Join SmartBird World Travel and Celebrity Hosts Blair & Josie Underwood for an extraordinary celestial event - a once -in-a-lifetime solar eclipse. As the moon's shadow sweeps across the sky, witness the timeless allure of Egypt's historical wonders under the dramatic backdrop of a total eclipse. This unique convergence of natural and cultural marvels promises an unforgettable experience, set against the backdrop of the magnificent temples and tombs of Pharaohs.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Luxor in a whole new light.. At a whopping 6 Minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest on land since 1991 and until 2114 . No one in our lifetime will see this again.
Arrive at Cairo Airport. Our meet-and-assist service will take you from just outside your gate through the passport control area and help you through luggage claim and customs. Then they will accompany you to your hotel The Waldorf Astoria – Deluxe Rooms
Visas are required to travel to Egypt and can be secured in advance or on arrival . USD Cash required on Arrival
Early Start to the Day to Avoid the Heat of the Day
Breakfast at The Hotel
Lunch at a local authentic restaurant.
Visit the first limestone structure ever built. Explore its 4350 years old colored tombs. Get the chance to go inside a pyramid and see the ancient Hieroglyphics that have been engraved on its walls for thousands of years. Then visit the off-beaten track tombs of Mhu, the brothers & the Butchers.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) is in Fustat, the first Egyptian capital after the Arab Islamic conquest, so it was a logical choice for the museum site, as the area is located at the crossroads of Egyptian history. The museum partially opened in 2017, and will display a collection of 50.000 artifacts, presenting Egyptian Civilization from prehistoric times to the present day.
Shopping at nearby mall is also available!
located just outside Cairo, Egypt, are one of the The Giza Pyramids are the most iconic and enduring symbols of ancient civilization. This archaeological site includes three main pyramids:
1. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) – The largest and oldest of the trio, it’s the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. Built around 2560 BCE, its original height was 146.6 meters (now about 138 meters).
2. The Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren) – Slightly smaller than Khufu’s but appears taller due to its elevated location. It still retains some of the original casing stones at its peak. The Great Sphinx, a colossal limestone statue with a lion’s body and a pharaoh’s head, stands guard nearby.
3. The Pyramid of Menkaure – The smallest of the three, but still impressive, it offers insight into the evolving architectural styles and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt.
Grand Egyptian Museum: Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum which is home to an extensive collection of 120,000 ancient Egyptian antiquities. The highlights of the Museum. the ticket includes a visit to the below:
· Hanging Obelisk.
· King Ramses II Statue.
· 10 Statues of King Senusert.
· Grand staircase.
· Ptolemaic King and Queen.
· Victory Column of King Merenptah.
· Royal Regalia • Grand Atrium & Gift shop.
DOmestic Flights are included in the cost of the Trip
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile River Cruise
Luxury on the Nile — A Front-Row Seat to the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess, a premier all-suite Nile River cruise designed for discerning travelers who seek both refined comfort and rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With just 30 beautifully appointed suites, each offering private balconies and sweeping views of the Nile, this exclusive vessel ensures an intimate atmosphere where personalized service is second nature.
From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be immersed in indulgence—whether lounging by the sun deck pool, unwinding with a signature spa treatment, or savoring world-class cuisine that highlights the flavors of Egypt in the elegant dining room or under the stars.
As you glide past temples, timeless villages, and dramatic desert landscapes, the crown jewel of your journey awaits: a front-row seat to the 2027 total solar eclipse, visible in its full celestial glory along the Nile. Witness this awe-inspiring astronomical event from the tranquil comfort of the ship’s top deck—an unforgettable moment to mark a truly luxurious voyage.
Breakfast at Hotel Before Checking Out
Lunch and Dinner Aboard River Cruise Ship
Felucca ride: Wrap up your day on a legendary felucca sailboat ride down the Nile enjoying a glass of wine around Sunset.
Aswan City Tour: Explore the city Old Market and the spice market.
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Optional Abu Simbel Temple: Arrive to Abu Simbel and start the visit to Abu Simbel on the southern border of Egypt. This site is the home of two massive rock temples dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses the Second and his wife Nefertari. See the gigantic statues of the pharaoh standing for over 3200 years, flanking the entrance to one of the most impressive temples in Egypt. With Extra Supplement $500.00 P.P.
