2027 Solar Eclipse Egyptian Cruise
Totality on the Nile with Clara Moskowitz
Highlights
Astronomy meets antiquity on this 10-day cruise of a lifetime along the legendary Nile River to experience the total solar eclipse over the ancient temples of Egypt. This extraordinary expedition begins in Cairo exploring the Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx, then travels south to Luxor where you’ll board the deluxe Nile River ship M/S Tamir, your elegant base to witness the solar eclipse before sailing on to the sacred temples and tombs of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
Guided by Scientific American Chief of Reporters Clara Moskowitz and veteran local Egyptologists, you’ll gain scientific and historical insight as you delve into the mysteries of the cosmos while uncovering the legacies of pharaohs, priests, and astronomers. You’ll celebrate the highlight of your journey, the total solar eclipse, with a day of festivities including enriching talks and live music before the sky darkens for an incredible six minutes and 23 seconds of totality, the longest since 2009. Whether you're a stargazer, science enthusiast or eternal student, this immersive experience promises a unique window into humanity’s profound connection to the stars.
Starting at $15,495 per person.
Expert Guide: Clara Moskowitz
Clara Moskowitz is chief of reporters at Scientific American, where she covers astronomy, space, physics and mathematics. Clara got hooked on eclipses during 2017’s total eclipse over the U.S., which she watched from eastern Oregon; she fed the fever in 2024 when she experienced totality in Austin, Texas. Those experiences only made her more eager to catch another eclipse as soon as possible. Clara has been at Scientific American for more than a decade; previously she worked at Space.com. In addition to eclipses, Clara has reported live from rocket launches, space shuttle liftoffs and landings, suborbital spaceflight training, mountaintop observatories, and more. She has a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and physics from Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Itinerary
Thursday, July 29: Welcome to Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your five-star hotel along the Nile riverfront with views of minarets, modern towers and feluccas drifting by. This evening, gather with fellow travelers and your Scientific American expert, Clara Moskowitz, for a welcome dinner where you’ll learn about the journey ahead, from ancient temples and tombs to the celestial spectacle of the 2027 total solar eclipse.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile
Friday, July 30: Giza
Step into the ancient world with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, marvels of engineering that have stood for over 4,500 years. Stand before the enigmatic Great Sphinx and learn about the astronomical and symbolic significance of these iconic monuments. After a scenic lunch with views of the plateau, explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete treasures of Tutankhamun. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile
Luis Diaz Devesa/Getty Images
Saturday, July 31: Cairo and Luxor
Begin your day in the bustling Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where centuries-old alleyways brim with spices, textiles, and handcrafted treasures. In the afternoon, head south on a chartered flight to Luxor where you’ll board the luxurious M/S Tamr, your floating home for the next week. After orientation, settle into your stateroom and enjoy dinner on board as the ship begins its journey along the Nile.
Including Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Tamr
Sunday, August 1: Luxor
Explore the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes ever built. Walk through its forest of towering columns and sacred spaces, guided by an Egyptologist, who will offer insights into the temple’s astronomical alignments and symbolic architecture. Return to the ship for a lecture by Clara Moskowitz. Tonight, visit Luxor Temple under the stars where dramatic lighting reveals intricate carvings and pharaonic inscriptions.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
StockbyM/iStock/Getty Images
Monday, August 2: Eclipse Day on the Nile
Today marks the celestial centerpiece of your journey. Perfectly positioned in the path of totality, experience over six minutes of midday darkness. Celebrate this extraordinary event with a festive lunch, live music, and guided discussions on the eclipse’s scientific and cultural significance as Clara Moskowitz and local Egyptologists share how ancient Egyptians interpreted astronomical phenomenon through myth and ritual.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
Tuesday, August 3: Luxor and the West Bank of the Nile
Cross to the West Bank and step into the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborate tombs. Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning architectural tribute to Egypt’s most powerful female ruler. Admire the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that have guarded the Theban necropolis for over 3,000 years. Return to the ship for lunch and a thought-provoking discussion on the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society. Later, sail through the Esna Lock and enjoy a relaxing evening with a film under the stars.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
bloodua/iStock/Getty Images
Wednesday, August 4: Edfu and Kom Ombo
Sail south to Edfu and step into one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Continue cruising to Kom Ombo, where a rare double temple honors both Sobek, the crocodile god of fertility, and Horus the Elder. As the sun sets over the Nile, enjoy a festive dinner and conversation on board while sailing toward Aswan.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
Thursday, August 5: Aswan
Begin the day with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel designed to control flooding on the Nile. Then, explore the Unfinished Obelisk, still embedded in bedrock, offering insight into ancient stone-carving techniques. For those seeking more adventure, an optional excursion to Abu Simbel (at an additional cost) reveals colossal temples built by Ramses II and aligned with the sun. In the afternoon, all travelers will sail a traditional felucca and cap the day with high tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie found inspiration for “Death on the Nile.”
