A trip down the Nile is one of Egypt's great classics. But this trip is something very special: on August 2, 2027, we will experience one of the most spectacular natural events of our century – the Solar Eclipse of August 2, 2027 – right in the heart of ancient Egypt.
Aboard the elegant five-star Nile cruise ship Shams Nile, we will combine relaxing days on the Nile with visits to the most important temples of the Pharaonic era. Between palm trees, lush green Nile banks, and golden desert landscapes, we will discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt. In the evening, there will be an astrological lecture on the topic of solar eclipses.

Day 1 (July 31, 2027): Arrival in Luxor – Embarkation  

Welcome to the Nile. Individual arrival in Luxor, the historic Thebes of the pharaohs. After being welcomed at the airport, you will be transferred to our elegant Nile cruise ship, Shams Nile, which will be our floating home for the coming days. After check-in, there will be time to get to know the ship and enjoy your first glimpse of the Nile. In the evening, the crew will welcome you to a dinner on board – the perfect start to an extraordinary journey through the history of Egypt.

Day 2 (01.08.27): Karnak Temple – Luxor Temple

The day begins early in the morning when the light of the rising sun bathes the temples of Luxor in warm gold. First, we visit the enormous temple complex of Karnak. With its monumental colonnades, huge obelisks, and kilometer-long processional avenues, Karnak is one of the most impressive temple complexes in the world. The famous colonnade with its 134 gigantic columns is particularly spectacular. We then visit the magnificent Luxor Temple, which is connected to Karnak by a monumental avenue of sphinxes. We will visit parts of this avenue. In the morning, we return to the ship and have time to relax on board.

Day 3 (08/02/27): The total solar eclipse

Today we experience the highlight of our trip: the total solar eclipse at Luxor. The duration of the total phase at the ship's anchorage is an extraordinary 6 minutes and 18 seconds and begins shortly after 1:00 p.m. local time with the sun almost directly overhead (81 degrees). The event lasts approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from the start of the partial eclipse.

From the sun deck of our ship, we watch as the sky slowly darkens, the temperatures drop, and finally the moon completely covers the sun. For a few minutes, it becomes dark in the middle of the day – an unforgettable moment. On this day, we also offer an excursion to the Path of the Sun. We have rented rooftops and apartments there from which we can watch the solar eclipse. The excursion lasts about 6 hours and is expected to cost €250 per person. After this unique experience, our Nile cruise southward begins in the afternoon. At around 4 p.m., the ship sets course for Esna. As we glide leisurely along the Nile, green fields, small villages, and palm groves pass by.

Eye protection: Observing a solar eclipse without protective filters (solar eclipse glasses) can lead to serious and permanent damage to the eyes, including blindness. HERE you will find expert tips on how to protect your eyes.

Day 4 (03.08.27): Temple of Edfu – Drive to Aswan

In the morning, we arrive in Edfu. Here we visit the superbly preserved Temple of Edfu, which is dedicated to the falcon god Horus and is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The monumental pylons and reliefs tell stories from the mythology of ancient Egypt. After the tour, we continue our journey on the Nile and set course for Aswan.

Day 5 (08/04/27): Aswan or Abu Simbel

Today is dedicated to the Aswan region. There is an optional excursion to the monumental temples of Abu Simbel, built by Egypt's most important ruler, Ramses II. For those who shy away from the long drive or do not want to pay the cost of €110, we offer an excursion program in Aswan. We explore the picturesque Philae Temple, located on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Afterwards, we visit the Unfinished Obelisk, which offers valuable insights into the stone carving art of the pharaohs. A stroll through the Afro-Arab bazaar of Aswan rounds off this day trip.

Day 6 (08/05/27): Return trip to Luxor – Temple of Kom Ombo – Temple of Esna

Today, we begin our leisurely return journey to Luxor. On the way, we visit the unique temple of Kom Ombo. This extraordinary temple is dedicated to two deities: the falcon god Horus and the crocodile god Sobek. The reliefs depicting ancient medical instruments and treatments are particularly fascinating. The ship then continues its journey down the Nile. The temple of Esna is the second temple we visit today. Its columned hall is beautifully preserved in color and decorated with many motifs from ancient Egyptian mythology. In the evening, we arrive in Luxor.

Day 7 (06.08.27): Medinet Habu – Temple of Hatshepsut – Valley of the Kings

After a detour to the imposing Colossi of Memnon from the 18th Dynasty (two colossal statues standing side by side, depicting Pharaoh Amenophis III, which once stood in front of the pylons at the entrance to his mortuary temple), today we will first visit the magnificent temple complex of Medinet Habu, which was built in honor of Ramses III. The mortuary temple of Ramses III in Medinet Habu, near Luxor, is one of the best-preserved temple complexes of the New Kingdom. It impresses with enormous reliefs depicting Ramses III's victories over the "Sea Peoples." The temple follows the classic layout of Egyptian mortuary temples with a monumental pylon, a spacious courtyard, and richly decorated colonnades. Particularly noteworthy are the well-preserved colors of the reliefs and the detailed depictions of rituals and battles. The surrounding palace complex also features royal living quarters. Among other things, visitors can see the pharaoh's bathroom. Medinet Habu was not only a center of worship, but also a fortified complex that served as an administrative center. It is a fascinating testament to ancient Egyptian architecture.

