In 2027, join legendary photographer Art Wolfe for an unforgettable photographic expedition through Egypt, where extraordinary access, breathtaking landscapes, and thousands of years of history come together in one remarkable journey. Designed for photographers of all experience levels, this immersive adventure combines iconic monuments, vibrant local culture, and exceptional instruction in the field.

The experience begins in Cairo with one of the tour’s defining moments: private sunrise access to the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza before they open to the public. With the soft morning light illuminating these ancient wonders, you’ll enjoy an unrivaled opportunity to create images few photographers ever have the chance to make.

From Cairo, travel south to Abu Simbel for sunrise at the monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari before continuing to Aswan, where you’ll sail the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, visit a colorful Nubian village, and enjoy another exclusive early-morning session at the magnificent Temple of Philae. In Luxor, photograph the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple at sunrise, Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, and the timeless beauty of the Nile, with optional hot-air balloon photography over the West Bank.

Along the way you’ll explore the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, wander the historic streets and mosques of Islamic Cairo, visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum, and experience authentic Egyptian culture through local markets, traditional villages, and memorable regional cuisine.

Throughout the expedition, Art Wolfe will share his renowned approach to composition, light, and visual storytelling while offering personalized guidance in the field. Whether photographing monumental architecture, sweeping desert landscapes, or intimate cultural moments, you’ll return home with not only extraordinary images, but a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s most captivating civilizations.

This is far more than a sightseeing tour—it’s an immersive photographic experience featuring exclusive access, exceptional instruction, and unforgettable moments from sunrise to sunset across the timeless landscapes of Egypt.

Led by Art Wolfe and Gavriel Jecan

Limited to 8 participants

Transportation and Accommodation

All meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Cairo. You are encouraged to arrive one day prior to the workshop so that there is no worry of flight delays causing any problems. Our arrangers can assist with additional hotel nights if needed.

Itinerary

Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.

Day 1 Nov 10  | Arrival in Cairo (D)

Arrive Cairo International Airport.

Upon arrival transfer to hotel. We will try to coordinate the transfers with each person’s arrival, if you arrive at a close time to anther participant we will get you both on the same transfer. Please plan for your flight to arrive in Cairo, before or no later than 6pm, Nov 7. The following day the activities begin, and you will need to be rested.

If the majority of the group arrives at a reasonable hour there will be a welcome dinner with Art Wolfe and his assistant instructor Gavriel Jecan

Overnight in Cairo

Accommodation: Sofitel Al Gezirah Hotel (Rooms are on a higher floor and with Nile view guaranteed)

Day 2 Nov 11 | Everyday Cairo: A Photographic Walk Through Zamalek (B & L)

Group to wake up before sunrise to get themselves ready for sunrise pictures either from the balcony of their rooms.

Today offers an opportunity to explore a different side of Cairo through the streets and neighborhood businesses of Zamalek, a leafy island district in the Nile. Away from the monumental archaeological sites, discover the rhythms of everyday Egyptian life through local bakeries, traditional trades, food preparation, storefronts, street scenes, and architectural details.

With time to observe and photograph at a relaxed pace, the morning provides opportunities to explore visual storytelling, environmental portraiture, and the small details that bring a place to life.

Enjoy a meal at Abou El Sid, known for its traditional Egyptian cuisine and distinctive atmosphere. The remainder of the day can be adjusted around the group’s photography opportunities and meal arrangements.

Overnight in Cairo.

Accommodation: Sofitel Al Gezirah Hotel

Day 3 Nov 12 | The Great Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum (B & D)

Begin before sunrise with an exclusive photographic visit to the Great Sphinx at Giza. Special access allows the group to photograph this extraordinary monument away from the usual crowds, making the most of the quiet atmosphere and early light.

Continue exploring the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids provide opportunities to work with monumental scale, strong geometric forms, and the contrast between ancient stone and desert surroundings.

After the morning session, return to the hotel for breakfast and a break before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum. Explore its remarkable collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, sculpture, and archaeological treasures.

Conclude the day with dinner at a first-class local restaurant.

Overnight in Cairo.

Accommodation: Sofitel Al Gezirah Hotel

Day 4 Nov 13  | Fly to Aswan and Continue to Abu Simbel (B & L)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to Cairo airport for the domestic flight to Aswan. On arrival, continue to Abu Simbel by air conditioned bus transfer.

Set against the expansive waters of Lake Nasser, Abu Simbel is home to two extraordinary rock-cut temples commissioned by Ramesses II and dedicated to the king and Queen Nefertari.

If time allows there may be an opportunity to photograph the surrounding landscape before the evening’s Sound and Light Show, which brings the history of the temples to life beneath the night sky.

Overnight in Abu Simbel.

Accommodation: Azal Lagoons Resort

Day 5 Nov 14  | Abu Simbel: Temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari (B & D)

Rise early for a visit to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. The colossal statues of Ramesses II dominate the Great Temple’s facade, while the smaller Temple of Hathor, dedicated to Queen Nefertari, is renowned for its elegant statues and richly decorated interiors.

Allow time to explore and photograph the temples, from their monumental exteriors and symmetrical compositions to the intricate reliefs and details within. The early hours offer a particularly rewarding opportunity to work with the changing light and experience these remarkable monuments before the day becomes busy.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, enjoy a break before further exploration. Depending on local arrangements, the afternoon may offer an opportunity to walk through Abu Simbel town, observe local life, or explore the landscape around Lake Nasser.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Abu Simbel.

