Lora Murphy & Jodi Reeb
Abstract and Portraits in Oil Pigment Sticks
March 21st - 31st, 2025
Join us in beautiful Egypt where Jodi Reeb and Lora Murphy will co-teach an encaustic getaway, retreat excursion. You will see the pyramids AND paint while floating down the Nile! More details to come very soon!
“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.”
“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 - March 21st
Arrive into Cairo International Airport.
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the hotel. The Pyramid Park Hotel
We will be met before visa and passport checks.
Meet at the lounge area for greeting and orientation.
Welcome Dinner at Hotel
Day 2
Delicious buffet style Breakfast at the hotel.
Pick up at the hotel is 10:30 AM and transportation is provided by bus.
Visit the pyramids at Giza, including inside the Great Pyramid and the Giza plateau.
Visit the iconic Sphinx and enjoy a camel ride with incredible views.
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) for an exclusive look at Egypt’s treasures
Lunch at a charming local restaurant (a favorite from previous trips!)
There will be option for dinner offered (your expense)
Night spent at the hotel.
Day 3
Buffet style breakfast at the hotel.
Begin the day exploring Saqqara and the Step Pyramid (the Pyramid of Djoser), Egypt’s oldest stone structure.
Spend time at Cairo’s vibrant Khan el-Khalili Souk, a famous open-air market.
Evening flight to Aswan and check in at the scenic Basma Hotel.
Lunch will be had on the way or at the hotel. Included.
There will be option for dinner offered (your expense)
Day 4
Morning tour of the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Explore Aswan’s local souk and discover authentic handicrafts.
Overnight at Basma Hotel, with panoramic views of the Nile and Aswan
Dinner in the hotel. (Your Expense)
Day 5
Check out from Basma Hotel and board the Flower of Life, our beautiful boat for a Nile cruise.
Begin sailing north towards Luxor, with the majestic river as a backdrop for inspiration.
Studio day aboard Flower of Life
Lunch and dinner aboard. (Included)
Day 6
Enjoy a full day of sailing and painting sessions on the Nile.
Visit Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved monuments.
Overnight on the Flower of Life, where creativity flows as freely as the Nile.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner aboard. (Included)
Day 7
Continue our journey with painting and artistic workshops as we sail.
Visit Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god.
Overnight on the Flower of Life, surrounded by the river's peaceful rhythm.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 8
Disembark the Flower of Life in Luxor and check into the charming family run El Gezira Hotel.
Take in Luxor’s unique atmosphere and prepare for the ancient wonders awaiting us. Visit local fairtrade market. “Sandouk”
Dinner at the hotel (Included)
Day 9
Breakfast in the hotel. (Included)
Afternoon painting session, followed by shopping in Luxor’s colorful markets.
Evening visit to Luxor Temple for sunset, a stunning architectural marvel.
Fabulous Egyptian show at hotel.
Dinner at the hotel (Included)
Days 10 and 11 March 30th and 31st
Explore Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring temple complexes in the world.
Afternoon spent capturing the temple’s essence through painting, with a final chance for shopping.
Dinner at the hotel (Included)
March 31st — Check out from El Gezira Hotel and take a return flight to Cairo. For connecting 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 plenty of painting sessions
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 Egyptian food!)
Full board on the boat. (Shared 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: