Welcome to Art on the Nile!
Hi Lovely Artist!
Firstly, thank you so much for joining us on this extraordinary adventure! We are absolutely delighted that you'll be travelling with us to one of the most inspiring destinations on Earth.
This information is designed to help you prepare for your journey and, we hope, build your excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Egypt has captivated artists, travellers and dreamers for thousands of years. From the timeless Pyramids of Giza and the magnificent temples of Luxor to the tranquil waters of the Nile, this is a country unlike any other. Prepare to be inspired, amazed and creatively re-energised.
The Egyptian Welcome
One of the first things you'll notice is the warmth of the Egyptian people.
Egyptians are wonderfully welcoming, generous and quick to smile. They are genuinely delighted that visitors choose to experience their country and you'll often be greeted with warmth, curiosity and kindness.
Many of our local guides and team members have become lifelong friends over the years, and we're excited for you to experience their incredible hospitality.
Respecting Local Culture
Egypt is a country rich in tradition and history.
While tourist areas are relaxed, modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting mosques and religious sites.
We recommend lightweight clothing that covers the shoulders and knees for cultural visits. Not only is this respectful, but it also offers excellent protection from the sun.
Health & Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is required for all participants.
Your policy should include:
Medical expenses
Trip cancellation
Trip interruption
Personal belongings
Please remember to drink bottled water throughout your journey to stay well hydrated, particularly during the warmer months.
Safety
Many people are surprised by how welcoming and relaxed they feel once they arrive in Egypt.
Tourism is extremely important to the Egyptian economy, and visitors are warmly welcomed throughout the country. Throughout our journey we'll be travelling with our trusted Egyptian partners, guides and drivers, whom we've worked with for over 20 years. They know the country intimately and take wonderful care of our groups every step of the way.
Like travelling anywhere in the world, it's always sensible to remain aware of your surroundings and take normal travel precautions.
You will encounter enthusiastic market sellers and souvenir vendors at some sites. A friendly smile and a polite "No, thank you" is usually all that's needed if you don't wish to purchase anything.
Our Local Team
One of the things that makes this journey so special is the incredible team looking after us.
We've worked with the same Egyptian tour company for over two decades, and many of the guides have become dear personal friends. Their knowledge, humour and generosity add enormously to the experience, and we're delighted to be sharing Egypt with people we trust completely.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Egypt, although English is widely spoken in hotels, airports and tourist areas.
During the retreat you'll naturally pick up a few Arabic greetings and phrases, and the locals always appreciate the effort!
Currency
Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, but cash is useful in local markets and smaller shops.
Bargaining is part of Egyptian culture and is often expected in bazaars and souvenir markets. It is all part of the fun, but always remember that what seems like a small amount to us can make a meaningful difference to a local artisan or vendor.
Photography
Egypt offers endless photographic inspiration.
Please remember to ask permission before photographing local people.
Some archaeological sites and museums have restrictions on photography, or may require a separate photography ticket. Your guide will advise you where appropriate.
Egyptian Cuisine
Egyptian food is wonderfully fresh, colourful and full of flavour.
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are widely available throughout the trip, and we'll do our very best to accommodate dietary requirements.
Many guests are pleasantly surprised by just how delicious the food is!
What to Pack
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sun hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Personal medications
Plug adapter (Egypt commonly uses Type C and Type F plugs, although some hotels also provide other socket types)
Camera or sketchbook
Your sense of adventure!
Art on the Nile
Can you imagine painting while gently sailing down one of the world's most legendary rivers?
Imagine watching the golden light dance across ancient temples, sketching beneath towering columns that have stood for thousands of years, and finding creative inspiration in every village, market and landscape we encounter.
This is so much more than an art retreat.
It is an immersion into one of the world's oldest civilisations, where history, culture and creativity combine to create an experience you'll never forget.
General Itinerary
A fully detailed itinerary will be sent to you 9 months before departure
(Subject to minor adjustments)
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Day 2 – The Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
Day 3 – The Mysteries of Saqqara
Day 4 – Discovering Historic Cairo
Day 5 – Fly to Aswan
Day 6 – The Temples of Karnak & Luxor
Day 7 – Embark on our private Nile sailboat
Days 8–9 – Floating studio on the Nile
Day 10 –Luxor s artistic finale
Day 11 – Departure
Your Artistic Journey
Throughout the retreat you'll create your own beautifully handcrafted sketch journal using professional watercolour paper, filled with memories, observations, sketches and inspiration gathered throughout Egypt.
Elizabeth will guide you through an encouraging, step-by-step process designed to simplify sketching, strengthen composition, build confidence and help you capture the spirit of the places we visit.
Whether you're an experienced artist or simply looking to loosen up and explore, you'll return home with new skills, fresh inspiration and a truly unique visual journal of your Egyptian adventure.
Included in Your Retreat
10 nights' accommodation in carefully selected hotels and aboard our private Nile sailboat
Four inspiring workshop days with Elizabeth St. Hilaire
Beautiful handcrafted sketch journal project
Most painting materials provided
Fully guided sightseeing throughout the journey
Our experienced Egyptian tour team
Bed & breakfast in Cairo
Bed, breakfast and dinner in Luxor
Full board while sailing on the Nile (shared cabin accommodation)
Hotel accommodation in Aswan
Internal flights within Egypt
All ground transportation
Entrance fees to museums, temples and archaeological sites
Airport transfer on the designated arrival day
We Can't Wait to Share Egypt With You
Every Egypt retreat reminds us why we keep returning to this remarkable country. There is simply nowhere else quite like it.
Whether you're watching the sunrise over the Nile, wandering through the temples of Luxor, sharing stories with fellow artists on deck, or standing in awe before the Great Pyramids, these are the moments that stay with you forever.
Thank you again for joining us. We truly can't wait to share this adventure with you.
See you in Egypt!
Warmest wishes,
Lora Murphy
Essence of Mulranny Ltd.