The extraordinary rock temple of Hatshepsut is probably the most significant building on the west bank. The mortuary temple of the famous queen dates back to the 18th dynasty (15th century BC) and features distinctive, rather unconventional architecture that appears almost modern. The temple was dedicated to the imperial god Amun, the god of the dead Anubis, and the goddess Hathor. The temple's decorations depict, among other things, Hatshepsut's historic expedition to Punt. Since 1979, the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the temple, we will head to the Valley of the Kings. The Valley of the Kings is located a few kilometers west of the Nile, opposite the city of Luxor, and was the burial place of many Egyptian pharaohs of the New Kingdom (approx. 1539–1075 BC). It is famous for its richly decorated burial chambers, which were carved deep into the mountains. A total of 64 tombs have been found here, including Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The tombs in the Valley of the Kings are known for their impressive and very well-preserved wall paintings, which contain scenes from the lives of the deceased as well as religious representations. The Valley of the Kings has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. We will visit three magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Our guide will select the most interesting and beautiful tombs, as the tombs open to visitors rotate (the same tombs are not always open). In the evening, we will enjoy our farewell dinner on board.

Day 8 (08/07/27): Disembarkation

After breakfast, disembarkation takes place. Transfer to Luxor Airport or start of an individual follow-up program. An extraordinary journey comes to an end – with memories of majestic temples, relaxing days on the Nile, and a natural phenomenon that few people get to experience in their lifetime.

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The Shams Nile cruise ship at a glance

The 5* Nile cruise ship Shams Nile offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable journey through the fascinating land of the pharaohs. As the ship glides leisurely along the Nile, guests experience a unique combination of impressive history, spectacular landscapes, and pleasant comfort on board. The ship is operated by the Shams Hotel Group, which has many years of experience in the tourism sector with its five popular hotels on the Red Sea.

"Shams" means "sun" in Arabic. A truly fitting name in view of the once-in-a-century solar eclipse on August 2, 2027!

The 72-meter-long Shams Nile has 68 comfortable guest cabins spread over several decks. On board the ship, guests can expect a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for enjoying the impressions of a Nile cruise in peace. The on-board restaurant spoils its guests with a varied selection of international dishes and typical Egyptian specialties. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in a stylish atmosphere, providing an opportunity to share the exciting experiences of the day with other travelers. A small fitness room is available for particularly active guests. Wi-Fi is available on board free of charge (where signal is available).

A popular meeting place is the spacious sun deck with unrestricted panoramic views. Here, guests can relax on comfortable deck chairs, enjoy the view over the Nile, or take a refreshing dip in the pool (towels are available free of charge). A bar provides hot and cold drinks as well as small snacks. Entertainment is also provided: small evening programs are regularly held in the air-conditioned salon or at the bar, underscoring the atmosphere of a classic Nile cruise. The attentive crew takes care of the guests' well-being with warm hospitality and ensures that the trip is an unforgettable experience in every way.

The cabins

Of the 68 cabins on board the Shams Nile, which are all the same size (approx. 20 m²), 11 are furnished with a double bed and 57 with twin single beds. The cabins are mainly located on the main deck, the first upper deck, and the second upper deck, directly below the sun deck. Two cabins are located on the lower deck. All cabins have large panoramic windows that can be opened, offering a wonderful view of the passing riverbank landscapes. Amenities include individually adjustable air conditioning, a private bathroom with bathtub/shower/WC, satellite TV, room safe, hairdryer, minibar, a kettle for making tea and coffee, and ample storage space. Some cabins are connected by a connecting door and are perfect for families.

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Services & Prices

Services included in the price: Transfer from the airport or a hotel in Luxor to the ship and back, 7 nights on board in a double cabin, meals: full board including water, tea, and coffee, sightseeing and excursions as per the program, all entrance fees, English or German-speaking tour guide, water bottle, Eclipse T-shirt or Eclipse cap, solar eclipse glasses, individual support from Beluga staff on site, insolvency insurance.

Price per person:

From €3,450 in a cabin on the lower or main deck.

From €3,600 in a cabin on the first or second upper deck.

On site, plus tips.

Single occupancy on request.

An extension of your trip to the Red Sea is possible on request.

We are also happy to offer you a flight to Egypt & back (flight schedules are expected to be published in September 2026).