What makes Eclipse Express IV different from the other rail journeys?

It is the compact one: seven days and six nights covering the complete classic route - Cairo, Luxor for totality and Aswan for the Nile - with two overnight sleeper-train journeys and no domestic flights. Ideal if you want the full eclipse experience on a shorter schedule.

How long is the total solar eclipse in Luxor?

Totality on 2 August 2027 lasts up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds at Luxor - the longest total solar eclipse visible from land between 1991 and 2114. The train arrives in Luxor at approximately 5:00 AM so you are on the West Bank in good time.

What is included at the Eclipse Festival?

A reserved prime viewing area on a green-field site in Luxor, comfortable chairs, umbrellas and shaded areas, individual guest viewing space, space for cameras and photographic equipment, water and soft drinks, light refreshments, a freshly grilled festival lunch, Abela catering and hospitality, Amisol Travel event coordination, on-site local assistance and WC facilities.

How much is the deposit and what does the trip cost?

Rates are USD 3,490 per person in a double room or cabin, and USD 4,990 per person in a single room or cabin. A deposit of USD 1,050 per person (USD 1,080 for single occupancy) secures your place at booking. Group size is 2 to 60 guests.

Do I need special glasses to watch the eclipse safely?

Yes. ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses are required at every stage except during the minutes of totality itself. Guests must bring their own from a reputable supplier, and safe-viewing guidance is provided on site.

Rail JourneyNew tour

Abela X Amisol Eclipse Express IV

Sleep in Cairo. Wake up in Luxor. Chase totality, then sail the Nile in Aswan.

7 Days Abela Elite Sleeper Trainfrom $3,490

Key facts

Eclipse date	Monday 2 August 2027
Totality at Luxor	Up to 6 minutes 23 seconds - the longest totality visible from land between 1991 and 2114
Totality begins (Luxor)	Approx. 12:37 local time (EEST), maximum eclipse approx. 12:40
Trip length	7 Days
Departure	July 31, 2027
Vessel	Abela Elite Sleeper Train
Price from	$3,490 per person, double occupancy
Price range	USD 3,490 – USD 4,990 per person (all cabin categories, double and single)
Viewing location	Sundeck in Luxor; the on-board astronomer is stationed at the optional private-farm Eclipse Viewing Festival during totality (USD 300 per person)
Included	All transfers, accommodation, meals as listed, Egyptologist-guided sightseeing, round-trip sleeper train, all entrance fees, meet & assist, eclipse viewing
Not included	International flights, tips, drinks, optional excursions (e.g. Abu Simbel), personal expenses
Payment schedule	30% on confirmation · 30% by 5 February 2027 · 40% by 5 March 2027 (non-refundable)
Operator	Middle East Travel Alliance (Eclipse.Travel), Cairo, Egypt

Trip overview

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.

Aboard

Abela Elite Sleeper Train

Abela Elite Sleeper Train exterior

MS Tia exterior on the Nile

Sundeck pool and loungers on the Nile

Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi lobby

Sleeper train Elite Club car dining

Boarding the sleeper train to Sohag

Day-by-day itinerary

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).

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)

Rates per person

Category	Double room	Single room
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 · remaining 40% balance due by 5 March 2027. All payments are strictly non-refundable once made, in accordance with the 2027 Eclipse Program terms.

Optional add-ons

Add-on

USD 90 per person

Fine Dining in the Club Car - One Way

Your Elite Sleeper Train journey includes dinner and breakfast served in your private cabin at no additional charge. This optional upgrade moves your meals to the VIP Club Car: freshly prepared onboard and served at seated dining tables in a more refined and social atmosphere, reflecting live cooking, dedicated dining service and additional hospitality staff. Guests who do not select the upgrade continue to enjoy the standard included dinner and breakfast in their cabins.

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Add-on

USD 180 per person

Fine Dining in the Club Car - Both Ways

The VIP Club Car fine-dining upgrade on both overnight rail journeys, Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo.

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Add-on

USD 200 per person

Abu Simbel by Car

An optional excursion from Aswan on the morning of 4 August to the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's great archaeological experiences.

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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

Who this itinerary is for

Three vessels, one eclipse. Here is an honest read on whether Abela Elite Sleeper Train is the right fit for the way you like to travel.

Ideal for

Travellers who want the full Cairo - Luxor - Aswan eclipse experience in just one week
Guests who prefer overnight rail in a private cabin to domestic flights in peak season
Eclipse chasers who want a fully organised viewing festival with catering and shade, plus felucca sailing on the Nile

Perhaps not for

Travellers who want to explore Middle Egypt sites such as Abydos, Dendera or Amarna - those are on the longer Eclipse Express programs
Anyone unable to manage very early starts or August heat in Upper Egypt
Guests looking for five-star hotels throughout, as this program uses comfortable 4* properties

Frequently asked questions

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