Wander Women Egypt:
A Yoga + Ancient Adventures Retreat
Cairo + Beyond
September 25-October 4, 2025
Join us for ten bucket list days exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders. We’ll marvel at the pyramids, stargaze from a private felucca, browse markets straight out of Aladdin, get into sphinx pose, visit ancient tombs, and take an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of Kings. And that’s just the beginning.
This is not your typical Egypt tour — we’ll slow down and soak up unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else, like daily yoga classes along the Nile, sunset Egyptian wine tastings, a dance party with our Nubian hosts, and a crafternoon with a female owned eco-NGO. We’ll also be among the first to explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, a breathtaking showcase of Egypt’s treasures that’s been over twenty years in the making! What’s more, we’re not just showing you Egypt, we’re immersing you in it. Forget those endless, snoozy bus rides — We’re showing you Egypt by train, boat, and plane – because we believe in seeing this incredible country from every angle, without wasting a single precious moment.
Where to? We’ll kick things off touching down in Giza to ponder the Great Pyramids before hopping a night train to Luxor, referred to by many as the world’s greatest open-air museum and home to the Temple of Hatshepsut. After, we’re turning it down a million notches for two dreamy nights of sailing down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca. We will land in awe-inspiring Aswan to temple hop and this year, we’ve leveled up the experience by including return flights to Abu Simbel, allowing you to witness this stunning site without the pre-dawn wake up time! Finally, we’ll wrap our week with a busy tour of bustling Cairo, exploring a sleek side few get to see.
What makes this retreat a cut above the rest? We visit Abu Simbel, an amazing site many other trips miss because of the day-long bus ride. Instead, you’ll soar above the landscape as we whisk you there and back on a short, scenic flight, arriving refreshed and ready to be awestruck.
You’ll quickly find that tipping in Egypt is a language of its own, and one that can take time to learn. We navigate this for you! We include extensive amounts of tipping for all included activities and meals, so you can sit back and enjoy true Egyptian hospitality without the fuss.
Not to mention our photographer! In a sea of people struggling with selfies, spend your time enjoying these ancient wanders knowing that Jenny’s got your back, front, side and whatever other asana you want to strike! Or just enjoy the moment standing in awe of these great monuments knowing that we’ll capture the candids too.
Bonus! We’ll go all out on a welcome bag full of goods from local NGOs and artisans.
The Details
The retreat will be held from Thursday, Septmeber 25th to Saturday, October 4th of 2025. The cost, including all of the below, starts at $5,200 for a shared room or $6,500 for a private room.
What’s Included
• Nine nights accommodation in handpicked hotels
• Two meals per day
• Entrance fees and tours of all historic sights with our expert Egyptologist
• Daily yoga and activities
• All additional local transportation, including planes, trains, and airport transfers
• A custom welcome bag
• All gratuities for tour guides, included meals, airport pickups, and drivers (we generously tip literally hundreds of dollars on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip — typically a source of stress and hassle in Egypt!)
• Professional photos of the trip
• Donation to local charities
What’s Not Included
• Alcohol
• Other activities or meals not outlined in the itinerary
• Flights to Egypt
• Mandatory travel insurance
The Itinerary
Subject to change, and expect surprises, but here’s the general idea!
Day 1: Say hello to Egypt! We’ll gather together in Giza for a poolside welcome drink and before setting off for yoga and sunset kayaking on the Nile at a funky venue followed by a sumptuous welcome dinner and introduction to Egyptian cuisine. Still got some energy in those legs? We’ll head to the famous Cairo Jazz Club for a boogie and some seriously cool vibes.
Day 2: Rise and shine to morning yoga overlooking the pyramids far in the distance. Get buzzed about what you’re about to see, and marvel at the wonder of the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum complex in the world, before getting up close and personal with the big three. Next we’ll have lunch overlooking the famed structures in one of the hottest restaurants to snag a reservation at, and visit The Sphinx too! Pack an overnight bag with your favorite jammies because after dinner we board the night train to Luxor for the ultimate sleepover on-the-go along Africa’s oldest railway.
Day 3: We’ll arrive early into Luxor and head straight to our stunning hotel by the Nile for a relaxing morning yoga class, followed by optional spa time and soaking up the poolside views. In the afternoon, it’s Egypt’s greatest hits — with a Wander Woman twist! We’ll explore the East Bank of the Nile starting with a visit to Karnak Temple and the unique opportunity to walk down the newly excavated Avenue of the Sphinxes towards the gorgeous Luxor Temple; illuminated for nightfall. For dinner, overlook the lit-up sights and monuments over camel steak at one of our favorite local eateries (fear not; other menu options abound!)
