The Itinerary

Joining us from our connecting retreat Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard? Don’t worry about a thing — we’ll get you where you need to be stress free and smiling, and you’ll start this retreat rested and jet-lag free!

Day 1: Welcome to Egypt! After arriving in Cairo, we’ll gather together at our hotel in Giza to officially kick off our adventure. Once everyone has arrived and settled in, we’ll roll out our mats for a grounding yoga class to shake off jet lag and set intentions for the days ahead. As the sun sets, we’ll come together for our opening dinner — a celebratory introduction to Egyptian cuisine and the incredible journey we’re about to share. Still have some energy? We may head out afterward to experience Cairo’s vibrant nightlife with live music, dancing, and seriously cool local vibes.

Day 2: Rise early for a poolside yoga flow before one of the most iconic days of the entire trip. We’ll head to the Great Pyramids of Giza, stopping at panoramic viewpoints before getting up close with the legendary structures themselves — including the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. After, we’ll enjoy lunch with pyramid views before continuing on to the Grand Egyptian Museum, the largest archaeological museum complex in the world and one of the most anticipated museum openings of our lifetime. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner in the museum complex before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Luxor — a truly authentic Egyptian experience — falling asleep as the countryside rolls past your window along Africa’s oldest railway.

Day 3: We arrive in Luxor early in the morning and head straight to our riverside hotel before setting out for our first big temple moment: a guided visit to Karnak Temple, one of the most impressive religious complexes ever built. The afternoon is yours to unwind — book a spa treatment, lounge by the pool, or simply soak up those dreamy Nile views — before we come together for an afternoon yoga class to reset and recharge. As golden hour approaches, we’ll cruise down to Luxor Temple, where we’ll walk the Avenue of the Sphinxes and explore the temple as it begins to glow under the evening lights. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner overlooking these illuminated ancient sights — a truly magical introduction to Luxor.

Day 4: We kick off the day with yoga in the garden before crossing the Nile to explore Luxor’s legendary West Bank, starting with the awe-inspiring Valley of the Kings, where we’ll step inside royal tombs carved deep into the desert cliffs. From there, we’ll visit the towering Colossi of Memnon and the striking Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, dramatically set against the limestone hills. After lunch, we’ll dive into Luxor’s creative side with stops at a hidden-gem artisan pottery studio and local textile shops — perfect for meaningful, one-of-a-kind souvenirs. We’ll then return to the hotel for some well-earned downtime before heading out to dinner at one of the city’s most beloved local restaurants.

Day 5: Thrill seekers can opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, watching the Nile glow as the desert slowly comes to life below. After breakfast, we journey south toward Aswan, stopping at Kom Ombo Temple to explore its beautifully preserved carvings dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. In the afternoon, we board our traditional felucca — our floating home for the night — and ease into the timeless rhythm of the Nile as the sails catch the breeze. We’ll practice yoga onboard, share dinner under a sky full of stars, and fall asleep on deck to the gentle sounds of the river, drifting through the same waters that have carried travelers for thousands of years.

Day 6: We wake up on the Nile to soft morning light and the quiet rhythm of the river, enjoying a slow breakfast onboard the felucca with time to swim, sun, and simply be present as palm-lined banks drift by. In the afternoon, we disembark and make our way to our beautiful Nubian hotel in Aswan, where vibrant colors, warm hospitality, and sweeping river views set the tone for the days ahead. After settling in, we’ll come together for a hands-on Nubian cooking class, learning to prepare traditional dishes before sitting down to enjoy dinner — a heartfelt welcome into this special corner of Egypt.

Day 7: Today we’ll set off by boat to visit Philae Temple, an extraordinary temple complex perched on its own island and surrounded by shimmering water, where ancient mythology and serene surroundings meet. After exploring the temple, we’ll return toward Aswan, stopping along the way at a local tea and spice shop to browse fragrant blends and colorful goods. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore at your own pace before we head out later in the day to one of the region’s vibrant Nubian villages, where we’ll stroll through color-splashed streets, browse local shops, and learn more about Nubian culture before sitting down to dinner with our hosts — an evening filled with warmth, storytelling, and unforgettable flavors.

Day 8: This morning we’re journeying south to Abu Simbel, watching the desert stretch endlessly as the sun begins to rise. Upon arrival, we’ll step into one of Egypt’s most extraordinary sites — the monumental rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Nefertari — standing in quiet awe of their scale, symmetry, and the remarkable story of their relocation stone by stone. After time to explore and reflect, we’ll fly back to Cairo, this time staying on the east bank of the Nile to continue exploring the modern side of this vibrant city.

Day 9: After morning yoga and breakfast, we’ll head straight to VeryNile, a female-owned NGO doing incredible work to clean up the Nile and turn waste into beautiful, functional products. We’ll enjoy lunch, learn about their inspiring mission, and take part in a hands-on workshop creating a souvenir of our own. From there, we’ll continue on to explore Cairo’s cultural heart with a visit to an iconic mosque (you’ll find it on the £5 note!) and the bustling Khan el-Khalili, where you’ll experience the city’s rhythm up close. Tonight the journey comes full circle with a beautiful closing dinner, sharing stories, laughter, and a sense of gratitude as we celebrate everything we’ve experienced together.

