Wander Women Undiscovered Egypt:
An Adventure Retreat
Bahariya, White Desert, Fayoum + Beyond
September 16-23, 2026
Join us for eight unforgettable days exploring the hidden gems of Egypt — places most international travelers never get the opportunity to see. This journey is designed for Wander Women who have already experienced Egypt’s icons and are ready to go deeper, and further off the map — though all are welcome.
This marks our very first Undiscovered Egypt retreat, and it’s one we’ve been dreaming up for years in partnership with our longstanding partners and friends in the region! We’ll trade temples for sculpted limestone formations, crowds for chic beach towns, and long sightseeing days for star-filled nights under canvas. Think a quick toast to Cairo without the chaos, vast horizons in the White Desert, an artistic oasis in Fayoum, and an insider’s Red Sea finale. Along the way, we’ll weave in grounding yoga practices, soft adventure, and seamless logistics in places that require serious local expertise.
This is not your typical Egypt tour. This is Undiscovered Egypt.
Each location was chosen to show you a different side of Egypt — one that unfolds gradually and rewards curiosity. And, yes! As always, a Wander Women photographer will be traveling with us, capturing your core memories across the journey so you can stay present and relive it all later.
Been to Cairo and El Gouna with us before? Not like this you haven’t! Read on for more details.
One week of Egypt adventures not enough for you?
Join us for Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard and Wander Women Signature Egypt
The Details
This eight day retreat will be held from September 16-23, 2026. The cost, including all of the below, starts at $3,700 per person for a shared room, or $4,200 for a private room.
What’s Included
• Seven nights of accommodation in carefully selected boutique hotels, desert lodges, glamping sites, and one night of fully supported desert camping
• Six breakfasts, three lunches + six dinners
• Daily yoga
• All outlined activities — see below!
• Entrance fees to and tours of all sites with our favorite guide
• VIP airport transfers
• Local tipping for activities and meals (we generously tip on your behalf, removing the stress and anxiety of when and how much to tip in a new culture!)
• A custom welcome bag
• Professional photos of the retreat, including underwater photography
• Donation to a local NGO
What’s Not Included
• Flights
• Mandatory travel insurance
• Alcohol not included in the itinerary
• Other activities or meals not outlined in the itinerary
The Itinerary
Subject to change, and expect surprises, but here’s the general idea.
Day 1: Welcome to Egypt! After settling into our villa, take some time to refresh, unpack, and ease into the rhythm of the retreat. In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a grounding yoga practice around the pool to roll out the travel kinks. Perhaps you’ve been to Cairo before; but not like this — we’ll see the pyramids before as the sun rises and the GEM museum as the moon does. As evening approaches, we’ll have a dinner in one of Cairo’s scene-y upscale plazas beloved by locals before heading to the main event — an extended-hours visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. This is a true “night at the museum” experience away from the usual crowds — exploring its striking architecture and the stories behind Egypt’s ancient treasures. You’ll head to bed feeling grounded, inspired, and buzzing with excitement for the days ahead.
Day 2: We’ll depart before dawn for Egypt’s most iconic sight like you’ve never seen it before — golden hour at the Pyramids of Giza. We’ll arrive ahead of the crowds for a rare, peaceful experience before enjoying a well-earned breakfast at Khufu’s, named the number one restaurant on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants List in 2026! Soaking in the magnificent vista one more time (with coffee or a breakfast cocktail!) before beginning our journey south into Egypt’s Western Desert. Leave the city behind and watch the landscape slowly open into wide desert plains until arriving in Bahariya Oasis, a lush pocket of palms and natural springs that feels like a mirage. After check-in, you’ll have time to explore the resort’s surrounding palm groves and rolling hills, or take a dip in the pool supplied by water from an underground spring. Dinner will be served at our desert lodge, followed by a relaxed evening yin yoga class under the stars — the calm before tomorrow’s true desert adventure.
Day 3: Today we’ll switch gears — literally — transferring into 4×4 vehicles and heading deep into areas traversed by only the most intrepid travelers. We’ll traverse the White Desert, where chalk formations rise from the sand in shapes that defy logic — mushrooms, arches, waves, and towers sculpted by wind over millennia. Lunch will be enjoyed picnic-style in the desert, with plenty of time for wandering, photography, and soaking in the silence. As the afternoon light softens, we’ll arrive at our secluded nomadic camp. This is a true ‘leave no trace’ experience: a simple, beautiful setup that honors the landscape’s stillness and ensures we leave without disturbing its ancient peace. As the sun dips low, we’ll roll out our mats for sunset yoga by the campfire — a practice framed by shifting colors. We’ll end the day with dinner under one of the clearest night skies imaginable, sharing stories and stargazing before camping out in the desert. A night designed to stay with you forever.
