7 Nights / 8 Days Luxor to Aswan
Where Art, Imagination & Ancient Worlds Meet
There are places in the world that seem to exist somewhere between reality and imagination. Egypt is one of them.
From the golden light falling across ancient temples to the quiet rhythm of life along the Nile, Egypt has captivated artists, explorers, and storytellers for centuries. Its landscapes, colors, textures, and extraordinary history offer endless inspiration for those who seek to see the world a little differently.
Join celebrated pastel artist Katie Rodgers for an intimate creative journey through Egypt, where art, adventure, and discovery come together along the banks of the Nile.
Inspired by Katie's dreamlike approach to art, this retreat invites you to slow down, observe, and discover the extraordinary beauty hidden in the everyday
Through guided creative sessions, cultural encounters, and time spent exploring some of Egypt's most remarkable landscapes, we will discover how travel can awaken our imagination and deepen our connection to the world around us.
Our journey begins in Luxor, surrounded by the grandeur of ancient Egypt, before continuing aboard an elegant traditional dahabiya sailing along the Nile.
Away from the crowds and the pace of modern life, our days will unfold with the river—visiting ancient temples, wandering through villages, and finding inspiration in the changing colors of the desert and the timeless beauty of the Nile.
Throughout our journey, Katie will share her creative process and guide guests in exploring the expressive possibilities of pastels, encouraging each participant to develop a more personal way of interpreting the world around them.
Whether you are an experienced artist or simply someone who longs to reconnect with your creativity, this is an invitation to explore, experiment, and see Egypt through an entirely new lens.
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 drawing, 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 Artist:
Katie Rodgers
Katie Rodgers is an artist whose pastel works explore the space between reality and imagination. Inspired by wild landscapes, adventure, and the quiet enchantment of everyday life, she creates dreamlike worlds that invite us to look more closely at the beauty and wonder that surround us.
Her distinctive artistic vision has led to collaborations with some of the world's most celebrated luxury and creative brands, including Clé de Peau Beauté, Oribe, Estée Lauder, Diptyque Paris, Jaeger-LeCoultre, La Maison du Pastel, and Veuve Clicquot.
Her work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Glamour, ELLE, and The New York Times.
After nearly a decade in New York City, Katie now lives and works in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the dramatic landscapes and luminous desert light provide a fitting backdrop for her imaginative work.
For this special journey, Katie brings her love of art, adventure, and the natural world to one of the most visually captivating destinations on earth.
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 Artist Sessions
Daily art sessions and instructions with Katie Rodgers
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 drawing, 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
Transfer from Luxor Airport to Al Moudira Hotel
Transport from Al Moudira to the Nour El Nil boarding point
All permits and docking fees along the Nile
Transport from Nour El Nil to your Aswan mainland hotel.
Not Included
International flights to or from Egypt
Internal flights to or from Luxor & Aswan
Airport transfers in Aswan
Meals and tours not specified in the itinerary
Tips for hotel and ship staff
Alcoholic beverages
~ The Retreat ~
Day by Day
Arrival – The Moudira Hotel - Day 1
Arrival at Al Moudira Hotel
Guests arrive in Luxor at their own pace and transfer to The Moudira, a palace-like hideaway on the West Bank.
Spend the day resting by the pool, wandering the hotel’s courtyards and salons. This day is designed to soften the landing, allowing jet lag to dissolve and curiosity to awaken before we gather as a group.
Pre-Sail Orientation — The Moudira Hotel - Day 2
Late Afternoon (Approx. 4:30-5:30 PM): Orientation & Opening Circle
As the afternoon light softens, we’ll gather on Al Moudira’s Sunset Terrace, overlooking the hotel’s private working farm, with the golden limestone peaks of the Theban Mountains rising in the distance. As the sun dips behind the hills, the landscape is washed in shades of rose, amber, and violet—a beautiful introduction to the colors and light that will inspire our creative journey.
Evening: 7:30 PM Dinner — Moudira Farm Kitchen
Dinner is served in the candlelit Moudira Farm Kitchen, surrounded by the lush greenery of Al Moudira Hotel and overlooking the farm, The Moudira Farm Kitchen offers a unique dining experience in the heart of nature. This shared meal marks the gentle beginning of the retreat—no formal programming, just connection, warmth, and the pleasure of being exactly where you are.
On Board Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Creative Sessions with Katie Rodgers
Day 1 — Embarkation Day (Esna)
Finding Inspiration Along the Nile
Late Afternoon (Once Sailing Begins | 60 minutes)
Opening Creative Session: The Art of Observation
Introduction to Katie's creative process and approach to working with pastels.
Exploring the relationship between observation, imagination, and artistic expression.
Short drawing exercises inspired by the passing landscape, focusing on shape, color, and composition.
Beginning a personal visual journal of the journey.
