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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Welcome to Egypt.
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and assisted through immigration before being transferred to the Barceló Hotel for check-in.
In the evening, we will gather in the hotel lounge at 6:00 PM for introductions and a gentle orientation to the journey ahead.
Optional group dinner (not included)
Overnight: Barceló Hotel, Cairo
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After breakfast, we begin our exploration of ancient Egypt’s most iconic sites.
07:00 AM – Departure
Giza Plateau
The Great Pyramid (including entry inside)
The Sphinx
Optional short camel ride
Saqqara Necropolis
Step Pyramid of Djoser
We pause for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel, with a stop at a traditional papyrus workshop (TBC) along the way.
Lunch included
Optional dinner (not included)
Overnight: Barceló Hotel, Cairo
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After breakfast, we visit one of the world’s most anticipated cultural institutions.
08:00 AM – Departure
Grand Egyptian Museum
Visit to a traditional carpet weaving school
Lunch at a local restaurant
Citadel of Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque
In the evening, we fly south to Aswan.
Upon arrival, transfer to the Basma Hotel for check-in.
Lunch included
Optional dinner (not included)
Overnight: Basma Hotel, Aswan
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Aswan & Dahabiya Boarding
After breakfast, we explore the beauty and history of Aswan.
08:00 AM – Departure
Philae Temple (Temple of Isis)
Unfinished Obelisk
Visit to a local perfume atelier
We then board our Dahabiya, a traditional sailing boat, and begin our journey along the Nile.
Lunch and dinner included onboard
Overnight: Dahabiya
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A day to settle into the rhythm of the Nile.
Painting sessions onboard
Visit to Kom Ombo Temple
All meals included
Overnight: Dahabiya
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Another peaceful day on the river, blending creativity and exploration.
Painting sessions onboard
Visit to Edfu Temple
All meals included
Overnight: Dahabiya
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After breakfast, we disembark in Luxor and step into one of the most powerful temple complexes in Egypt.
Luxor Temple
Karnak Temple
Transfer to El Gezira Garden Hotel for check-in.
Overnight: Luxor
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An unforgettable day exploring the West Bank of Luxor.
Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride (weather dependent, your expense)
Valley of the Kings
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Surprise Evening Entertainment
Overnight: Luxor
Day 9
A slower day to integrate the journey.
Morning at leisure
Afternoon painting session
Overnight: Luxor
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Full Studio Day
Evening visit to a beautiful Fair Trade shop (Sandouk).
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After breakfast, transfer to Luxor Airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Guests will depart Cairo at various times depending on individual flight schedules.
End of Journey
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
Most painting materials provided.
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 (on arrival day only)
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.
Dietlind Vander Schaaf - Egypt Retreat
$700.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $700. Read the cancellation policy here.
For complete information and prices for the workshop please click here.