Day 4: We’ll rise early for sunrise yoga in the desert, watching the light slowly transform the landscape around us. After breakfast at camp, we’ll pack up and begin our drive back toward Bahariya and enjoy lunch before continuing onward to Fayoum, a literal oasis in the desert known for its natural beauty, ancient history, and creative communities. As the scenery shifts, we’ll arrive at our boutique sanctuary, a lodge in the heart of Tunis Village. After checking in to your earth-toned, traditional styled room, the afternoon is yours to lean into the slow pace — take a dip in the pool, wander through the organic gardens, pop through town, or journal on the terrace. We’ll gather in the evening for dinner at the farm-to-table restaurant, watching the sun dip below the horizon and ending the day with a pop-up movie night. Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, anyone?
Day 5: After morning yoga and breakfast, we’ll set out to explore Fayoum’s remarkable landscapes. We’ll live our Egyptologist dreams at Wadi Al-Hitan, The Valley of the Whales — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important fossil sites in the world. Here, you’ll walk among ancient whale skeletons preserved in the desert sand, offering a fascinating glimpse into a time when this region was submerged beneath the sea. We’re back to Tunis Village, a creative hub known for its pottery studios, artisan workshops, and relaxed, bohemian vibe for a choose-your-own-adventure lunch. After, we’ll meet local makers, browse handcrafted goods, and participate in a hands-on pottery experience. As evening approaches, we’ll head out to a modern architectural marvel of a desert camp for a stylish desert escape dinner.
Day 6: From sand to sea! Today we’re moving from desert stillness to coastal ease, stopping first for a visit to a brand-new, design-led seaside retreat loved by in-the-know Egyptians in Ain Sokha — a fresh escape created by a local team known for their eco-chic and creative vision. As one of the first groups to experience this unique coastal space, you’ll have the chance to stretch with Alex in their stunning new yoga studio, take your first dip in the Red Sea, and enjoy a vibrant lunch overlooking the water. By early evening, we’ll arrive in El Gouna, a colorful, laid-back town known for its peaceful lagoons and vibrant reef systems that the Wander Women team has been exploring for years! The evening is yours — enjoy sunset, dinner and epic shopping in the Abu Tig Marina, a ritzy escape for Egypt’s elite, and a new area base for Wander Women.
Day 7: We’re starting the day with a peaceful aerial yoga class at El Gouna’s wellness hub, and a famed breakfast at its eco-conscious community restaurant. All aboard! We’re off via private boat for a morning dip with the bottlenose dolphins of Shaab El Erg, a lagoon off the coast. In the afternoon, choose from a list of our fave local beach clubs depending on your vibe, and enjoy a lazy afternoon toasting with frozen cocktails, hitting the hammam, supporting the local economy with a shopping spree, or perhaps even a breeze seaside nap. We’re regrouping for a sunset camel ride along the beach — one last unforgettable experience to mark the journey. This evening, we’ll gather for our closing celebration at a mangrove-side dinner to share stories, laughs, and reflections on our week together.
Day 8: Enjoy one last unhurried breakfast as the morning light hits the Red Sea, soaking up those final moments with your Wander Women crew before departures begin. For those heading home, transfers will be arranged to ensure a smooth and stress-free departure. And for those not quite ready to say goodbye, the adventure continues with our Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard, where we’ll trade land for life at sea and dive into Egypt’s underwater world. These retreats are connected by a luxurious overnight stop at a stylish seaside all-inclusive in Port Ghalib to relax and reset before jumping onboard — best bit is, we cover the cost when you book both trips!
Where We’ll Stay + What We’ll Eat
We’ve carefully selected accommodations that reflect the landscapes we’re moving through and offer comfort, character, and a sense of place after full days of exploration. From boutique hotels and desert lodges to a night of true desert camping, each stay has been chosen to support both adventure and rest.
Our first night in Cairo will be spent at a stylish private villa that offers a calm and comfortable landing after international travel. Shared rooms in Cairo feature one large bed to share.
From Cairo, we journey west into the desert to Bahariya Oasis, where we’ll stay at a peaceful desert lodge surrounded by palms and open landscapes. This is our gateway to the Western Desert, and a place where the pace naturally slows. Shared rooms feature twin beds.
One of the most unforgettable nights of the retreat will be spent camping in the White Desert. This is not a permanent infrastructure, but a camp that is set up and packed down for each visit, allowing us to experience the desert in its purest form — equal parts adventure and magic. It’s sleepover vibes tonight with elegant bell tents shared amongst friends (which we all will be by then!) or small personal pop ups, plus thoughtfully prepared meals create a true Wander Women memorable moment.
From the White Desert, we continue onto Fayoum, where we’ll stay at another boutique lodge in the heart of Tunis town. This property has thoughtfully designed rooms, charming open air common spaces and a sparkling pool. Shared accommodations feature may feature twin beds or one large bed to share.
To close the retreat, we head east to the Red Sea and settle into a funky seaside resort in El Gouna. Located in the heart of a colorful, walkable marina and offering relaxed coastal charm, comfortable rooms, and easy access to restaurants, beaches, and lagoons. Shared rooms in El Gouna feature twin beds.
