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

It is the longest of the Eclipse Express programs at ten days, and the only one that travels through Middle Egypt: three nights aboard the Coral I floating hotel in Sohag, with Tell el-Amarna, Jabal al-Tayr Monastery, Abydos, Dendera and the Red and White Monasteries - sites most eclipse travellers never see.

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. Eclipse day begins with an early train from Aswan so you are in position on the West Bank in good time.

What is included at the Eclipse Festival?

A reserved prime viewing area on a green-field site on Luxor's West Bank, individual guest viewing space, chairs and umbrellas, water and soft drinks, light refreshments, a freshly grilled festival lunch, space for cameras and photographic equipment, WC facilities, Abela catering and on-site coordination by Amisol Travel.

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

Rates start at USD 4,990 per person and a deposit of USD 1,500 per person secures your cabin at booking, with the balance payable before departure. 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 JourneyLimited availabilityNew tour

Abela X Amisol Eclipse Express III

By rail. Through history. To totality.

10 Days Abela Elite Sleeper Trainfrom $4,990

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	10 Days
Departure	July 29, 2027
Vessel	Abela Elite Sleeper Train
Price from	$4,990 per person, double occupancy
Price range	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

Come for the eclipse. Discover the Egypt few travellers ever see. On 2 August 2027 the sky above Luxor goes dark during one of the longest total solar eclipses of our generation - but this journey is about far more than those extraordinary minutes. Travel aboard Egypt's Elite Sleeper Train from Cairo through Middle Egypt, Sohag and Abydos to Luxor and Aswan, discovering places most visitors simply fly over. Sleep in your private cabin, enjoy onboard hospitality and upgrade to VIP Club Car dining. In Luxor, join our specially organised Abela X Amisol Eclipse Festival, with a dedicated viewing site, seating and shade, refreshments, BBQ lunch and professional eclipse support. After totality the journey continues to Aswan and the Nile. Don't fly over Egypt - travel through it.

Aboard

Abela Elite Sleeper Train

Abela Elite Sleeper Train staff in uniform

Abela Elite Sleeper Train at the platform

Travellers waiting in the Abela railway station lounge

Guests dining in the Abela Elite Sleeper Train restaurant car

Guests enjoying breakfast in the Abela Elite Sleeper Train dining car

Guests with the Amisol team at the railway station

Private en-suite bathroom amenities in an Abela sleeper cabin

Abela railway station waiting hall

Day-by-day itinerary

Arrival at Cairo International Airport, meet & assist by your local representative and a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight: Novotel Cairo 4* 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 (half board)
3 nights aboard Floating Hotel Coral I in Sohag (half board)
2 nights aboard the Abela Elite Sleeper Train in a private cabin (half board)

Rates per person

Category	Double room	Single room
Eclipse Express III - 10 Days	USD 4,990	On request

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

VIP Club Car Fine Dining - One Way

A hot set menu served at your table in the VIP Club Car of the Abela Elite Sleeper Train for one overnight leg, instead of the standard in-cabin tray service. Seats are strictly limited for the whole train.

Add to my request

Add-on

USD 180 per person

VIP Club Car Fine Dining - Both Ways

Fine dining in the VIP Club Car on both overnight rail journeys, Cairo to Aswan and Sohag to Cairo.

Add to my request

Add-on

On request

Nubian Village Excursion, Aswan

An optional afternoon visit to a Nubian village for guests wishing to discover more about Nubian culture and local life.

Add to my request

Add-on

On request

Abu Simbel Optional Excursion

An optional excursion from Aswan on the free day to the great rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari at Abu Simbel.

Add to my request

Included

9 nights' accommodation and overnight transportation as per the itinerary
2 hotel nights in Cairo (B&B)
2 hotel nights in Aswan (half board)
3 nights aboard Floating Hotel Coral I in Sohag (half board)
2 overnight journeys aboard the Abela Elite Sleeper Train (half board): Cairo to Aswan and Sohag to Cairo
Rail journey Aswan to Luxor
Meals aboard the sleeper trains as specified and daily breakfast
Lunch during the Cairo sightseeing programme
Meet & assist at Cairo International Airport and private airport transfers
Private air-conditioned transport for all included sightseeing, including the Luxor to Sohag coach transfer
English-speaking Egyptologist guide for the included sightseeing
Entrance fees to all included sites: Giza Pyramids & Great Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple (with motorboat), felucca sailing, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Tell el-Amarna, Jabal al-Tayr Monastery, Abydos and the Temple of Seti I, Dendera and the Temple of Hathor, the Red and White Monasteries and Khan El Khalili
Admission to the Abela X Amisol Total Solar Eclipse Festival with reserved viewing area, chairs and umbrellas, water and soft drinks, light refreshments, freshly grilled festival lunch, Abela catering and hospitality, WC facilities and Amisol Travel event organisation and local assistance

Not included

International flights to and from Egypt
Egypt entry visa, where required
Travel and medical insurance
Optional Abu Simbel excursion
Meals not specifically stated as included, and drinks except where mentioned
Optional tours and activities not listed under what is included
Entrance inside the Great Pyramid or other special-entry tickets unless confirmed
Professional photography permits or specialist equipment charges
Personal expenses, laundry, minibar and telephone charges
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, train staff and other service personnel
Additional hotel nights before 29 July or after 7 August
Any services arising from international flight or personal itinerary changes

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 to see Middle Egypt - Amarna, Abydos, Dendera and Coptic Sohag - alongside totality
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

Perhaps not for

Travellers on a short trip who only want eclipse day
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 and a floating hotel

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