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
Arrive Cairo International Airport.
Group Transfer to hotel (for those arriving at appx same times). Those arriving at varying times, private transfer arranged (for extra fee) and transferred to a hotel. The Clients should plan for their flights to arrive (Cairo), before or no later than 6pm, Nov 5. The following day the activities begin, and clients 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
Day 2 Nov 11 Cairo
Group to wake up before sunrise to get themselves ready for sunrise pictures from the balcony of their rooms. Breakfast at the hotel then meet in reception lobby with the tour guide Egyptologist and start the visits to the Citadel of Salah Eldeen and, mosque of Mohammed Ali, mosque of Sultan Hassan and mosque of Al Rafai (in this mosque, the king Farouk and the Shah of Iran are buried).
Drive to the New Grand Egyptian Museum to visit followed by dinner in one of the local hotels located in front of the Sphinx and the Giza pyramids to enjoy dinner and take photos at sunset. After enjoying that dinner, we will drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3 Nov 12 Cairo
Early AM Wake up and the group will meet in reception area to leave at 4 am for our sunrise session at the Sphinx in Giza (this is a private and exclusive visit before official opening hours of the area). After this private visit, we will stay in the area to take more photos of the Sphinx and the pyramids then we will have our camels ready in front of the pyramids to photograph them together or separately. At about 9:30 am, we will board our private AC van/ bus and drive back to the hotel to enjoy a late breakfast.
This afternoon we will meet our guide in reception area and drive to Sakkara necropolis where the first manmade stone building ever is built dating back to 2720 BC, the pyramid of King Zoser. We will go inside the first pyramid ever with hieroglyphics written on the walls then we will visit an ancient tomb dating back to 2340 BC. Afternoon tea and snacks, followed by short visit near ancient Memphis, to photograph and visit a weaving school for the children of the village of Memphis. Return to hotel and rest. Overnight in Cairo. (B & L)
Day 4 Nov 13 Abu Simbel
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Cairo airport to catch our flight to Aswan. Arrive in Aswan and catch another flight to Abu Simbel or board an AC bus and drive to Abu Simbel.
Arrive in Abu Simbel, collect luggage and drive for 10 minutes to our hotel (hotels in the small town of Abu Simbel are basic but clean and nice). Tonight, we will attend the Sound and Light show under the stars. Return to hotel, enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Abu Simbel.
Day 5 Nov 14 Abu Simbel
Early AM wake up for our sunrise session at the temples of King Ramses and Queen Nefertari. Following the sunrise session, we will have a guided tour of the temples and return to the hotel for a late breakfast.
After breakfast there will be a short break for everyone to rest followed by an afternoon field session walking around the small town and an optional boat ride in lake Nasser.
Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Abu Simbel.
Day 6 Nov 15 Aswan
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and drive to Abu Simbel airport to catch a flight to Aswan. Upon arrival the group will be transported to our hotel, the legendary Old Cataract Sofitel hotel.
Before sunset, we’ll enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile (sailboat) around the Nubian islands then move to a motorboat for a half hour ride to a Nubian island close to the first Cataract. Visit this Nubian village then return to the motorboat and drive to where we will have dinner in a local Nubian restaurant then return to hotel.
Overnight in Aswan
Day 7 Nov 16 Aswan
Early AM wake up for our sunrise session at the Philae temple (another private and exclusive visit before tourist official visiting hours).
Following our private sunrise photo session, we will have a guided tour around the Philae temple and return to the hotel for breakfast. The group will have some free time to rest after breakfast. At approximately 2 pm, we will meet in the hotel lobby for an afternoon/early evening photo session. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant then return to the hotel.
Overnight in Aswan.
Day 8 Nov 17 Luxor
Breakfast at the hotel, check out and board our private AC van/ bus to drive to. Arrive in Luxor, check in to our hotel, Sonesta Saint George (Rooms with a full Nile view). Sunset photos from the balcony of your room then we will visit the Luxor temple under the stars (we can visit the Luxor temple at sunset tonight if you wish). Dinner in a local restaurant then back to the hotel.
Overnight in Luxor.
Day 9 Nov 18 Luxor
Early AM Optional Hot air balloon ride. Return to the hotel to enjoy breakfast. At 9 am, we meet with the guide to start our morning tour around the temple of Queen Hatshepsut then to the Valley of the Kings which includes the tomb of King Seti 1 father of King Ramses 2 and the Colossi of Memnon.
After our tours the group will get lunch in a local restaurant and drive back to the hotel.
Overnight in Luxor.
Day 10 Nov 19 Luxor
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.
Day 11 Nov 20 Cairo
Fly back to Cairo. This afternoon we will meet our guide in reception area and drive to Sakkara necropolis where the first manmade stone building ever is built dating back to 2720 BC, the pyramid of King Zoser. We will go inside the first pyramid ever with hieroglyphics written on the walls then we will visit an ancient tomb dating back to 2340 BC. Afternoon tea and snacks, followed by short visit near ancient Memphis, to photograph and visit a weaving school for the children of the village of Memphis. Return to hotel and rest.
Overnight in Cairo.
Day 12 Nov 21 Cairo
After an early breakfast, we depart to photograph the Citadel of Salah Eldeen and several other famous mosques, Sultan Hassan and, mosque of Al Rafai (in this mosque, the king Farouk and the Shah of Iran are buried). Handheld, no tripods. We will also photograph the mosque of Mohammed Ali (which location is also near the Khan and begins from Bab Al-Futuh in the north to Bab Zuweila in the south). The northern part extends from Al-Hakim Mosque to the spice market in Al-Azhar Street whereas its southern part extends from the Ghoreyia (Old Islamic Cairo) to the Bab Zuweila, and into tent makers street. Here, on the street, sweet potatoes are roasted for hungry locals, and the interaction is interesting to photograph. Finally, return to hotel and prepare us for the luscious late Farewell dinner. It’s our last evening together.
Day 13 Nov 22 Departure
Departure Day. Travelers can depart at any time on this day.
(End of Tour)