Day 4: Rise with the sun and watch the hot air balloons drift overhead as we flow through a morning vinyasa class. After fueling up at breakfast we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings up close, then head to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the The Colossi of Memnon. After a quaint lunch overlooking the garden where many ingredients were grown, we’ll stop to shop at a hidden gem artisan pottery studio and a hip local art gallery. For dinner you can choose between enjoying another meal at our luxe accommodation or venturing into town for a Luxor-style fine dining experience.
Day 5: Thrill seekers, set your alarm to check out an optional hot air balloon experience and see the Valley of the Kings, and the winding shape of the Nile, from above. It’s our kiss goodbye to Luxor as next, we’re off to Aswan, one of Egypt’s most significant historical cities (and the hometown of our guide, Sameh!). En route, we’ll stop by the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek — there’s even a small Crocodile Museum onsite with mummified crocs — and home to some of the best preserved hieroglyphics in Egypt. On arrival in Aswan we’ll board our felucca — a traditional wooden Egyptian boat like the one Cleopatra herself once sailed — which will be out floating home for the next two nights (and yes, costumes are welcome and encouraged). At night, we’ll dock in the marshes of the Nile and set up on the roof for yoga nidra before a stargazing sleepover party on the deck.
Day 6: You’ve earned some downtime — now to enjoy it. Melt into the rhythm of the Nile as we continue on our felucca ride, spending the day relaxing on the boat while watching Egypt go by, the same view ancient Egyptians has as they watched the sun rise and set and watched the life cycle of crops along the bank of the Nile, and concluded that humans must reincarnate too. And thus, a belief system was born, simply by observing the natural world around us. Slow down and ponder life’s big questions. We’ll break for a partner yoga sesh when the mood strikes, and at night our crew will build a bonfire and we’ll have a jam session as we dance under the milky way.
Day 7: Rise early for breakfast and a fond farewell to our felucca, as we continue our Egyptian adventure. First stop? A luxuriously short flight to Abu Simbel, where we’ll marvel at the magnificent rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari, which were amazingly relocated stone-by-stone in the 1960’s to save them from rising water levels! Today you were saved from eight hours round trip in a bus, which we’ll toast to on our quick flight back to Aswan where true luxury awaits you at our stunning hotel perched on a private island in the Nile. This afternoon is free for spa appointments, pool hopping, sip + stretch yoga with Egyptian wine or fresh pomegranate juice, or simply savoring the breathtaking sunset views of this highlight hotel our guests simply did not want to leave on the last Wander Women Egypt!
Day 8: Breakfast and yoga this morning overlooks Philae Temple — a famous archaeological site atop its own island — which we’ll sail to and explore after a final morning soaking up our Nile island oasis. Upgrade to a floating breakfast in your own private infinity pool — you read that right! — or head back to the lush spa for locally inspired services like an Egyptian hammam, a Nile mud wrap, a rosewater facial, or a honey and tamarind scrub. After check out we’re island hopping to lunch at an eco-restaurant that aims to keep traditional Nubian recipes and ingredients alive in modern Egypt. Nubians have not only conserved their ancient traditions but also the Nubian language – which is only spoken and has no official alphabet. In the afternoon we’ll cruise over to one of Aswan’s famed rainbow-hued villages for a technicolored affair. Enjoy dinner with our magnanimous hosts before hopping a flight back to Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital!
Day 9: On our last full day, get ready for a whirlwind Cairo city tour. We’ll shop at the famous Khan el-Khalili market — perfect for last minute souvenir shopping — and visit a historic mosque in Islamic Cairo all before lunch. Then it is off to a totally Wander Women exclusive afternoon! We’re heading to VeryNile, a female-owned NGO where they turn trash into literal treasure. We’ll have lunch and learn about their incredible work cleaning up the Nile for future generations, then try our hand at creating a souvenir of our own to bring home. We hope you picked up a stylish kerchief at the market, because we know we’ll be dabbing our eyes at our closing circle and final farewell dinner.
Day 10: This morning, it’s time for goodbyes! Or rather, see you laters. Exchange photos and contact info with all your new Wander Women besties for future get togethers.
