Art on the Nile with Dietlind Vander Schaaf
February 17th - 27th, 2027
Join Dietlind and Essence of Mulranny Studios on a journey of a lifetime. Can you imagine painting while sailing down the Nile? Egypt is an enchanting and awe-inspiring place, rich with history and beauty at every turn. Picture a gentle breeze on your face as you glide along timeless waters, surrounded by landscapes that have inspired artists for thousands of years.
As the sun sets, warm light washes over the riverbanks. Palm trees sway softly, and in the distance the pyramids rise, offering an endless source of inspiration. The steady rhythm of the river creates a calm, reflective atmosphere where creativity can truly unfold.
This is a chance to capture the essence of history, culture, and natural wonder in your work. More than an art experience, it is a deep immersion into the spirit of Egypt, promising memories, connections, and creative growth that will stay with you long after the journey ends.
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.
— Joseph Campbell
Meet Dietlind Vander Schaaf
“The Japanese word jikan refers to the silence between two thoughts. In this vein, my work is an attempt to render temporary, fleeting moments of beauty, balance, and stillness visible. I describe my paintings as the place where the inner landscape and the outer landscape meet.”
Dietlind Vander Schaaf holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco and an MA from the University of Southern Maine. Her work has been described as “the transformation of disparate objects into elegantly simple compositions of pattern and grace” (Artscope). Vander Schaaf has exhibited at the Cape Cod Museum of Art, The Fuller Craft Museum, and On Center Gallery, among others, and been featured in Maine Home + Design, Decor Maine, UPPERCASE, and Downeast magazines.
Vander Schaaf is a Core Instructor for R&F Handmade Paints, an Ampersand Ambassador, and the former president of New England Wax. She has taught workshops throughout the country, including Haystack, Arrowmont, Castle Hill, Snow Farm, Penland, Maine College of Art, R&F, and internationally at Zijdelings in The Netherlands, Essence of Mulranny in Ireland, and Kunstfreiraum in Switzerland. The recipient of grants from the Maine Arts Commission and International Encaustic Artists, as well as a Tending Space Artist Fellowship from the Hemera Foundation, she is represented by Portland Art Gallery and Artemis Gallery. Vander Schaaf is a 500 hr Kripalu yoga instructor with specialty training in meditation, advanced asana, Ayurveda, vinyasa, and pranayama, as well as a Level 2 Archery Instructor through USA Archery.
“This is an absolute MUST if you haven't already experienced this! It's everything you could imagine it to be.. and 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 a 100 times!
There’s enough room to have quiet time to reflect, and 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.
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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.
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Breakfast at hotel.
Pick up 10:30 am at hotel. Transportation is a bus.
Optional Came Ride around the Giza Plateau. Price TBC
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
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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
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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.
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Painting in the Outdoor studio.
Late afternoon visit to Luxor temple.
Breakfast & evening meal at the hotel.
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Painting in the outdoor studio .
Afternoon visit to Karnak Temple including Chapel of Sekhmet.
Breakfast & Evening meal at the hotel.
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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.
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Painting on board
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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.
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Check out from the hotel and fly to Cairo to connect with flights home.
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 with Dietlind
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 the hotel: bed, breakfast, and evening meal featuring delicious Egyptian cuisine.
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. We Recommend British Airways and EgyptAir
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Tips for the Hotel and Boat staff. Tipping is greatly appreciated in Egypt.
Pricing
$5,500 for Shared Accommodation (We recommend this for couples or close friends)
$5,900 for Private Accommodation
Please note that the 4 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. We recommend World Nomads.
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US$700 deposit will secure your place.