valley. Guests who prefer to stay on board can relax on deck as the scenery drifts by. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Minya.

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5. Day 5 · July 25

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   Egypt's Forgotten Treasures — Minya to Assiut

   Optional shore excursion (USD 150 per person): visit Beni Hassan, renowned for its Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs, whose paintings of farming, wrestling, hunting and crafts capture life almost 4,000 years ago, then continue to Tel El-Amarna, the site of Akhetaten, the revolutionary capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti — a rare chance to explore an ancient royal city far from the crowds. Guests not joining the excursion enjoy a relaxed day on board. Q Nile then continues sailing south towards Assiut. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, en route to Assiut.

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6. Day 6 · July 26

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   Sohag — Gateway to Early Christian Egypt

   Enjoy a leisurely morning sailing south, arriving in Sohag around 15:00. Optional shore excursion this afternoon (USD 100 per person): explore two of Egypt's most important early Christian monuments — the Red Monastery, celebrated for its extraordinary surviving wall paintings and richly decorated sanctuary, and the nearby White Monastery, associated with Saint Shenoute and the growth of Egyptian monasticism. Dinner is served on board. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Sohag.

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7. Day 7 · July 27

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   El Balyana — Gateway to Abydos

   An early departure at around 03:00 brings Q Nile to El Balyana, gateway to Abydos. Optional shore excursion (USD 150 per person): visit the Temple of Seti I, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Egypt, with exquisite reliefs and the celebrated Abydos King List, an invaluable record of ancient Egyptian rulers. Later, Q Nile continues south towards Nag Hammadi, passing its navigation locks, subject to river traffic and operating conditions. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Nag Hammadi area.

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8. Day 8 · July 28

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   Qena & Dendera — Sailing on to Luxor

   Sail from Nag Hammadi at around 04:30, reaching Qena by about 09:30. Optional shore excursion (USD 100 per person): explore the Temple of Hathor at Dendera, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, and admire its grand hypostyle hall and beautifully restored astronomical ceiling — a fitting prelude to the eclipse ahead. Q Nile then sails on towards Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Overnight: M/S Q Nile, Luxor, subject to arrival and mooring arrangements.

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9. Day 9 · July 29

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   St. Pachomius Monastery — 1,700 Years of Living Christian Heritage & Luxor by Night

   After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew of Q Nile and disembark in Luxor. Today, discover the historic Monastery of St. Pachomius (El-Shaieb Monastery), whose origins date back to the fourth century AD. It is dedicated to Saint Pachomius the Great (c. 292–348 AD), widely recognised as the Father of Communal Monasticism: around 318 AD he established one of the earliest organised monastic communities at Tabennisi in Upper Egypt, with monks living, praying, working and sharing their daily lives under a common rule that later influenced traditions associated with Saint Basil and Saint Benedict. The monastery still preserves an ancient church dating to the fourth century. Afterwards, check in to the St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, your peaceful home for the next four nights, upgraded and furnished through a Q Hospitality donation to the monastery to support its community. A complimentary shuttle runs hourly to Downtown Luxor. In the evening, discover Luxor Temple by night, its colossal statues and columns illuminated against the dark sky. Overnight: St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, Luxor (Bed & Breakfast).

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10. Day 10 · July 30

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    The Valley of the Kings & Karnak After Dark

    Begin early on Luxor's legendary West Bank. Descend into the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, carved deep into the desert mountains, then continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut beneath the cliffs of Deir El-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Return to the guesthouse for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, the monumental temples of Karnak become the stage for the Sound & Light Show. Overnight: St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, Luxor.

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11. Day 11 · July 31

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    Esna — A Hidden Masterpiece of Ancient Egyptian Art

    Travel to Esna to visit the Temple of Khnum, where recent restoration has revealed extraordinarily colourful astronomical scenes, intricate hieroglyphs and beautifully decorated columns hidden for centuries. Its celestial ceiling connects the ancient Egyptian fascination with the heavens to the event you are about to witness. Return to Luxor, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or independent exploration, using the hourly shuttle into Downtown Luxor if you wish. Overnight: St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, Luxor.