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
Friday, August 6: Aswan and Philae Island
Visit the island sanctuary of the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and saved from rising waters by the Aswan Dam. Later, explore the Nubian Museum, which showcases the rich heritage of southern Egypt’s indigenous cultures through artifacts, art, and architecture. Return to the ship for a celebratory farewell dinner with live entertainment. Those who choose can join an evening visit to Aswan’s colorful spice market for a final taste of local life and tradition.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: M/S Tamr
Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld/Getty Images
Saturday, August 7: Nile Farewell
Enjoy a morning at leisure before boarding a chartered flight back to Cairo where you will connect to your international departure.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.
Accommodations
The M/S Tamr is a deluxe Nile cruise ship offering an elegant way to explore Egypt’s wonders. With spacious cabins, gourmet dining, and panoramic sundecks, it blends modern luxury with traditional charm. Onboard amenities include a pool, spa, and evening entertainment, ensuring relaxation between excursions. The ship’s intimate atmosphere and attentive service create a personalized experience ideal for travelers seeking cultural enrichment and comfort.
As part of your trip, you will also spend two days on land in Cairo, staying in the Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile hotel. This 24-story, five-star hotel offers sweeping river views and easy access to Cairo’s cultural treasures. Guests enjoy the Sofitel Spa, rooftop infinity pool, fitness center, and five restaurants, including Jayda Nile Terrace. Whether on land or on the water, your accommodations will be some of the best Egypt has to offer.
This ship will be exclusively chartered by our travel partners, Academic Travel Abroad (ATA); there will be other like-minded partner organizations onboard, each with their own expert and travel director. You will be allocated a cabin within Scientific American’s allotment, but we cannot guarantee specific cabin requests.
What's Included
All accommodations for the duration of the tour
Small group airport transfers on arrival; a single group airport transfer on departure
Meals as noted in the itinerary
Lunch and dinner include local wine, beer, bottled water, and tea and coffee. Other cocktails and spirits will be available at the bar and on the sundeck for an additional charge.
All sightseeing and visits as noted in each itinerary
Staffing: Expertise of an expert and travel director and local guides throughout the program.
All gratuities except for the crew on ship. Recommended guidelines will be provided for tipping the ship crew.
All on-tour transportation, unless otherwise noted
Internal flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo
The assistance of an ATA professional travel team to assist with pre-trip questions, travel arrangements, including flights, extra hotel nights and other services
Comprehensive pre-departure mailings and materials with information about the destination and what to expect on tour, including a suggested reading list
Emergency evacuation insurance
Scientific American has partnered with Academic Travel Abroad (ATA). Links from this brochure allow you to directly access websites operated by ATA. By clicking on these links, you will be leaving scientificamerican.com and directed to ATA. You can review their privacy policy here. Due to GDPR policies, ATA cannot accept customers from the EU, UK and Switzerland.