Sail to Edfu.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Dinner: Dinner & entertainment onboard your cruise
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Edfu Temple: Visit the temple of Horus at Edfu, the complex is one of the most well-preserved sites in Egypt today; its architecture is very much intact, and the building contains a wealth of legible inscriptions on its walls. It is dedicated to the falcon god, Horus.Several of the inscriptions found at the temple of Edfu describe what is known as the “Sacred Drama.” The story describes the conflict between Horus, the deity of the fertile Egyptian lands near the Nile, and Seth, the deity of the surrounding Egyptian desert, as Horus seeks revenge for the murder of his father, Osiris.
Sail to Luxor.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Dinner: Dinner & entertainment onboard your cruise.
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Watch the solar eclipse: Experience the awe of a solar eclipse as the Moon gracefully passes between the Sun and Earth, creating a celestial spectacle. During a total solar eclipse, the Sun's brilliance is eclipsed, revealing the ethereal corona, while a partial eclipse showcases a crescent-shaped Sun. An annular eclipse forms a ring of fire. Witnessing a solar eclipse is a rare and enchanting event, where nature's wonders and cosmic mysteries converge. Remember to protect your eyes. Embrace the allure of a solar eclipse and be captivated by the celestial drama that unfolds before you. It is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, revealing the grandeur of our universe.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Tea at Club Lounge
Valley of the Kings: Cross to the west bank of Luxor & start the visit to the hidden behind the mountains on the west bank of the Nile. Visit the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen, where they discovered over five thousand objects of jewelry, alabaster and funeral furniture.
Dinner: Dinner onboard your cruise.
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Karnak Temple: Visit the temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex that was ever built for a god. The temple is dedicated to the god Amon Ra, the chief creator god in Ancient Egypt. Explore Khonso Temple & the Opet festival chapel which is one of the off beaten track sites.
Luxor Temple: At around sunset visit the Luxor temple that was predominantly built by Pharaoh Ramses the second.
Sail To Esna.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Dinner: Dinner onboard your cruise.
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Esna Temple: Your Egyptologist will guide you round the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius; it was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods and is about nine meters below present-day street level.
Sail to Kom Ombo
Kom Ombo Temple: Walk to visit the temple of Kom Ombo temple, dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods. Stop at the Crocodile Mummification Museum, where you can see crocodile mummies that are thousands of years old.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Dinner: Dinner onboard your cruise.
Breakfast: Breakfast onboard your cruise.
Philae Temple: In the morning, drive for about 15 min till you arrive to the Pier then get a motorboat to cross to the other side to visit the island of Philae and the temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt.
Nubian Expedition: By Motorboat, your guide will take you for a wonderful experience to learn and discover the people of Nubia who lived in the South from the ancient time through the different dynasties and ages. The Nubians still speak their own language which is not written beside the Arabic language. One day the Kings of Nubia were the Kings of Ancient Egypt that means the Rulers of the ancient world.
Lunch: Lunch onboard your cruise.
Dinner: Dinner onboard your cruise.
Transfer to the airport after breakfast on board of ship
Le Méridien Cairo Airport offers unparalleled convenience for travelers, being the only hotel directly connected to Cairo International Airport’s Terminal 3 via a pedestrian bridge equipped with a moving walkway. This seamless connection allows guests to walk from the terminal to the hotel in approximately 3 to 5 minutes without stepping outside.
The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to other terminals, ensuring easy access for all travelers.
Accommodations at Le Méridien are designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring amenities such as free Wi-Fi, soundproof rooms, and 24-hour room service. Guests can enjoy a variety of on-site dining options, including:
• Mezzeh: Authentic Lebanese cuisine.
• EVOO: Mediterranean dishes.
• China Red: Specialty Shanghai dishes.
• Live Sports Bar: American fare and live sports broadcasts.
• Latitude: Coffee and light snacks.
For relaxation, the hotel offers an outdoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center. Its proximity to the airport, combined with luxurious accommodations and diverse dining options, makes Le Méridien Cairo Airport an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience and comfort during their stay in Cairo.