7 Nights / 8 Days Luxor to Aswan
Some journeys are planned. Others are revealed.
This intimate writing retreat follows the ancient curve of the Nile—the same artery that carried poets, merchants, pilgrims, and kings—inviting you to slow your pace, sharpen your attention, and let the landscape do what it has always done best: tell stories.
We begin on land, grounding ourselves in Luxor at Al Moudira, a storied oasis of courtyards, gardens, and candlelit rooms. From there, we step aboard a Nour El Nil dahabiya, a traditional sailing vessel designed for elegance, silence, and access to places larger ships cannot reach. Over five nights, the river becomes both setting and muse.
This is not a tour. It is a passage—through villages and temples, desert and water, solitude and shared ritual—crafted for writers who crave depth, beauty, and time to listen.
The Experience
2 nights at Al Moudira, Luxor — a refined, timeless retreat before we sail
5-night private sail aboard a Nour El Nil dahabiya
Daily opportunities for writing, reflection, and guided exploration
Ancient sites visited slowly, often without crowds
Swimming in the Nile, desert walks, and evenings under the stars
Thoughtfully curated meals and spaces designed for conversation and quiet
Sail Itinerary
Luxor to Aswan | 250 km
Day 1 — Esna: Where the River Welcomes You
We board our dahabiya in Esna, a lively merchant town 33 miles south of Luxor. Before setting sail, we descend—literally—into history at the Temple of Khnum, sitting nine meters below the modern street. The walk there winds through streets layered with textiles, spices, and daily life, offering our first reminder that Egypt is not frozen in time—it is alive and unfolding.
As the sails lift, the retreat truly begins.
Day 2 — El Kab & Edfu: Cities of Gods and Fishermen
In the morning, we dock at El Kab, once the capital of Upper Egypt. A walk through a fishermen’s village leads us to a dramatic necropolis carved into the mountainside—tombs and temples that feel suspended between desert and sky.
By afternoon, we arrive in Edfu, home to the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. Horse-drawn carriages carry us through the city to the temple gates, where myth and architecture converge. That evening, we sail on to a quiet island, the river softening as the light fades.
Day 3 — Sail & Swim: The River as Muse
This day belongs entirely to the Nile.
We sail unhurriedly, write between breezes, and stop at an island for a swim or a contemplative walk. As dusk approaches, there may be an opportunity to walk into the desert along a valley marked with ancient hieroglyphs and Stone Age inscriptions—early attempts to leave something behind.
That night, we anchor beside the floodlit temple of Gebel Silsileh, the silence broken only by water and wind.
Day 4 — Gebel Silsileh: Where the Nile Narrows
Here, the river passes between two mountain ranges at its narrowest point. Large cruise ships cannot stop—so often, we are alone.
We explore the small Temple of Horemheb and the sandstone quarries that supplied stone for Egypt’s most iconic monuments. The afternoon is spent sailing, stopping along a picturesque riverbank for lunch and swimming, the desert glowing gold around us.
Day 5 — Kom Ombo: Gods, Crocodiles, and the Bend in the River
After a night beneath the stars, we wake near Kom Ombo, where a striking double temple rises above a curve in the Nile. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it honors Sobek, the crocodile-headed god.
We also visit the Crocodile Museum, home to mummified crocodiles that speak to the reverence—and fear—this creature once inspired. The river continues to carry us forward, steady and eternal.
Day 6 — Aswan: Arrival Without Hurry
We wake to the sight of the desert closing in as we approach Aswan. Here, the sailing portion of our journey comes to an end.
While government regulations require dahabiyas to dock near the Aswan Bridge—less idyllic than our previous anchorages—the spirit of the journey remains intact. You arrive relaxed, grounded, and altered in the quiet way only slow travel allows.
Before We Sail: Luxor at Al Moudira
Our time at Al Moudira offers a gentle threshold between the modern world and the river. Hidden courtyards, shaded gardens, and timeless interiors create space to settle in, write, and begin forming the community that will travel together downriver.
This Retreat Is For You If…
You believe travel is a form of storytelling
You crave inspiration that comes from place, not pressure
You want access—to landscapes, histories, and moments most travelers miss
You value elegance, intimacy, and unhurried days
You are ready to listen—to the river, to your work, to yourself
Meet Your Writing Instructor:
Lisa Fugard
Lisa Fugard was born in South Africa and came to the United States in 1980. After a career in theater in New York, London, and South Africa, she turned to writing. Her short stories have been published in Story, Outside, and numerous literary magazines, and her travel writing, essays, and book reviews have appeared in The New York Times.
Her first novel, Skinner’s Drift, a compelling story of family secrets set in rural South Africa, was named a Notable Book of 2006 by the New York Times, a finalist for the Los Angeles Times’ Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction, and runner-up for the 2007 Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
She lives in Southern California, where she runs weekly workshops in Encinitas and is currently at work on her second novel.
What’s Included
Accommodation
2 nights at Al Moudira, Luxor — historic elegance, serene courtyards, and gardens
5 nights aboard a private Nour El Nil dahabiya with ensuite cabins
Meals & Dining
Daily Breakfast at Al Moudira
Welcome dinner at Al Moudira
Daily breakfasts, lunches, and dinners curated on board the ship
Specialty dining experiences inspired by local flavors, served with care
Guided Writing Sessions
Daily writing instruction and workshops with award-winning author Lisa Fugard
Opportunities for personalized feedback and creative exploration
Curated Excursions & Experiences
Private visits to historic sites including temples, necropolises, and local villages
Horse-and-carriage ride in Edfu, desert walks, and river swims
Evening stops at less-visited sites for quiet reflection and photography
Onboard Comforts & Amenities
Elegant, quiet cabins with personal storage and lounge spaces
Decks for writing, meditation, or simply watching the Nile pass by
Air-conditioned cabins
Local Experts & Crew
Professional dahabiya crew and captain ensuring smooth sailing
Local guides at key historical sites for richer context and storytelling
Transfers & Logistics
Transport to and from Al Moudira and Nour El Nil boarding points
All permits and docking fees along the Nile
Not Included
International flights to or from Egypt
Internal flights to or from Luxor & Aswan
Airport transfers to or from Luxor & Aswan
Meals and tours not specified in the itinerary
Tips for hotel and ship staff
Alcoholic beverages
PRICING
| Cabin Type | Price (Per Person) | Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writer Sharing | $4,850 | For participants in workshop | Multiple |
| Non-Writer/Companion Sharing | SOLD OUT | For friends/family | 2 |
| Premium Cabin Sharing | SOLD OUT | Larger, enhanced comfort | 1 |
| Single Cabin | SOLD OUT | Private cabin | 2 |
Payment Schedule -$1500 non-refundable deposit due within 7 days of booking. Balances due by June 1st, 2026.
Contact Us
For questions or to reserve your spot, please contact us:
thecuratedpassenger@gmail.com
+ 1 323.608.8553.
We’re happy to help with cabin selection, itinerary details, or any special requests.