It has been my dream to bring groups to Egypt. Not because I desire to speak for Egypt, but quite the opposite, because I believe Egypt speaks for itself. The actual task is to get out of the way. This is a core belief of this trip: Egypt will provide. (We will, however, have an unbelievable local Egyptologist with us throughout who also provides).

For some, this is enriching historical travel; for others, this is a spiritual experience between your guides and this land; or this is a slight shift in a cascading series of events that you will only be able to see from a great distance. What is meant for you here is ultimately between you and Egypt.

I have found that, often, when we travel or learn, we are given highly detailed historical information: this was built on X date and destroyed on Y. This god signifies X. What is usually not offered is the beautiful thread connecting the past to the present. I plan to provide this thread through a series of salons held on the Nile. We will examine topics such as the remnants of late Egyptian thought in early Greek philosophy, ritual cultic statues, and their revival in the 3rd-4th centuries, and more.  These salons will ultimately explore the question of ‘how.’ How we traversed from there to here. What was gained and what was lost.

We will be staying in 5-star accommodations and sailing on a luxury dahabiya.

If you feel called to attend, and we do not know one another, I would love to connect with you directly to make sure this is the right experience for you.

Day 1: Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be warmly greeted by a representative who will assist you with your visa and customs procedures. You will then be transferred by private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel, the Marriott Mena House, near the Pyramids area. After check-in, you will have time to relax before enjoying a welcome dinner at Mena House.

Day 2: After breakfast at the hotel, your exploration of ancient Egypt begins. You will visit the magnificent Giza Plateau, standing before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, and admire the Pyramids of Chephren and Mykerinos. You will also see the iconic Sphinx. After lunch with a panoramic view of the pyramids, you will continue to Saqqara to visit the Step Pyramid of King Djoser and the Serapeum, which you will enter. Later, you return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3: An early flight takes us to Aswan, where we will enjoy a peaceful motorboat ride to Agilkia Island to visit the awe- inspiring Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Embark on the Dahabeya followed by a relaxing meal onboard. Later in the day, the journey begins with a sail toward Hardeeb Island. The night will be spent there, and dinner will be prepared and enjoyed on the shore, offering a cozy and authentic evening by the river.

Day 4: After breakfast, the Dahabeya sails toward Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique temple dedicated to both Sobek and Horus. After exploring the temple, you will continue your gentle sail along the Nile, enjoying the peaceful scenery of rural Egypt.

Day 5: After breakfast onboard, you will enjoy a relaxing day of sailing along the Nile, taking in the beautiful scenery and the peaceful atmosphere. Today is entirely free for you to relax on the deck, read, or watch daily life unfold along the riverbanks.

Day 6: After breakfast, you will disembark at Esna and drive to visit the magnificent Temple of Hathor at Dendera, known for its beautifully preserved zodiac ceiling and colorful reliefs. After the visit, you will continue your journey to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and rest. In the early evening, you will visit the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple, an atmospheric experience as the sun sets.

Day 7: After breakfast, you will cross to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, visiting several royal tombs decorated with stunning wall paintings. You will then continue to the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri. Afterwards, you will visit a local alabaster factory, where you can see traditional craftsmanship and learn how alabaster artifacts are made. Next, make a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the East Bank to visit the vast Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site in ancient Egypt. Later, you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be transferred to Hyatt Regency Cairo West.

Day 8: After breakfast, you will visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world’s largest and most significant museums, displaying treasures including the complete collection from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. We will have a final lunch together at GEM. The late afternoon and evening are free and on-own.

Day 9: After a relaxing breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your return flight, concluding your unforgettable Egyptian adventure. OR you will depart early for the Alexandrian extension.

For guests seeking to extend their journey, we will be offering a 1-day extension in Alexandria. Please note: the car transfer is 3-4 hours.

After breakfast, we will depart very early to arrive for our guided tour of Alexandria, the city founded by Alexander the Great. The first stop is Pompey’s Pillar, an impressive Roman triumphal column and one of the world’s largest monolithic columns. Nearby, we will visit the ruins of the infamous Serapeum. Next, a visit to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a fascinating site carved into the rock and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Enjoy lunch at a reputable local restaurant before continuing to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Conclude your sightseeing at the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which contains millions of books in its six specialized libraries. That evening, you are free and on your own to explore a local restaurant or unwind in your hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel we have another early morning departure where you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for your return flight, concluding your unforgettable Egyptian adventure. Flights should be booked starting at 3 PM onwards. Please note: if the flight times do not work for you, you will be dropped off at an airport hotel of your choice.

Pricing: $8800 for a double room.

Single supplement: +$1900

Not Included:

·       International Airfare & Travel Insurance.

·       Entry Visa to Egypt.

·       Any optional tours.

·       Pre or post tour accommodation (I can provide pricing and assist with booking so it’s seamless).

·       Personal spending.

·       Beverages other than water.

Tip for our local tour guide. Industry standard, USD10 per person per day; however, tipping is a personal choice and relative to how much you enjoyed the tour.

1. If you would like to join please email: hello@claireaustin.xyz

2. If we are not acquainted, then we will schedule a brief zoom to answer any questions and ensure this is a strong fit.

3. If you decide to move forward, you will be emailed terms & conditions for signature in addition to a request for a 50% deposit hold. $1,000 of this deposit is non-refundable. Once your deposit is received, your place is held.

Full refund and cancellation terms will be provided in the terms and conditions for your review prior to signature.

What security measures are in place?

We are working with a registered and highly seasoned local production company that monitors the current conditions. Tourism police will be assigned to our group at many of the sites.

Can you accomodate dietary needs?

Yes, there will be a range of options available including for vegetarians and gluten free individuals. However, if you have a life-threatening allergy please email me directly so we can discuss: hello@claireaustin.xyz

Is this trip open to all?

Yes, this experience is intended for spiritual seekers, history buffs, and travelers of all stripes. Men, women, and young adults are all welcome. It is energetically intense, so this is not a ‘restorative’ retreat.

How large is the group?

We will be traveling with 15 guests (plus myself), our Egyptologist, and the production team.

I have additional questions. How can I connect?

Please email: hello@claireaustin.xyz so we can schedule a video call to discuss any questions or concerns in advance.