Patronage · The Eclipse Expedition · 2027
Proposed journey: venues, travel arrangements and patron benefits remain subject to confirmation. Registering interest is not a booking.
A patron journey in two parts. In February, a prologue under the eclipsed full moon at Luxor Temple. In summer, London to Luxor for the longest total solar eclipse over land this century, north on the Nile to Cairo and the pyramids of Giza, and home to London for the Black Moon performance of Antony and Cleopatra beside Cleopatra's Needle.
“Alack, our terrene moon is now eclipsed, and it portends alone the fall of Antony.”Antony and Cleopatra · Act 3, Scene 13
The journey · Proposed itinerary
The journey opens in February with a short prologue at Luxor Temple on the night of the lunar eclipse. Then come five chapters across one month of summer. Patrons leave London on 30 July, stand in Luxor for totality on 2 August, sail north with the current to Cairo, and return to London for the Black Moon performance on the night of the month's second new moon.
Flight from London to Luxor and transfer to the East Bank. A first evening walk along the corniche under the near-full moon.
Karnak and the Temple of Khonsu, the moon god of Thebes, by day. At night the full moon passes through the outer shadow of the Earth, and the Four Hebs are proclaimed at Luxor Temple.
A late start after the long night, then the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon in the afternoon light.
Flight home. One month later, the first heb opens in Manhattan.
The prologue is a separate short journey in February. The summer expedition below begins in London on 30 July.
Evening flight from London to Luxor and transfer to the expedition's base on the East Bank.
The Temple of Amun at Karnak before the heat of the day. In the evening, a private visit to the Luxor Museum.
The royal tombs and the Temple of Hatshepsut at dawn. Eclipse-eve dinner and a safe-viewing briefing from the expedition's astronomer.
Luxor sits near the point of greatest eclipse, the place on Earth where totality lasts longest.
Cleopatra VII and her son Caesarion are carved on the temple's rear wall. Inside is the zodiac ceiling, whose original relief has been in the Louvre since the 1820s, where the tour arrives in autumn.
The King List of Abydos and the Osireion, the sanctuary of Osiris.
A painted early Christian church, conserved by the American Research Center in Egypt.
Sailing through Middle Egypt. Readings and rehearsals on deck at sunset.
The capital Akhenaten built for the sun disk, the Aten.
The painted rock-cut tombs of Beni Hasan and the catacombs of Thoth at Tuna el-Gebel.
A second day on the river as the valley widens toward Cairo.
The pyramid of Sneferu, the first attempt at a true pyramid.
Patrons leave the vessel in Cairo. Afternoon at Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
The Giza Plateau in the morning, the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon, and a farewell dinner within sight of the pyramids.
Flight home to London.
14 to 30 August: patrons are at leisure before the Black Moon performance.
The second new moon of August arrives at 6:41 pm BST. At dusk, Antony and Cleopatra is performed beside Cleopatra's Needle on the Victoria Embankment, with the obelisk lit against the darkest sky of the month. A reception for patrons follows.
Schematic, not to scale. The Nile flows north.
Patron circles · Proposed
Each circle supports the preservation of the places the tour visits. Places on the expedition are limited by the size of the chartered vessel.
London · 2 and 31 August
London to Luxor · 30 July to 3 August
The full journey · February, then 30 July to 31 August
Contribution levels for each circle will be announced once the expedition's nonprofit partner and licensed travel operator are confirmed. Registering interest places you on the list for first notice. It is not a booking and involves no payment.
Before you travel
Totality falls at midday in one of the hottest places on Earth in its hottest month. The expedition is planned around that.
The proposed arrangements include providing patrons with certified eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312-2. Looking at any part of the uncovered sun without them causes lasting eye damage. Glasses come off only during totality, on the guide's call, and go back on before the sun returns. The February lunar eclipse needs no eye protection.
February nights in Luxor are cool, so bring a warm layer for the eclipse. Midday temperatures in August can reach 43°C (109°F). A shaded, air-conditioned base, water, rest areas and touring in the cooler hours are planned, subject to confirmation by the operator.
A medical team travels with the expedition in Luxor and on the river. Patrons are asked to share any conditions that the heat or long days could affect.
Comprehensive travel and medical insurance, including evacuation cover, is required for all Eclipse and Expedition Circle patrons.
A passport valid for at least six months is needed, and most visitors need a visa for Egypt. Details will be sent to registered patrons.
Flights, hotels and the vessel will be arranged and sold by a licensed tour operator, with the financial protection required for package holidays sold in the UK.
Where support goes
Proceeds from the Eclipse Expedition are proposed for the conservation of the sites patrons visit, alongside the London beneficiaries of the summer heb.
Register interest
Write to tell us which circle interests you and how many travellers are in your party. Those registering interest may receive updates when contribution levels, dates and availability are confirmed.
If the button doesn't open your mail app, copy the address above.