When it comes to food, due to the remoteness of this trip, mostmeals will be included. We’ll mix it up where we can, balancing traditional Egyptian group meals with modern menus and a la carte meals when possible. Egyptian cuisine is generally fresh, flavorful, and nourishing, with plenty of options for different dietary needs — all of which can be accommodated with advance notice. Expect vibrant mezze-style spreads, freshly baked breads, grilled vegetables, hearty stews, fragrant rice dishes, and naturally sweet desserts.
For non-included meals, we’ll point you toward curated restaurants where you can order exactly what you’re craving, or you’re welcome to venture out independently if you’d like a little solo time. Whether dining under the stars in the desert, sharing meals around a communal table, or enjoying a breezy Red Sea dinner, food on this retreat is about both nourishment and connection.
Travel With Us
On this trip, you’ll be traveling with Alex Baackes as your host and yoga teacher, resident shutter queen Rayna O’Nan as your photographer, and our longstanding friend and local Egyptologist Sameh Makram as our guide.
Alexandra Baackes is the founder of Wander Women Retreats and Alex in Wanderland and will lead your yoga practices throughout this retreat. She fell in love with Egypt when she first fulfilled her lifelong dream of visiting Egypt in 2018 and has been back countless 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, an aerial vinyasa and yin instructor, 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.
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.
Your photographer Rayna is the owner of Ocean Rays Photography and a beloved fixture at Wander Women. Rayna has joined us in Key Largo, Maldives, Raja Ampat, Fort Lauderdale, Bimini, Bali, Komodo, and in her home of West Palm Beach! As an avid scuba diver, she has a special place in her heart for the Red Sea, and can’t wait to return to Egypt in Wander Women style.
Getting There and Away
This retreat begins in Cairo on September 16th, where International flights will arrive and depart from Cairo International Airport (CAI). The retreat will conclude in El Gouna on September 23rd, from where you are free to hop one of many daily local flights from Hurghada International Airport (HRG) back to Cairo to coordinate with a round trip international flight. Or, you can book an open jaw flight (called multi-city in some booking platforms) into Cairo and out of Hurghada, which has direct flights to many European and other international destinations. Should you international flight timing require it, we are happy to assist you in booking an extra nights in El Gouna or Cairo.
Joining us for Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard? Heck yes! This liveaboard follows after Undiscovered Egypt and we’ve hand-picked a seaside oasis for one night’s restoration between retreats — and it’s included! We’ll take care of coordinating the transition, transfers, and logistics between El Gouna and the liveaboard, so all you need to do is book your spot and keep the adventure rolling. Once you’ve booked both back-to-back retreats, we’ll be in touch with more information.
Please feel free to reach out to us for help with flight recommendations — we’re always available at retreats@alexinwanderland.com. We offer an hour of complimentary consultation on booking your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
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. Following Undiscovered Egypt, you have the option to continue the 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 at a gorgeous seaside all-inclusive resort so you don’t have to lift a finger — a total value of over $300! — just relax and let the journey unfold seamlessly.
Red Sea Liveaboard | September 24-October 1
Wander Women Red Sea Liveaboard immediately follows this retreat! 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. We waited years for this stylish, safe, and woman-owned boat to appear in Egyptian waters! Between dives, we’ll enjoy onboard massages, sun-soaked decks, salty hair, sunset savasanas and that unmistakable liveaboard camaraderie that forms when days are spent underwater and nights are spent swapping stories beneath the stars.
Signature Egypt | October 2-11
For those who want to keep the magic alive, the journey continues seamlessly into our classic Wander Women Signature Egypt retreat. This is our deep dive into the country’s legendary history — temples, tombs, and iconic sights — woven together with yoga and soulful cultural immersion. While Undiscovered Egypt highlights the quiet, wild side modern Egypt, Ancient Egypt brings you face-to-face with its awe-inspiring past, offering the perfect balance to your desert and sea adventures.
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.
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? This is highly likely to be a one-time retreat — but sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when enrollment opens on other 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 Undiscovered Egypt: A Yoga + Ancient Adventure Retreat 2026
Price range: $3,700.00 through $4,200.00
F.A.Q.
So does non-refundable really mean non-refundable?
Yes, all payments are non-refundable. If the trip must be postponed or canceled 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 to visit 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, so we’ve tried to design an itinerary that balances the best of activity and downtime. But any time you want 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?
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 quite 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 or older for this retreat. We love the age diversity of the Wander Women community, which includes travelers ages 18 to 68! We get a lot of questions from those concerned they will be the oldest or youngest on a retreat — all are welcome, truly.
I have a unique rooming request, how can you help me?
Email us! We’ll do our best to make it happen via retreats@alexinwanderland.com.
I want to extend my trip. Can you help me?
Absolutely! The Wander Women team have traveled extensively through Egypt and will gladly offer an hour of complimentary consultation on expanding your trip, after which we will offer our hourly consulting at a special retreat guest rate.