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12. Day 12 · August 1

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    Medinet Habu — The Last Great Temple Before Totality

    Make an early visit to Medinet Habu, the mortuary temple of Ramesses III on the West Bank, renowned for its monumental gateways, imposing courtyards and vividly coloured reliefs. Return to the guesthouse before the hottest part of the day. The afternoon is intentionally left free to rest and prepare and, depending on final arrangements, guests may receive a briefing on the eclipse schedule and safe-viewing procedures. Overnight: St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, Luxor.

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13. Day 13 · August 2

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    Total Solar Eclipse — The Day the Sun Disappears

    This is the moment around which the entire journey has been designed. After an early breakfast at the guesthouse, transfer to our privately reserved eclipse viewing site on the monastery farm near Luxor, arriving with ample time to settle in. Lunch is served at the site, with refreshments available throughout the day. First contact begins at around 11:40 EEST. As the Moon moves across the Sun, the light changes and the temperature may fall; from about 13:02 the last sliver of sunlight disappears and the corona appears, with totality lasting around six minutes at suitable Luxor locations (maximum about 13:05, last contact around 14:26). Later, transfer to Luxor train station and board your overnight sleeper train to Cairo, with dinner and breakfast served on board. Overnight: Sleeper train, Luxor to Cairo.

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14. Day 14 · August 3

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    Back to Cairo — A Day to Reflect

    Wake aboard the sleeper train as it approaches Cairo and enjoy breakfast on board. At the station, our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours: explore more of Cairo independently, enjoy a leisurely lunch or simply reflect on two weeks of pyramids, forgotten temples, river life and the shadow of the Moon. Overnight: Radisson Blu Hotel or similar, Cairo.

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15. Day 15 · August 4

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    Farewell Egypt — Until the Next Adventure

    Your final morning in Cairo: depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time before your transfer to Cairo International Airport. You have sailed one of Egypt's most extraordinary Nile routes, explored monuments far beyond the usual trail and witnessed the Total Solar Eclipse of 2027. End of services.

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A rare celestial event. A sacred setting. An exclusive experience.

• 8 nights aboard M/S Q Nile, Cairo to Luxor, 21–29 July 2027, in your chosen cabin category (Full Board)
• 4 nights at the St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse near Luxor, 29 July – 2 August 2027, with breakfast and a complimentary hourly shuttle to Downtown Luxor
• 1 night aboard the Luxor–Cairo overnight sleeper train, 2 August 2027, with dinner and breakfast
• 1 night at the Radisson Blu Hotel or similar in Cairo, 3 August 2027 (Bed & Breakfast)

Family Suite: up to four guests — four adults, three adults and one child, or two adults and two children. Children aged 2–7 travel free, children aged 8–14 are USD 4,990 each and an additional adult is USD 7,990. These prices apply to the Family Suite only.

Optional shore excursions (per person)

Tips are not included and are approximately USD 20 per person per day. 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.

How much does Rail & Sail – Eclipse Express 2027 cost?

The 15-day / 14-night journey runs 21 July to 4 August 2027. Prices per person: Nile Deck Cabin USD 6,990 sharing or USD 8,580 single; Main Deck Twin Cabin with Window Seat USD 7,990 sharing (single not available); Main Deck Double Cabin with Private Balcony USD 8,990 sharing or USD 9,990 single; Upper Deck Suite USD 10,990 sharing or USD 12,990 single; Family Suite USD 8,590 per adult. Optional shore excursions are extra, USD 550 per person for all five.

Can children join, and how does the Family Suite work?

Yes. In the Family Suite, the two main adults pay USD 8,590 per person. Children aged 2 to 7 travel free, children aged 8 to 14 are USD 4,990 per child, and an additional adult sharing the suite is USD 7,990. The Family Suite sleeps up to four guests: four adults, three adults and one child, or two adults and two children. These special prices apply exclusively to the Family Suite and not to other cabin categories. We confirm children's ages with you before travel.

