Elizabeth St. Hilaire
Watercolor Sketchbook on the Nile
October 7th - 17th, 2025
Egypt has long been a wellspring of artistic inspiration, its ancient civilization serving as a perennial muse for artists across the ages. The enigmatic pyramids, with their towering grandeur and geometric precision, have fascinated generations with their awe-inspiring presence. The intricate hieroglyphics and ornate murals adorning the walls of temples and tombs tell stories of a rich and complex culture, offering a visual feast for those seeking to capture the essence of timelessness in their work. The serene beauty of the Nile River, winding its way through the desert landscape, has beckoned artists to sketch and paint its' tranquil vistas and incorporate its' life-sustaining flow into their artwork. Egypt's rich tapestry of colors, patterns, and historical narratives continue to be a well of inspiration, inviting us to explore its depths and document its' mystique into our watercolor sketching.
“Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid, and doors will open. Where you didn’t know they were going to be. If you follow your bliss, doors will open for you that wouldn’t have opened for anyone else.”
For years Elizabeth has been using watercolor sketch journaling to document her own personal trips and in this popular workshop she shares with you her process, techniques and approaches – plus a vast variety of tips! Open to students of all artistic levels, Watercolor Sketchbook is an immersion in Egyptian inspiration, as you create your own personal sketch journal with instruction and guidance from Elizabeth. This art retreat is more than a sketching workshop. It’s a week filled with exploration, fellowship, camaraderie and fun beyond your wildest dreams!
Learn How To:
create your own, beautiful sketch journal from a full sheet of professional watercolor paper
break your subject matter down into simple shapes
incorporate vibrant color into your work
pencil sketch your subject and keep it loose
embellish your watercolor with ink pen details
compose a compelling page layout in your journal
incorporate borders as a design element
add text to your journal pages to document your Egyptian experience
sketch in your journal while staying within a desired palette
achieve shading, depth and dimension
find your own personal style
use an empowering approach to improve your water color sketching
incorporate essential light and shadow into your sketches
easily improve your sketching skills through daily practice
“This is an absolute MUST if you haven't already experienced this! It's everything you could imagine it to be.. & more. It is so exquisite & unique.”
“The rooms are gorgeous, the attention to detail, the gentle service, from beautiful humble men, a glassed room downstairs to paint, as you glide romantically down The Nile! Yes! The Nile! (are you transported yet?) OMGoodness, I’m sure I pinched myself at least 100 times!
There’s enough room to have quiet time to reflect & the sunrises will take your breath away. memorable.
What are you waiting for?”
— Leigh Mansfield
Here is a general itinerary for your time in Egypt.
This itinerary may be subject to change but we will do our best to keep as close as possible to what is set out below.
Day 1 - October 7th
Arrive into Cairo International Airport.
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the hotel
We will be met before visa and passport checks.
Day 2
Breakfast at hotel.
Pick up 10:30 am at hotel. Transportation is a bus.
Visit Pyramids at Giza, including inside the great Pyramid and Giza Plateau
Lunch at outdoor restaurant
Visit the world famous Gamal perfume factory in evening
Night at hotel
Day 3
Pick up 10:30 am at hotel. Transportation is a bus.
Visit Saqqara full tour includes visiting the Serapeum and the pyramid of Unas.
Lunch on the way to or from.
Night at hotel
Day 4
Pick up at 10:30 am Visit New Museum GEM and late afternoon Cal el Kalie market
Late evening flight to Luxor.
Check into our beautiful family run hotel in Luxor:
Day 5
Painting in the Outdoor studio
Late afternoon visit to Luxor temple.
Breakfast & evening meal at the hotel.
Day 6
Painting in the outdoor studio
Afternoon visit to Karnak Temple incl Chapel of Sekhmet.
Breakfast & Evening meal at the hotel.
Day 7
Breakfast at hotel then board Dahabya (boat) to Aswan calling to the temples on route.
Afternoon painting on the Nile
We spend three days and nights on our boat full board. As we sail along the Nile, we stop at the temples of Kom Ombo and Edfu temple.
Days 8 and 9
Painting on board
Day 10
We will be in Aswan. Breakfast on board then visit Philae Temple (including the original location) and on to the Hotel.
Visit Aswan Market in the evening.
Day 11
Check out from the hotel and fly to Cairo to connect with flights home.
Included in your workshop:
10 nights total spent both at our lovely Hotels and on our own private sailboat on the Nile
Fully guided trips with a very experienced Egyptian/Dutch operator.
4 days of workshop and lots of painting sessions
Most painting materials provided so you do not have to worry about bringing anything except the watercolour paper! More on that later
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.
Not Included:
Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Tips for the Hotel and Boat staff. Tipping is greatly appreciated in Egypt.
Pricing
$3,995 for shared accommocation
$4,495 for private accommodation
Please note that the boat nights are twin sharing cabins only. There are no private options available for the boat, so the private option above is for the other hotel accommodations.
Travel insurance is a must. I recommend World Nomads.
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$500 deposit will secure your place.
Accommodation: