Welcome to Egypt. Seven unforgettable days through Cairo, Luxor, and back to Cairo for a grand finale among the pyramids and the museum treasures that complete the story.

Over seven days and six nights, this journey pairs Egypt’s greatest ancient sites with one of the most extraordinary celestial events of our time, the total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027. From the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Nile, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, you’ll move through landscapes that already feel monumental, then watch the sky over Luxor transform in the middle of the day.

What to Expect:
This is an active, guided trip with a well-planned pace that balances major sightseeing with time to settle in and take it all in. Group excursions are included, but participation is always optional, whether that means joining the Luxor sightseeing, exploring Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple after the eclipse, or simply savoring the atmosphere along the Nile. The experience is designed to be smooth, supportive, and flexible, with space to enjoy Egypt in the way that suits you best.

Accommodations & Inclusions:
Your stay includes overnights at Le Méridien Cairo Airport, Citadel Luxor, and Hyatt Regency Cairo West. Airport transfers, the flight from Cairo to Luxor, the return flight from Luxor to Cairo, guided excursions, included meals, and entrance fees are all covered, so you can focus on the experience rather than the logistics.

Let Us Help You Plan:
Need assistance booking your flights? Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, is happy to help arrange your travel. Reach out directly at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com for personalized support.

Trip Style:
Expect a journey that feels immersive, comfortable, and thoughtfully paced, with a smooth Cairo–Luxor–Cairo arc, full days built around Egypt’s headline sights, and the rare drama of eclipse day in Luxor before returning to Cairo for a final museum-and-pyramids crescendo. If you want a trip that combines meaningful guided experiences with unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments, this one is hard to top.

This journey is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with only SIX spots available. Room assignments are arranged to keep the group together and comfortable, so a flexible setup helps the trip run smoothly.

One of the best things you can do to make this trip easier on yourself is to pack light. Private transfers and domestic flights all work best when everyone is moving efficiently, so we ask that each traveler bring one suitcase and one personal item, such as a backpack. With a little planning, you can pack everything you need and still leave room for a souvenir or two. The lists below will help you do exactly that.

Travel Essentials:

• Passport (valid at least 6 months past your travel dates) and Egypt visa or e-visa confirmation

• Flight and transfer confirmations

• Travel insurance documents

• Credit and debit cards with some local currency (Egyptian Pounds)

• Phone and charger

• Power adapter for Egypt (Type C/F plugs, 220V)

• A small daypack or crossbody bag for excursions

• A reusable water bottle

Clothing:

City and Temple Sightseeing:

• Lightweight, breathable tops (6-8)

• Lightweight linen or cotton pants (2-3)

• Long, loose skirts or dresses (2-3)

• A light long-sleeve layer for sun protection

• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for uneven temple and tomb surfaces

• Dressier outfits for group dinners (2-3)

• A lightweight scarf or shawl for sun coverage and modesty at religious and historic sites

Pool and Leisure:

• Swimsuit (1-2) for hotel pools

• A cover-up

• Sandals

Outerwear:

• A light packable layer for air-conditioned hotels, restaurants, vehicles, and flights within Egypt

Toiletries:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

• Deodorant

• Hairbrush and hair ties

• Skincare products, including cleanser, moisturizer, and a high-SPF sunscreen (30 or higher, reapplied often)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Makeup, if desired

• Razor and shaving supplies

• Travel-size hand sanitizer

• Prescription medications in their original packaging

Extras and Travel Comfort:

• ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses for viewing on August 2

• Travel journal or notebook

• Guidebook or offline map app

• Camera or smartphone

• Chargers and a portable power bank

• Earbuds or headphones

• Light reading material or an e-reader

• Snacks for travel days

• Electrolyte packets for the heat

• A reusable shopping bag

Optional Items:

• Small travel first-aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and motion-sickness medication

• A cooling towel

• Compact binoculars for sightseeing

• A light evening clutch or small bag for dinners

• A travel pillow and eye mask for the flights

Packing Tips:

• Luxor in early August runs extremely hot and dry, often well above 100°F, so prioritize loose, breathable fabrics over anything heavy

• Bring more sun protection than you think you need

• A scarf does double duty for sun coverage and modesty at temples and mosques

• Laundry service is available at each hotel if you want to pack lighter and wash midway through

