Hi lovely artist!

Traveling to Egypt for an art retreat can be an enriching experience, offering a blend of cultural immersion, artistic inspiration, and personal growth. Here are some helpful tips for travelers.

Egyptians are very warm and friendly, quick to smile and embrace. They are always so glad that tourists are visiting their country and you will be welcomed with open arms!

Research and Respect Local Customs
Understanding Egyptian culture and traditions is crucial. Dress modestly to respect local norms, especially when visiting religious sites. Light, loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees are advisable.

Health and Safety
Always carry bottled water to stay hydrated in the heat. Buy comprehensive travel insurance.

In terms of safety, it's very safe. Egyptians are very anxious that you will think well of their country and no abuse of travelers is tolerated. There are lots of hawkers though and it is best to ignore them.

Accommodations and Transportation
We work with a fabulous company and have used the same guides for 20 years now! They are friends as well as colleagues.

Language and Communication
While Arabic is the official language, English is commonly spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Arabic phrases can be helpful and is appreciated by locals. We will help with this.

Money and Bargaining
Familiarize yourself with the Egyptian pound and always have some cash, as not all places accept cards. Bargaining is a part of the culture in markets, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices (but bear in mind that this can be pennies to you and mean lots to them).

Photography Etiquette
Ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Culinary Experience
You will love the food, vegans and vegetarians as well as gluten free options are widely available.

Packing Essentials
Besides art supplies, pack sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, a power adapter, and any necessary medications. Generally Egypt uses USA type sockets.

Remember, the key to a fulfilling art retreat in Egypt is to balance preparation with spontaneity. Embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from this unique cultural and artistic journey. Be aware of restrictions on photography at historical sites and museums.

(General Itinerary, subject to small changes)

Day 1: October 7th - Arrival in Cairo

  • Arrive at Cairo International Airport with a VIP welcome.

  • Transfer to a premium hotel in Cairo for relaxation.

  • Welcome dinner and introductory art session focusing on creating a personalized sketch journal.

Day 2: Inspiration at the Pyramids

  • Morning art session on creating simple shapes in sketches.

  • 10:30 AM: Visit to the Pyramids at Giza for sketching and photography.

  • Lunch with a view of the pyramids and discussion on incorporating vibrant colors.

  • Evening visit to the Gamal perfume factory with a focus on translating sensory experiences into art.

  • Night group reflection on loose pencil sketching techniques.

Day 3: The Mysteries of Saqqara

  • Group critique session with a focus on embellishing watercolor with ink pen details.

  • 10:30 AM: Tour of Saqqara, emphasizing compositional page layouts in journaling.

  • Lunch en route, discussing the use of borders and text in art journals.

  • Evening workshop on achieving shading, depth, and dimension in sketches.

Day 4: Cairo's Cultural Tapestry

  • Session on maintaining a desired color palette in sketches.

  • 10:30 AM: Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum for inspiration and sketching.

  • Late afternoon exploration of Cal el Kalie market with on-site sketching.

  • Flight to Luxor and check-in at our gorgeous flower filled family-run hotel.

Day 5: Luxor's Artistic Aura

  • Sunrise painting session focused on finding personal style and light/shadow incorporation.

  • Late afternoon visit to Luxor Temple with a sketching focus.

  • Evening discussion on improving watercolor sketching skills.

Day 6: Karnak's Creative Influence

  • Morning session on daily practice techniques for skill improvement.

  • Afternoon visit to Karnak Temple, focusing on historical and artistic elements in sketches.

  • Evening art critique and cultural exchange.

Day 7: Sailing the Artistic Nile

  • Boarding the Dahabya for a Nile journey, with a focus on sketching river landscapes.

  • Afternoon and evening sessions on the boat, emphasizing personal growth in art.

Days 8 & 9: Floating Studio on the Nile

  • Daily on-board painting sessions, exploring different artistic approaches.

  • Visits to Kom Ombo and Edfu temples for historical and artistic inspiration.

  • Evening workshops and group discussions on art techniques

Day 10: Aswan's Artistic Finale

  • Sketching session of Aswan's landscape.

  • Visit to Philae Temple for final on-site sketching and painting.

  • Transfer to Aswan hotel and evening market visit for cultural sketches.

  • Farewell dinner with an art exhibition of retreat works.

Day 11

  • Fly from Aswan to Cairo and on from there. Additional nights accommodation can easily be arranged on either end of the Retreat and you will be collected and delivered to the Airport when you need to be there. (Extra charge if you wish this.)

Additional Artistic Elements

  • Creation of a personal, beautifully crafted sketch journal from professional watercolor paper.

  • Workshops on breaking down subjects into simple shapes, adding text, and composing compelling layouts.

  • Sessions on using an empowering approach to improve sketching skills.

  • Continuous focus on enhancing individual artistic style and technique.

Included In Your Workshop

  • 10 nights either at Hotel or our own private sailboat on the Nile

  • Fully guided trips with a very experienced Egyptian/Dutch operator.

  • 4 days of workshop, painting with Elizabeth 

  • All painting materials provided so you do not have to worry about bringing anything!

  • For the hotel in Cairo, bed and breakfast.

  • In Luxor at Hotel, bed breakfast and evening meal.(delicious food)

  • Full board on the boat. (Share accommodation only.)

  • Hotel In Aswan bed and breakfast

  • Entrance tickets to temple sites and museums.

  • Internal flights and internal travel.

  • Pick up at Airport, no matter what time you arrive.