Few places rival Luxor for ancient Egyptian wonders, but on 2 August 2027, it’s the skies above the city that’ll grab your attention. You’ll see a rare total solar eclipse, lasting around six minutes, and Luxor is considered one of the world's best places to see it. Local guide Ayoub explains, “This is going to be the solar eclipse of the century, and there’s no setting more magical for it. Get ready for history and the cosmos to come together in perfect harmony.”
Setting off from Marsa Alam before sunrise, you'll arrive on the East Bank of the Nile to explore the 3,500-year-old Luxor Temple. After seeing the towering sandstone walls and vast courtyards, you’ll make your way to the Avenue of the Sphinxes for the day's star attraction. You’ll feel the crowd’s sense of anticipation as the moon eclipses the sun, casting the ancient temples and monuments into an otherworldly twilight. Ayoub reassuringly adds, “Luxor’s desert climate means there’s little chance of pesky clouds spoiling your view of this spectacular celestial event.”
Refuel with lunch, then hop on a motorboat to cross the Nile to the West Bank, where the mighty Colossi of Memnon have stood watch over ancient Thebes for thousands of years. Continue to the Valley of the Kings to explore the royal tombs while learning about the pharaohs' beliefs and legacy. Your final visit is to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, which honours one of the rare female leaders of Egypt. Its setting against the dramatic cliffs of Deir el-Bahari makes for a fitting finale to a day filled with unforgettable sights before returning to Marsa Alam.