• Break in your walking shoes before you go, since temple floors, tomb entrances, and archaeological sites are uneven

1. Weather and Clothing

• Cairo: highs around 94°F (34°C), evening lows near 73°F (23°C)

• Luxor: highs regularly around 105–107°F (40–42°C), with very warm evenings

• There is essentially no rain to plan around

• Lightweight, breathable, light-colored clothing is essential

• Sun protection matters for outdoor stretches at Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Pyramids, and other exposed archaeological sites

• Mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times outside, and the itinerary is shaped around those windows where possible

2. Money and Currency

• Local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP)

• ATMs at major hotels and airports, especially Banque Misr, CIB, and QNB machines, are the easiest way to get local cash

• A currency conversion app is helpful for quick math

• Always pay in Egyptian Pounds rather than USD when given the choice, since the USD rate offered is rarely in your favor

• Bring some small US bills ($1, $5, $10) from home, since they are often preferred for tipping guides and drivers directly

3. Financial Safety

• Split cash, cards, and documents across a couple of different bags rather than keeping everything in one place

• Notify your bank and credit card company of your travel dates before you leave

• Use the hotel safe for your passport and extra cash when you are out for the day

• Use a VPN if accessing anything sensitive on hotel or public Wi-Fi

4. Personal Safety

• Major sites are well accustomed to international visitors, and guides and drivers are with you throughout

• Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas like markets and around major monuments

• Keep valuables and flashy jewelry to a minimum

• Learning a basic Arabic greeting and thank you goes a long way

5. Transportation

• All major transportation between destinations is arranged and included, including Cairo airport transfers, the Cairo–Luxor flight, the Luxor–Cairo flight, and transfers on either end

• Your group moves together with a private guide and driver where the itinerary calls for sightseeing

• No need to arrange independent transportation during the retreat unless you choose to do something on your own during free time

6. Sightseeing and Excursions

• Guided excursions include major highlights in Cairo and Luxor

• Participation is always optional if you would rather rest at the hotel or accommodation

• Most sightseeing is scheduled for morning or late afternoon because of the heat

• Expect a rewarding mix of iconic monuments, Nile scenery, and deep-history landscapes

7. Dining and Cuisine

• Try koshari, fresh mezze, grilled meats, and Nile-side specialties as the journey moves between Cairo and Luxor

• Group dinners are arranged in advance, so no reservations are needed on your part

• For meals outside group dinners, 10 percent is a reasonable tip if a service charge has not already been added

8. Health and Comfort

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink more than you think you need, especially in Luxor

• Stick to bottled or filtered water rather than tap water

• Bring a small first-aid kit with pain relievers and something for an upset stomach

• Keep personal medications in their original packaging

9. Packing and Luggage

• Pack light with versatile, breathable pieces you can mix and match

• Bring a small daypack for excursions, separate from your main suitcase

• Quick-dry fabrics make a mid-trip sink wash easy if needed

• A soft-sided, manageable bag makes the domestic flight and hotel transitions easier than oversized luggage

10. Technology and Communication

• Bring a phone charger, portable power bank, and a Type C/F plug adapter for Egypt’s 220V outlets

• Download offline maps of Cairo and Luxor and a translation app before you leave

• Keep digital copies of your passport, visa confirmation, and other key documents as a backup

11. Mindset and Enjoyment

• Egypt has a way of putting time into perspective, and eclipse day especially asks you to simply be present for it

• Stay flexible if heat or a schedule shift changes the shape of a day

• Give the quieter moments, a felucca at sunset, tea after a temple visit, a view across the Nile, the same attention as the headline sights

• You are here for six minutes of totality over one of the oldest places on earth. Let yourself actually feel that.

Payment Policy

All Walker Wellness Retreats require a 25% non-refundable deposit of the total retreat price to secure your booking. Should you need to cancel your trip, your deposit will not be refunded regardless of the reason for cancellation.
 

For U.S. destinations, the next 25% is due 60 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 30 days before departure.
 

For International Destinations, the next 25% is due 120 days before the trip, and the final remaining balance is due 90 days before departure.
 

Trips can be paid in full at any time. If booking after the final payment deadline, trip payment in full is due at time of booking. Invoices NOT paid in full within 7 days of the above-mentioned deadlines are subject to trip cancellation. No refunds will be issued for trips canceled due to lack of payment.  
 