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 + What We’ll Eat

The first two nights 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. The hotel is located in a modern plaza with easy access to shops for picking up any supplies for our jaunt further afield! Shared rooms 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, with breakfast served on board. 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 feature two twin beds.

We’ll then spend a dreamy night 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 settle in for several nights at Nala Narty, a beautiful Nubian-style hotel that blends colorful design, warm hospitality, and sweeping Nile views. Expect vibrant architecture, inviting common spaces, and a strong sense of place rooted in Nubian culture. There’s time here for spa visits, quiet mornings overlooking the water, and evenings filled with connection — including a hands-on Nubian cooking class and dinners shared with local hosts. Room options range from river-view kings and twins to spacious suites, making this one of the most comfortable and memorable stays of the trip.

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 feature two twin beds.

For included meals, we’ll mix it up — We’ll dine everywhere from pyramid-view restaurants and chic rooftops to cozy local spots, feluccas on the Nile, and home-style Nubian kitchens. Where meals aren’t included, we’ll always point you toward our favorite recommendations — or you’re welcome to do your own thing if you feel like wandering. Egyptian food is generally healthy and delicious, and most 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.

Travel With Us

On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Nik Turnbull and Sameh Makram as your hosts, and the lovely Jenny Lord as photographer.

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, Koh Tao and Egypt 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!

Getting There and Away

The retreat begins and ends in Cairo and international flights will arrive and depart from Cairo International Airport (CAI). 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?

Egypt in 2026? We’re moving forward with full confidence! We simply wouldn’t host these retreats in good conscience if we didn’t believe it was the right time to go based on the reality on the ground.

Here is a transparent look at why:

Geography + Safety: While Egypt is culturally part of the Middle East, it is geographically a massive North African nation, with the entirety of Sinai buffering the rest of the country, where these three trips take place, from neighboring Israel and Jordan. The areas we visit are hundreds of miles away from any bordering conflict and the country has a firm, long-standing policy of not hosting any foreign military bases on its soil.

Official Standing: The US State Department currently ranks Egypt at a Level 2 Travel Advisory — the exact same safety tier assigned to France, the UK, and the Bahamas. The US Embassy in Cairo remains fully open and operational.

Flight Security: Notably, Egyptian airspace remains entirely unaffected and open, and recent flight radars show that Egypt remains a busy, stable hub.

Connection Concerns: Stopovers giving you the cancellation jitters? No sweat! New direct flight paths from the US to Cairo are launching this year with Egypt Air, meaning more options for a secure flight path with no need for a stop over. Direct flights currently connect Cairo with New York and Washington, adding Los Angeles in May, and Chicago in June. Alex has been flying the JFK to CAI route to reach these retreats for years (it’s a great business class redemption value for our points loving ladies, too!) Europe also offers countless connections to Cairo and the Red Sea.

A Growing Welcome: Rather than slowing down, Egypt is leaning into its role as a global cultural hub the energy on the ground is electric with major events like Sandbox, Zamna, the Cairo Film Festival, and the massive EXIT Festival at the Pyramids all moving forward as scheduled.

Extend Your Adventure

Not quite ready to say goodbye to Egypt? We don’t blame you. Prior to the Ancient Egypt retreat, you have the option to begin your journey with not one, but two additional Wander Women retreats, each offering a completely different (and equally unforgettable) side of the country. You can add one — or go all in and experience both for the ultimate Egypt immersion.

Multi-Trip Magic: When booking two or more of our Egypt retreats, we’ll include your transfers and a bridge-night stay so you don’t have to lift a finger — a total value of over $300! — just relax and let the journey unfold seamlessly.

Undiscovered Egypt | September 16-23

Start your journey with the first of our three retreats — Wander Women Undiscovered Egypt. Designed for those who want to scratch beneath the surface and explore Egypt’s wild, untouched corners, this is your opportunity to see the country through a new lens. Picture an after-hours “night at the museum” experience, sunrise yoga on the dunes, and walks through desert oases lined with date palms. Between campfire nights under a blanket of stars and chilling seaside in a hip coastal town, this week is the perfect grounding prelude to our time at sea.

Red Sea Liveaboard | September 24-October 1

Spend a week at sea between our two land retreats with our Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard. This is your chance to swap desert landscapes for turquoise waters as we sail and dive our way through the Red Sea, one of the most biodiverse and visually stunning marine environments in the world. Expect vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear visibility, and encounters with colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and — depending on the sites — reef sharks gliding effortlessly through the blue. Between dives, we’ll enjoy life onboard, sun-soaked decks, salty hair, and that unmistakable liveaboard camaraderie that forms when days are spent underwater and nights are spent swapping stories beneath the stars.

Logistics + Transitions — Whether you choose one extension or both, we coordinate the logistics to ensure a smooth, stress-free transition. Experience Egypt in layers, at an unhurried pace, and in true Wander Women style.

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, with the final amount due no later than two weeks prior to departure.

That said, 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.

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. 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. We’re always here to chat.

Wander Women Signature Egypt: A Yoga + Ancient Adventure Retreat 2026

$5,200.00 – $6,500.00Price range: $5,200.00 through $6,500.00

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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. 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 $30 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.