Where We’ll Stay and Where We’ll Eat
The first night in Giza, we’ll stay at the lush Crowne Plaza West Cairo, a cozy place to land and toast to your trip from the rooftop pool. You’ll have access to an extensive attached gym, steam room and sauna (think the Equinox of Egypt!), as well as onsite bars and restaurants. The hotel is located in a modern plaza with easy access to shops for picking up any supplies for our jaunt further afield! Bonus: it’s a smoke free hotel, a rare treat in Egypt. Shared rooms in Giza feature two twin beds.
On the way to Luxor we’ll be rocked to sleep aboard the infamous night train for a truly authentic experience, departing from the celebrated new Bashteel Station. Sleeping cars have private compartments with windows, fold-down beds a porter converts for you, a sink, and an outlet, plus a lounge car where drinks and snacks are served. Being rocked to sleep while rural Egypt passes by is an unforgettable experience we love sharing with you! Those booking a shared option will share a cabin with upper and lower berths; while those booking private accommodation will have a private compartment.
Prepare to be pampered as we check-in to the Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa alongside the Nile, with a serene waterfront location that cannot be beat. With a holistic spa with an outdoor thermal garden, treatment rooms with water views, two infinity pools and a swim-up bar overlooking the world’s most famous river, and a shisha café, spa tea bar, and sunset terrace with live music, it’s a perfect base. Shared rooms in Luxor feature two twin beds.
We’ll then spend two dreamy nights on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat, for a quintessential Wander Women glamping moment and sleepover party all in one! Sleeping aboard a felucca is a completely unique experience where we all will sleep on deck together — a support boat with bathrooms onboard will follow us down the Nile. Alex was recently featured in National Geographic’s 100 Nights of a Lifetime talking about this very experience; one of her favorites of her lifetime of travels.
In Aswan, we’ll stay at BenBen by Dhara, a brand new adults only and insanely instagram-able Nubian hotel. There’s a glorious onsite spa boasting a mud bath, two saunas, a jacuzzi, and steam room, plus a traditional Egyptian hammam, as well as two onsite restaurants boasting tranquil views of Heissa Island. Shared rooms in Aswan feature two twin beds or one shared king bed, and, Nubian drumroll please — your own private plunge pool
Finally, back in Cairo we will stay at the freshly renovated Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile that boasts stunning views from chic suites in the heart of the city — each with a private balcony for a send-off gaze back at Egypt — and a serene spa with a full flight of amenities for some pre-departure pampering. Shared rooms in Cairo feature two double beds.
For included meals, we’ll mix it up — one night, we’ll dine on local delicacies aboard a private felucca sail along the Nile River. Another, we’ll eat on a chic rooftop. Egyptian food is generally healthy and delicious, and all special diets can be accommodated! Think vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and centuries-old recipes. We’ll introduce you to the fragrant spices that define Egyptian cuisine and savor dishes like koshary, baladi salad, creamy dips and flaky konafa for desert. For all non-included meals, we’ll head to curated spots where you can order as you please, or you are welcome to do your own thing.
Getting There and Away
International flights will arrive and depart from Cairo International Airport (CAI). The retreat begins and ends in Cairo. A representative will meet you off your flight for an included VIP arrival to assist you making your way through immigration, collecting your bags and whisking you off to our Cairo hotel! Early arrivals and late departures can be organized for an additional fee.
Is It Safe To Travel to Egypt?
Needless to say, we would never hold a retreat in a destination where we didn’t feel fully confident of your safety, and our own. All the locations we are going to are popular tourist areas, and we will take the same precautions we would take anywhere in the world.
Wander Women Retreats Founder Alexandra Baackes has traveled extensively through Egypt both guiding tours and on her own, and has utmost confidence in your safety. With the comfort of our group and the advisement of our local experts, we will have a fantastic, hassle-free trip.
Travel With Us
On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Alex Baackes, Nik Turnbull and Sameh Makram as your hosts, and the lovely Jenny Lord as photographer.
Alexandra Baackes is the founder of Wander Women Retreats and Alex in Wanderland and will lead your yoga practices throughout this trip. She fell in love with Egypt when she first fulfilled her lifelong dream of visiting Egypt in 2018 and has been back many times since to soak up the undeniable magic in the air and introduce over a hundred women to the country. She is a RYT 200 Registered Yoga Teacher, a Buti Bands and Sculpt instructor, and a regular yoga practitioner for over a decade — she can’t wait to practice and explore with you.
Nik Turnbull, our Wander Women Retreats Manager, originally hails from Australia and these days calls Thailand home. She has over ten years experience working in the travel industry, from tour guiding in the Greek Islands, to running a busy backpacker hostel in Italy, to managing international volunteer programs, and deck handing a party boat on Sydney Harbour! Nik has lovingly co-hosted our Maldives, Jordan and Koh Tao retreats alongside Alex, and she can’t wait to explore this World Wonder with you!