Cancellation Policy

BEFORE the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation before the final payment deadline, any additional payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% deposit will be refunded. However, the 25% deposit remains non-refundable. 

AFTER the final payment deadline: If you cancel your reservation after the final payment deadline, all payments made (including the deposit and any additional amounts) are non-refundable due to financial commitments with our retreat venues, guides, and service providers. 

In the unlikely event that Walker Wellness Retreats cancels a retreat, you will be given a 100% full refund. 

We strongly encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance to protect your investment in case of unforeseen circumstances.  For additional details on travel insurance coverage and pricing, click the link below.

Travel Insurance 

The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at info@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.

Your journey begins the moment you land. Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, professional ground transportation will greet you, assist with your luggage, and take you to Le Méridien Cairo Airport, where you will be staying for the night. Amy Walker from Walker Wellness Retreats will meet you at the hotel upon arrival.

Before dinner, Amy will gather the group for a welcome orientation. This is a relaxed, informal session, usually held in the hotel lobby or a nearby common area, where she will walk through the itinerary, answer questions, and help everyone feel prepared and excited for the days ahead. No need to bring anything, just arrive ready to meet your fellow travelers.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome dinner at the hotel. It is a warm first gathering, a chance to meet your fellow travelers, settle into the rhythm of the week, and look ahead to the remarkable days to come.

Overnight at the Le Méridien Cairo Airport

Begin the morning with breakfast at Le Méridien Cairo Airport before checking out and heading to the airport for the flight south to Luxor, where the Nile, temple-lined landscapes, and the anticipation of eclipse week begin to take shape.

A morning flight from Cairo (CAI) to Luxor (LXR) carries the group into Upper Egypt, setting up the Luxor stay that leads straight into eclipse day and the temple visits to come.

After landing in Luxor, ease into the rhythm of the south with time to arrive, get oriented, and settle into the days ahead. This first stretch in Luxor is about landing softly: taking in the Nile-side atmosphere, adjusting to the slower cadence of Upper Egypt, and enjoying the feeling of being in place before the eclipse-week arc fully begins.

Upon arrival in Luxor and after checking into the hotel, gather for a group lunch together.

After lunch, enjoy some downtime and an afternoon at leisure. You are welcome to rest and relax, or an optional tour can be arranged for the afternoon if you would like to keep exploring.

Enjoy a welcoming first dinner in Luxor, a relaxed chance to gather after the flight south and settle into the atmosphere of the Nile Valley. It is an easy, satisfying arrival evening, with good food, a sense of having reached the heart of eclipse week, and the promise of fuller Luxor days just ahead.

Overnight at Citadel Luxor — first of three nights in Luxor

Settle into Citadel Luxor, the group’s Airbnb-style base for three nights in Luxor during eclipse week. Comfortable, practical, and well placed for the days ahead, it offers a relaxed home-style setup with easy space to gather, rest between outings, and settle into the rare experience of totality in Luxor.

Start the day in Luxor with breakfast before heading out to explore more of ancient Thebes. With no transfer to break up the day, the pace stays grounded in place, giving Luxor room to unfold properly.

Spend the day with some of Luxor's most resonant ancient sites on the West Bank, where royal tombs, desert cliffs, and monumental memorial architecture gather within a single extraordinary landscape. The Valley of the Kings brings you into the tomb world of the pharaohs, the Temple of Hatshepsut rises in elegant terraces against the limestone backdrop, and the Colossi of Memnon stand as a powerful reminder of the scale and ambition that once defined ancient Thebes. It is a full Luxor day that deepens the sense of place before the eclipse.

After a full day in Luxor, gather for dinner and ease into the evening with the city's ancient atmosphere close at hand. It is a satisfying middle chapter in the Luxor stay: good food, shared conversation, and the sense that eclipse day is now very near.

Overnight at Citadel Luxor — second of three nights in Luxor

Keep the morning easy with time to relax, settle in, and prepare for the main event. A briefing before the eclipse helps everyone feel ready for one of the most extraordinary moments of the trip, while the unhurried pace lets the anticipation build naturally.

Luxor sits extremely close to the eclipse’s centerline, with approximately 6 minutes and 22 seconds of totality, making it an exceptional place to witness this rare celestial event.