Which shore excursions are optional, and how much do they cost?

Five excursions between Cairo and Luxor are optional and not included in the tour price: Gabal El-Tair Monastery (USD 50 per person), Beni Hassan Tombs & Tel El-Amarna (USD 150), the White & Red Monasteries (USD 100), Abydos Temple (USD 150) and Dendera Temple (USD 100). All five together total USD 550 per person. You can add them when you book or arrange them later; on those days, guests who stay on board enjoy the sailing.

Where do we stay in Luxor?

You spend four nights, 29 July to 2 August 2027, at the St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse near Luxor, with breakfast included. The guesthouse is upgraded and furnished by Q Hospitality as a donation to the monastery, providing comfortable accommodation for Q Nile guests while supporting the local monastic community. A complimentary shuttle bus runs hourly between the guesthouse and Downtown Luxor. Your final night in Cairo is at the Radisson Blu Hotel or similar.

How is this different from a usual Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise?

Most Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan. Q Nile instead sails the Cairo to Luxor route through Middle Egypt, with optional shore excursions to Gabal El-Tair, Beni Hassan, Tel El-Amarna, the monasteries of Sohag, Abydos and Dendera — sites that very few international travellers ever reach. You then spend four nights at the St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse in Luxor for the eclipse and return north by sleeper train.

Where will we watch the eclipse?

On Monday 2 August 2027, after an early breakfast at the guesthouse, you join our organised Total Solar Eclipse viewing experience on a privately reserved monastery farm near Luxor, covering 55 feddans (approximately 23 hectares) on the edge of the desert. The site is open only to guests travelling on this journey and will not be open to other tourist groups during the event, with seating, shade, refreshments, catered meals, sanitary facilities and a dedicated hospitality team arranged for the day. Luxor lies in the path of totality: first contact is around 11:40 EEST, totality around 13:02 to 13:08 (maximum about 13:05) and last contact around 14:26, with totality lasting up to approximately 6 minutes 23 seconds at favourable locations. Visibility depends on weather conditions on the day.

Why do we return to Cairo by sleeper train?

Eclipse week puts tens of thousands of visitors in Luxor on the same date, and the flights out are small, full and easily delayed. The overnight sleeper train avoids that: you board in Luxor after the eclipse, your bags stay with you, dinner and breakfast are served on board, and you wake in Cairo without losing a day. It is also a fitting way to complete a journey that began on the river.

When do we embark and disembark Q Nile?

You embark M/S Q Nile in Cairo on arrival day, 21 July 2027, and disembark in Luxor on the morning of 29 July after eight nights aboard. Sailing times, mooring and passage through the Nag Hammadi locks are subject to river traffic and operating conditions, so the timing of individual visits may shift slightly.

Are the rail services and accommodation guaranteed?

Yes, everything is reserved and paid in advance. Your Q Nile cabin, your four nights at the St. Pachomius Monastery Guesthouse, your sleeper train cabin from Luxor to Cairo and your Cairo hotel night are secured before you travel, so nothing is left to be arranged after you book. Full board on the cruise, breakfast at the guesthouse and dinner and breakfast on the train are included in the fare. Only the order and timing of individual visits may shift on the day for opening hours or river conditions; the journey itself stays as planned.

What is the payment schedule?

30% of the total package price is due on confirmation, a further 30% by 5 February 2027 and the remaining 40% by 5 March 2027. Payments are non-refundable once made, in accordance with the 2027 Eclipse Programme terms.

How hot is Egypt in late July and early August?

Upper and Middle Egypt are hot and dry at this time of year, often 38 to 42°C in the afternoon. Visits are planned for the early morning and evening, the afternoons in Luxor are kept free, and Q Nile, the sleeper train and your transport are air-conditioned. Bring ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses for the partial phases of the eclipse.