- 7 nights
- Aswan → Luxor
- Our own private dahabiya
- Hosted by Shelley Carroll
- 6+ minutes of totality
Six minutes of darkness.
Picture it. It's 1 PM on a Monday in August. Back home, people are answering emails and refilling their coffee. You're standing on the West Bank of Luxor, surrounded by temples built to worship the sun, and the sun is disappearing.
The light turns silver, then strange, then gone. The stars come out at lunchtime. The horizon burns gold in every direction. For more than six minutes, the whole world holds its breath, and you're holding hands with the people you sailed here with.
This is THE BLACKOUT: a yoga retreat on our own private boat on the Nile, seven nights built around the longest total solar eclipse on land until 2114.
August 2, 2027 · Luxor, Egypt
The eclipse of the century
On August 2, 2027, the moon swallows the sun over Luxor. Totality begins at about 1:02 PM and holds for more than six minutes, more than twice as long as most total eclipses. We gather on the West Bank for ceremony before, during, and after, glasses on until the last sliver of sun disappears.
Ra and Surya, the sun gods of Egypt and India, get saluted on the same afternoon. Then we let the dark do its work.
The journey
Eight days on the Nile, one word for each
Day 1 · Wed, July 28 · Aswan
Threshold
Land in Aswan and step aboard. Philae, the island temple of Isis, the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and our opening circle on deck at sunset.
Day 2 · Thu, July 29 · Abu Simbel
Devotion
The mountain temples of Ramesses II, including the one he raised for his queen, Nefertari. Herdiab Island, then we sail to Daraw.
Day 3 · Fri, July 30 · Kom Ombo + Edfu
Flow
The double temple of Sobek and Horus, Edfu's grand temple, and a long, lazy afternoon under sail.
Day 4 · Sat, July 31 · Karnak + Luxor Temple
Light
Through the Esna Lock to ancient Thebes, the city of the sun. The towering columns of Karnak and Luxor Temple glowing at dusk.
Day 5 · Sun, August 1 · West Bank
Eternity
The painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the terraces of Hatshepsut, the woman who ruled as pharaoh, and our eclipse-eve ceremony.
Day 6 · Mon, August 2 · Eclipse Day
Surrender
Deir el-Medina and Medinet Habu, then six minutes of darkness over Luxor, held in ceremony together. We sail to Qena, still glowing.
Day 7 · Tue, August 3 · Dendera
Joy
The Temple of Hathor, goddess of joy, and her famous zodiac ceiling. Closing ceremony and a farewell dinner under the stars.
Day 8 · Wed, August 4 · Luxor
Return
One last breakfast on the river and a private transfer to Luxor airport.
The Nile keeps its own schedule: sailing times, site order, practice times, and the eclipse viewing spot may shift with weather, river conditions, and local guidance.
Your guide
Shelley Carroll
Get quiet so you can get loud.
I'm Shelley, founder of DDY Travels. I've taught yoga on six continents and led sold-out retreats in the Galápagos, Croatia, and Morocco.
We saw the eclipse in Mallorca and we are hooked. Luxor gives us more than four times the darkness, over the temples of the pharaohs.
I lead with ceremony, curiosity, and deep respect for the places we visit. Come as you are. Leave lit up.
Where you'll stay
One boat. Our boat.
A brand-new private dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing boat with just a handful of cabins, every one of them ours. A shaded sun deck for practice and daydreams, dinners under the stars with temples glowing on the riverbank, and cabins wrapped in warm light. Every cabin sets up king or twin.
What's included
- 7 nights on our private dahabiya, Aswan to Luxor
- All meals, plus a farewell dinner on board
- An expert archaeologist at every site
- Every entrance fee on the itinerary
- Private air-conditioned transfers from Aswan to Luxor
- Eclipse-day ceremony and certified eclipse glasses
- Yoga, meditation, and ceremony throughout
- Soft drinks, WiFi, and onboard activities
- All gratuities for the crew and guide
What to plan for
- Flights into Aswan (ASW) and home from Luxor (LXR), usually through Cairo
- Egypt visa
- Travel insurance (required); Cancel For Any Reason strongly recommended
- Alcoholic drinks and personal spending
Investment
Seven nights, an eclipse, and a boat full of your people. Two rooms left: the Triple Suite at €5,500 per person and one Nile Cabin at €5,900 per person. Book below. A €750 deposit holds your spot, with payments through January 31, 2027. For a longer runway, buy now, pay later is available through a third-party provider.
This is for you if...
Everyone belongs on this boat.
- You want the eclipse of the century with depth, ceremony, and a little irreverence
- Temples, goddesses, and ancient history light you up
- You love a small crew and a big adventure
- You're coming solo, with your person, or with your two best friends
- You believe in yoga for the resistance
Questions
Do I need yoga experience?
Every level is welcome. Practice is woven through each day and timed around the heat and the temples.
How hot will it be?
Upper Egypt in August reaches around 106°F, with clear skies almost every day, which is perfect for an eclipse. We visit temples early, practice in the cooler hours, and spend midday in the shade.
I'm traveling solo. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Solo travelers are welcome, and I'll match you with a roommate. The Triple Suite is a great home for solo travelers.
Where do I fly?
Into Aswan (ASW) and home from Luxor (LXR), usually through Cairo. I recommend arriving in Cairo a day or two early.
What's the cancellation policy?
The whole boat is chartered in advance, so payments are non-refundable. Travel insurance is required, and Cancel For Any Reason coverage, added the same day you book, is your best protection.
Is Egypt safe?
Yes. Yes. Yes. We travel Upper Egypt's main temple route on our own private boat, with private transfers, an expert guide at every site, and tourist police at the temples. The U.S. State Department rates Egypt at Level 2, the same as much of Europe.
What should I pack?
Linen, a wide-brimmed hat, a refillable water bottle, electrolytes, and comfy walking shoes. I'll send a full packing list.
Still have a question? Ask me here.
Six minutes of darkness. One boat. Your people.
July 28 – August 4, 2027 · Aswan to Luxor, Egypt Reserve your spot