Sameh Makram is a registered Egyptologist and a tour guide to his native country since 2000. Sameh’s kind of a big deal around here — in 2015 he was chosen as the 5th best tour guide worldwide according to Tour Radar, where he’s received over 700 glowing reviews from his work. Now, he’s branching off on his own to lead speciality tours like ours. And we are so lucky to have him! Sameh and his wife — also an Egyptian tour guide! — are also travelers at heart and love taking their twins on trips all over the Middle East.
Jenny Lord is an accomplished photographer originally from the United Kingdom who has shot many of our previous retreats on the Red Sea, in Egypt and in Lebanon. She lives and works in Egypt as a tech dive instructor, speaks an impressive amount of Arabic, and loves to welcome travelers to the Middle East. Jenny cannot wait to capture your best angle from both above and below water!
Join Us
This highly coveted destination is a dream come true, and we know you’re going to love it — book soon to avoid disappointment! Your deposit will be the first of five total payments for this trip, spread into convenient monthly installments.
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to run. We will notify you when it is a guaranteed departure! Until then, please do not book non-refundable airfare. As always, our inbox is open for questions and special requests — retreats@alexinwanderland.com — feel free to reach out and tell us how excited you are too!
Can’t make this one? Don’t sweat — sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on future retreats. Remember, don’t hesitate to email us at retreats@alexinwanderland.com with any and all questions or concerns over if this is the right retreat for you.
Wander Women Egypt: A Yoga + Ancient Adventures Retreat • 2025
$5,200.00 – $6,500.00
F.A.Q.
So does non-refundable really mean non-refundable?
Yes, all payments are non-refundable. If the trip must be postponed or cancelled due to events beyond our control, you will be offered the choice between a full refund and applying your payments to a future trip.
The reason payments are non-refundable is that we start incurring costs from the moment someone presses “book” — from credit card fees to high hourly wages for our team who correspond with guests, manage trip inventory and our e-commerce platform, analyze forms to create room assignments, coordinate with our local vendors, and beyond.
There’s nothing we want more than for our guests to take and enjoy the travel they have worked hard and paid for. Thank you so much for your understanding and respect of our need to enforce this policy strictly. We want to be here to travel with you for years to come!
Will I need travel insurance?
Yes, it is absolutely mandatory for all Wander Women Retreat guests to have personal travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Our affiliate, World Nomads offers coverage at affordable rates. We strongly recommend you book your travel insurance as soon as you make your trip deposit to protect your investment.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Yes, a tourist visa is necessary for entering Egypt and can be purchased on arrival at Cairo International Airport for some nationalities — including USA, UK and Australia. Alternatively you can apply for an e-visa online prior to arrival, they cost $25 USD and are valid for visits up to 30 days. We are happy to help you navigate any specific questions or concerns.
Do I need to be good at yoga?
Absolutely not. (And frankly, we don’t believe in the idea of being “good” at yoga!) We have a range of yogis from brand-new beginners to talented instructors join us on our trips. You’ll get the opportunity to sample a wide range of yoga styles, and you can opt in or out of as many classes as you wish.
Will I have time to do my own thing?
This is your retreat and we want you to make it exactly what you want! There’s a lot to see and experience in Egypt, so we’ve tried to design an itinerary that takes it all in. But any time you want to bow out to have some “me-time” or do your own thing, we’re going to cheer you on.
How much money will I need to bring?
The optional hot air balloon ride is $150USD.
For lunches at the local spots we’ll bring you to, you can expect to spend 50-150LE (about $6-10USD) per meal, depending on where you go and what you order. For dinners, plan for around 100-300LE (about $12-20.) Liquor tends to be very expensive throughout Egypt, but beer and wine are more affordable — and we’ll stop to pick some up before BYO meals but we recommend using your duty free allowance in your home country on departure.
You can use your discretion on how much you want to bring for shopping in places like the traditional markets or various boutiques — Sameh will be thrilled to give you guidelines on what you should pay for various items in a culture where haggling is expected.
Is there an age requirement?
You must be 18 years old or older.
Is there a waiting list?
There will be a waiting list on a first-come, first-served basis in case spaces open up. If the retreat is full and you’re still interested, email me at retreats@alexinwanderland.com to be added to the waiting list.
I still have questions, or cute photos of my dog. Can I contact you?
Um, yes please! Our email is retreats@alexinwanderland.com.