Evening (After Dinner | Optional)
An informal gathering on deck to share first impressions, sketches, and inspiration from the day.
Day 2 — El Kab & Edfu
Ancient Forms, Colors & Textures
Late Morning (Post–El Kab, Pre-Lunch | 60–75 minutes)
Creative Session: Drawing from the Past
Following our morning exploration of El Kab, we gather aboard the dahabiya for a session inspired by Egypt's ancient artistic traditions.
Exploring line, form, pattern, and composition.
Drawing inspiration from ancient carvings, architectural details, and the colors of the surrounding landscape.
Experimenting with translating observed details into personal pastel studies.
As this is one of our more active touring days, the session will be intentionally relaxed, allowing guests to work at their own pace.
Evening (At Anchor | Optional)
Informal sharing of sketches and works in progress, with opportunities for conversation and creative exchange.
Day 3 — Full Sail & Swim Day
The Colors of the Nile
Late Morning (While Sailing | 90 minutes)
Pastel Workshop: Capturing Light & Atmosphere
With a full day on the river, we have the luxury of slowing down and immersing ourselves in the landscape.
Katie will guide a focused pastel session exploring:
The subtle shifts of color and light across the Nile.
Creating depth and atmosphere through layering and blending.
Working with a limited color palette.
Moving beyond literal representation to capture the mood and feeling of a place.
Guests will have time to develop their own pastel compositions, inspired by the changing scenery.
Late Afternoon / Sunset (Optional): Desert Walk & Drawing Inspiration
As the light cools, we step into a nearby desert valley for a contemplative walk among ancient hieroglyphs and Stone Age inscriptions.
Here we explore the idea of mark-making across time—how humans have used lines, symbols, and images to interpret the world and leave traces of their existence.
The experience invites reflection on the relationship between art, memory, and landscape, and how even the simplest marks can convey meaning across thousands of years.
Guests may bring sketchbooks to capture impressions, textures, and forms for future work.
Evening (On Deck, Under the Stars | Optional)
A relaxed opportunity to share works in progress, discuss discoveries, and exchange ideas.
Day 4 — Gebel Silsileh
Landscape & Imagination
Early Afternoon (Post-Exploration, Pre-Swim | 60–90 minutes)
Creative Session: Beyond What We See
Inspired by the dramatic sandstone formations of Gebel Silsileh, this session explores the space between observation and imagination—a defining quality of Katie's artistic work.
Interpreting landscapes through color, texture, and personal expression.
Experimenting with composition and unexpected color combinations.
Moving from preliminary sketches toward more developed pastel works.
Exploring how memory and emotion influence the way we depict a landscape.
With minimal formal instruction, the emphasis is on independent exploration and creative freedom.
Guests may choose to work on the shaded deck or in a quiet interior space.
Evening (After Dinner | Optional)
An intimate gathering to share creative discoveries, exchange ideas, and receive optional feedback from Katie.
Day 5 — Kom Ombo
A Personal Interpretation of Egypt
Late Morning (After Temple Visit | 90 minutes)
Final Creative Session: Bringing It All Together
Our final workshop invites guests to draw upon the colors, landscapes, architectural details, and experiences that have inspired them throughout the journey.
Revisiting sketches, color studies, and works in progress.
Developing a final pastel composition inspired by a personal memory or impression of Egypt.
Exploring finishing touches, composition, and individual artistic expression.
Reflecting on how travel and observation can continue to inform our creative practice.
The emphasis is on personal interpretation rather than producing a perfect finished work.
Evening (After Dinner)
A Celebration of Our Creative Journey
We gather for an informal presentation of selected works created during the retreat.
Guests are invited to share the inspiration behind their pieces, reflect on their creative discoveries, and celebrate the different ways each artist has interpreted the landscapes and experiences of Egypt.
Guiding Principle
Our creative sessions will follow the natural rhythm of the Nile, allowing time for focused instruction, independent exploration, and quiet observation.
Morning workshops take advantage of the soft natural light, while afternoons invite a more intuitive approach to drawing and painting. The changing landscapes, ancient monuments, and everyday life along the river become both our inspiration and our subject.
Evenings remain relaxed, with opportunities for conversation and sharing always optional.
Above all, the retreat is designed to encourage curiosity, experimentation, and the freedom to see the world through an artist's eyes.
CABIN SELECTION & PRICING
| Cabin Type | Price (Per Person) | Notes | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist Sharing (Shared Twin Cabin) | $6850 | 4 | |
| Panoramic Suite (1 King Bed) | Two exclusive panoramic suites offer additional space and sweeping views of the Nile. Available for single or double occupancy. Please inquire for pricing. | 2 | |
| Single Cabin (Private Cabin & Moudira Suite) | $8650 | 4 |
Payment Schedule -$2500 non-refundable deposit due within 7 days of booking. 2nd Payments due February 1st, 2027. Balances due May 1st, 2027.
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.