Accommodation: Azal Lagoons Resort

Day 6 Nov 15  | Return to Aswan (B & D)

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Abu Simbel airport to catch flight to
Aswan (40 minutes flying time). Upon arrival in Aswan, we will collect our luggage and drive to our hotel.

Before sunset, we’ll enjoy a felucca (sailboat) ride on the Nile around the Nubian islands then move to a motorboat for a half hour ride to a Nubian island close to the first Cataract. We will take some time to visit this Nubian village and explore as we photograph then return to the motorboat and drive to where we will have dinner in a local Nubian restaurant before returning to hotel.

Overnight in Aswan

Day 7 Nov 16 | Philae Temple and Aswan (B & D)

Early wakeup call, tea and coffee in your room then we will meet in reception lobby to board the bus to Philae temple (another private and exclusive visit before tourist official visiting hours), to have it for our group, only us.

Following our exclusive access we will have a guided tour between of the area and will return to hotel to enjoy breakfast. We will have some free time after breakfast to rest and download photographs. At 2 pm, we will meet again, for afternoon/early evening photo session. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant then return to the hotel and overnight in Aswan.

Overnight in Aswan.

Day 8 Nov 17 | Travel to Luxor and Explore Luxor Temple (B & D)

Depart Aswan for Luxor by private, air-conditioned vehicle. The journey takes approximately four hours, subject to road conditions and stops.

Upon arrival, check into the Sonesta St. George, where Nile-view rooms are planned. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an opportunity to photograph the Nile from the hotel or take a break before the afternoon’s activities.

Visit Luxor Temple, an impressive complex of monumental statues, courtyards, columns, and obelisks. The temple is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon and after dark, when its illuminated architecture creates striking opportunities for photography.

Overnight in Luxor.

Accommodation: Sonesta St. George (Nile-view room)

Day 9 Nov 18 | Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings (B & D)

An optional early-morning hot-air-balloon excursion may be available for those who wish to experience the West Bank from above. This activity is not included in the tour price and would be subject to local arrangements and weather conditions.

After breakfast, cross to the West Bank to visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most distinctive architectural landmarks. Its terraced design rises dramatically against the limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari, creating striking compositions that emphasize geometry, scale, and the surrounding landscape.

Continue to the Valley of the Kings, where richly decorated royal tombs reveal the artistry and beliefs of ancient Egypt. The included entrance arrangements cover the tomb of Tutankhamun, and the tomb of King Seti 1 father of King Ramses 2. We will also visit to the Colossi of Memnon if time permits.

The afternoon schedule will allow for a return to the hotel and time to rest after the morning’s visits.

Overnight in Luxor.

Accommodation: Sonesta St. George (Nile-view room)

Day 10 Nov 19 | Karnak Temple and the Nile (B & D)

Early AM Wake up and the group will meet our Egyptologist guide in reception at 5:45 am. Drive to the temple of Karnak for sunrise pictures from inside the temple followed by a guided tour. Return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast. Afternoon a brief break for rest there will be an optional afternoon field session.

Overnight Luxor.

Accommodation: Sonesta St. George (Nile-view room)

Day 11 Nov 20 | Fly Back to Cairo and Visit Saqqara (B & L)

Transfer to Luxor airport for the domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, collect luggage and continue to Saqqara, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites and the location of the Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Dating to Egypt’s Third Dynasty, the Step Pyramid represents a landmark in the development of monumental stone architecture. Explore the archaeological landscape and, subject to site access and the confirmed schedule, visit selected tombs or interiors.

The exact order of the day’s activities will depend on the flight schedule and the time available for sightseeing. Transfer to the Cairo hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 12 Nov 21 Cairo | Historic Cairo and Farewell Dinner (B & D)

Explore the historic heart of Cairo, beginning with the Citadel of Salah El-Din and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The mosque’s imposing domes, minarets, courtyards, and decorative interiors offer opportunities to photograph the distinctive architectural traditions of Islamic Cairo, while the Citadel provides sweeping views across the city.

Continue to Al-Muizz Street and the Ghoreya area, where historic buildings, intricately decorated facades, traditional shops, and lively streets reveal the character of old Cairo. The walk provides a final opportunity to photograph the city’s rich architectural heritage alongside the rhythms of contemporary life.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a first-class local restaurant and reflect on the experiences and photographs collected throughout the journey.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 13 Nov 22 Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo International Airport for onward flights. Airport assistance and transfer arrangements will be coordinated according to individual departure schedules.

Travelers can depart at any time on this day.

(End of Tour)

TOUR INCLUSIONS

• Twelve nights of accommodation in five-star or comparable hotels, on a twin-sharing basis, with Nile-view rooms specified in Cairo and Luxor.
• Daily breakfast and at least one additional meal per day, either lunch or dinner. The precise meal schedule will be confirmed in the final itinerary.
• Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo.
• Airport meet-and-assist services.
• Private, air-conditioned transportation for scheduled transfers and excursions.
• Exclusive sunrise access to the Great Sphinx, as specified in the tour arrangements.
• Entrance tickets to the sites listed in the confirmed itinerary.
• Egyptian visa service.
• Bottled mineral water during sightseeing and road treats.
• Felucca excursion on the Nile in Luxor, including refreshments and local treats.
• Other services specifically stated in the final confirmed itinerary.

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

• International airfare to and from Egypt.
• Travel and medical insurance.
• Tips for drivers and local guides.
• Optional hot-air-balloon excursion over the Valley of the Kings.
• Alcoholic beverages and other personal purchases.
• Additional meals, transfers, excursions, or services not specified as included.
• Any additional costs arising from separate private airport transfers when arrival or departure schedules differ from the coordinated group arrangements.