On 2 August 2027, the path of totality for a total solar eclipse cuts across North Africa, placing Luxor and the surrounding temple sites directly within the zone of maximum coverage. Duration of totality at the Luxor latitude is approximately 2 minutes 27 seconds β one of the longest windows anywhere along the path.
Tour operators have been building eclipse packages since the path was confirmed, but a new product from Abela Trains and Amisol Travel β announced on 15 September 2026 β takes a different approach: instead of flying clients to Luxor, it takes them by sleeper train.
What the Eclipse Express Includes
The Eclipse Express runs as five separate itineraries with varying departure cities and durations, all converging on Luxor for eclipse day. Each package includes:
- Private sleeping cabins on the Eclipse Express train
- Full onboard dining: dinner, breakfast, and light refreshments during the journey
- Access to the Luxor Eclipse Festival, a multi-day cultural programme built around totality, including live music, light installations, and evening events at the temple sites
- Guided visits to Luxor Temple, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings in the days before and after the eclipse
Itinerary lengths range from four to nine nights depending on the package. Amisol Travel manages international bookings with English-language support.
Why a Train
The pitch is straightforward: flying into Luxor on eclipse day means competing with every other eclipse chaser who had the same idea. A sleeper train journey from Cairo or Alexandria gets you there the night before, gives you time to settle, and lets you position for the eclipse window without airport queues or morning traffic.
It also frames the eclipse within an Egyptian travel experience rather than a one-day event.
How to Book
Amisol Travel has opened a waitlist for all five itineraries. Pricing had not been publicly released at the time of writing, but early registration reportedly secures priority access when bookings open formally. Given that hotel capacity in Luxor is already under pressure for JulyβAugust 2027, a package that bundles accommodation and rail transit in one is likely to sell quickly.
Planning Around the Eclipse
Luxor sits midway along the Nile corridor, making it straightforward to extend the trip. Our Luxor city guide covers the temple complex, the West Bank, and the Valley of the Kings β all within easy reach of wherever the Eclipse Express deposits you. For independent activities alongside the eclipse, Luxor tours and activities include Valley of the Kings day trips, hot air balloon rides, and Karnak Temple evening shows that complement the eclipse festival programme. If you want to add water days either side of Luxor, the Nile cruise itinerary page has the key route and booking options.
The 2027 eclipse puts Egypt in a rare spotlight. For those who have been considering a first visit, this may be the most compelling date peg in a generation.