Settle in on the roof of your Luxor accommodation with plenty of time to watch the Moon slowly take its first bite from the Sun, as the light changes and anticipation builds. Then, suddenly, the last sliver of sunlight will vanish and the solar corona will shimmer around the black disk of the Moon, with the sky darkening above the ancient landscape of Thebes. For more than six unforgettable minutes, we'll simply stop, look up, and take it all in, an experience that feels almost otherworldly in a place where humans have been watching the Sun cross the sky for thousands of years. As quickly as it arrived, totality will end, sunlight will return, and we'll be left with the slightly surreal feeling that we just watched the universe perform a magic trick.

First contact through totality: over six minutes of darkness, the corona, the diamond ring effect, and a strange twilight settling over the horizon. A moment you will describe for the rest of your life.

Eclipse Timing (Local Time, EEST)

• Eclipse begins (Moon starts crossing the Sun): 11:40:15 AM

• Totality begins: 1:02:06 PM

• Maximum eclipse: 1:05:16 PM

• Totality ends: 1:08:28 PM

• Eclipse ends: 2:26:35 PM

Gather with your fellow travelers for a group lunch to celebrate the eclipse.

After totality, take time to absorb what you have just witnessed and enjoy a relaxed pause back at the Airbnb. The afternoon leaves room to rest, reflect, and let the strangeness and beauty of eclipse day settle in before heading back out into Luxor.

Later in the day, return to the monumental world of ancient Thebes with visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Karnak overwhelms with its colossal columns, sacred precincts, and sheer scale, while Luxor Temple offers a more intimate but no less powerful encounter with obelisks, statues, and processional grandeur. After the emotional high of the eclipse, these two great temples make a fitting earthly counterpoint: enduring, ceremonial, and filled with the long memory of the sun.

Join the group for dinner after one of the most extraordinary days of the journey. It is a chance to trade first impressions, relive the strangeness and beauty of totality, and settle into the evening with good food and shared conversation in Luxor.

Overnight at Citadel Luxor — final night in Luxor

Enjoy breakfast in Luxor before heading to the airport for the return flight to Cairo, leaving behind three nights in Upper Egypt and the unforgettable drama of eclipse day in Thebes.

A return flight from Luxor (LXR) to Cairo (CAI) brings the group back north, where the trip continues with the already scheduled stay at Hyatt Regency Cairo West.

After checking into the hotel and settling in, we'll meet up for a group lunch at a local restaurant.

Back in Cairo, gather for dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening together after the Luxor stay. It is a chance to trade stories from eclipse week, revisit the wonder of totality, and settle back into the city before the final full day of sightseeing.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Cairo West

Rise for breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a full day among Cairo’s headline sights.

Start the day with one of the world’s great bucket-list moments: standing before the Pyramids of Giza. Explore the Giza Plateau with a private guide, taking in the enormous pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the ever-watchful Sphinx. There will be time to wander, take photos, hear the stories behind these extraordinary monuments, and fully appreciate just how immense and wonderfully improbable they are.

From ancient wonders, continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where thousands of years of Egyptian history come together under one spectacular roof. Explore the museum’s remarkable collection of artifacts, statues, and treasures while learning more about the pharaohs, gods, and everyday people who shaped one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations. It is the perfect complement to seeing the monuments themselves: after standing outside the tombs and temples, you get to see the objects and stories they left behind.

By the end of the day, you will have traveled from the monumental scale of the pyramids to the intricate details of ancient Egyptian life. With a private guide leading the way, there is plenty of room to ask questions, discover unexpected details, and take it all in without feeling rushed. It is a day that is both genuinely fascinating and great fun, and one you will likely still be talking about long after leaving Cairo.

After six unforgettable nights exploring Cairo and Luxor, gather one last time for a special farewell dinner. Over a delicious meal, raise a glass to the temples and tombs, the pyramids and the Nile, and the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse that brought the group together. It is an evening for favorite memories, a few good stories, and a warm final toast to Egypt.

Overnight at Hyatt Regency Cairo West

Enjoy the last flavors of Egypt with breakfast at the hotel before your private transfer to Cairo International Airport.

Depending on your departure time, you may have a little extra time to enjoy the last views of the pyramids, relax by the pool, or simply reflect on the unforgettable experiences shared throughout the week.

Private transportation to Cairo International Airport will be arranged according to your individual flight schedule. Your retreat leader will confirm your pickup time in advance to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure.