A Magical, Mystical Journey to Explore the Great Mysteries and Potential of Egypt
General Itinerary Outline
We begin our Sacred Journey upon the Giza plateau, where we explore the timeless mysteries of the Sphinx and Pyramids in meditation and initiation. We visit the wondrous temple complex of Sakkara and the recently opened Serapium, an ancient site where legend has it, Ptah created the world.
We fly to Upper Egypt, where we board our private sailing vessel, the Afandina to follow the Nile’s course visiting sacred sites all along the way. The Afandina is a replica of an ancient Egyptian sailing vessel and will be our home for most of the journey. This intimate 5-Star vessel (sleeps 16) with its own staff and private chef, provides us with the comforts of home as we gracefully travel along the Nile. We will spend several nights docked in Luxor to take in the beauty and majesty of its ancient sites and temples including: Dendarah, Luxor Temple, and Karnak. We will visit the exquisite temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank. We will spend several nights cruising the Nile, where we will also visit both Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, and Soheil Island. When we dock at Aswan, we are ready for a private initiatory visit to the exquisite temple of Philae dedicated to the goddess Isis.
We spend a total of seven nights upon this private floating temple, allowing us to deeply immerse in the magic and mystery of the Nile and integrate our experiences. There will be ample time to explore the beautiful sites along the Nile both with the group and to spend time on our own. When we return to Cairo, our work culminates in a private ceremony and meditation in the Great Pyramid.
Travel to Cairo: Depart from your home in time to arrive in Cairo by mid-day on Saturday, April 12. You will be welcomed at the airport and assisted through customs before being transferred to your luxury accommodations.
(Note: If you are traveling across time zones, we highly recommend arriving in Cairo a day or two early. We can help you arrange an extra night or two).
Saturday, April 12: After you have settled in, we will meet for an orientation and opening circle. And enjoy our Welcome Dinner at one of the famous local Egyptian restaurants. [Dinner provided]
Sunday, April 13: Pre-dawn we drive up to the Giza Plateau and proceed in silence for a private ceremony and meditation between the paws of the Sphinx. Visiting at such an early hour allows us to experience the energies of this iconic plateau and its three mysterious pyramids in peace and solitude. After our ceremony, we will return to the hotel for a hot buffet breakfast.
By noon time, we will visit the healing complex of Sakkara to view the Old Kingdom pyramids on the west bank near ancient Memphis, and enter the Serapium, filled with amazing underground passageways and 24 granite sarcophagi weighing 70 tons each. Afterwards, we stop for lunch at a wonderful local restaurant, in the countryside, on the Sakkara Road. [Breakfast and lunch provided, dinner is on your own.]
Monday, April 14: After breakfast we visit the wondrous, Grand Egyptian Museum and then head to the airport for our flight to Luxor where we board our private Dahabeya named the “Afandina,” which will be our home for the next seven nights. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Tuesday, April 15: In the morning, we take a bus ride through the countryside to visit the exquisite Temple of Dendera, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who represents divine love and joy. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Wednesday, April 16: Early morning we travel to the West Bank of Luxor where the tombs and funerary temples lie. Here we visit the exquisite temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, and the ancient tomb of Aye in the Valley of the Baboons. In the evening, our group visits the majestic Temple of Luxor dedicated to the ancient goddess Mut, the consort of Amun. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Thursday, April 17: This morning, we will visit the huge temple complex of Karnak, one of the largest temple complexes in the world. Among many other marvels, we will experience the living statue of the goddess Sekhmet, who has been housed for more than 3,500 years in her original site. Then, off we sail toward Esna, watching the timeless beauty along the Nile, and passing through the Esna Locks. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Friday, April 18: We enjoy a beautiful day of sailing on the Nile. A sunrise yoga session will be offered. In the early afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus, the first King of Egypt. There will be an opportunity for group meditation and Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep deep relaxation) as the sun sets. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Saturday, April 19: We will spend the day free to enjoy the beauty of our Afandina and the magic of the Nile. We will have time for meditation, integration, and discussion about the ancient mysteries. Perhaps even a dip in the Nile itself. You may opt to have a private session with Jacquie to explore meditation and create your own personal mantra. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
Sunday, April 20: Sunrise yoga on the top deck of the ship as we continue to enjoy our sail to Kom Ombo, where we visit the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods, Horus the Falcon, and Sobek the Crocodile. This healing temple was an ancient hospital and hieroglyphs there show the advanced healing techniques that the ancients used. [Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided]
In the afternoon, we will have a Felucca ride around Elephantine Island, and we will visit the botanical gardens. We spend the night on the boat in Aswan.
Monday, April 21: At dawn we take an early morning ferry for a private pre-dawn ceremony in the exquisite Temple of Philae dedicated to the Goddess Isis. This is one of the highlights of the journey. After our pilgrimage to Isis, we return to the boat for breakfast.
In the afternoon we visit the ancient site of Soheil where the ancient Egyptians made pilgrimages to the gods Hapi and Khnum to honor the source of the Nile. Afterward, we will return to Aswan and catch our return flight to Cairo. [Breakfast provided]
Tuesday, April 22: On our final day together, we experience the magic and majesty of the Great Pyramid with a private, 2-hour ceremony within the Queen’s and the King’s Chamber. We gather that evening for our closing circle, farewell dinner, and a magical Egyptian experience. [Breakfast and dinner provided]
Wednesday, April 23: Depart for home (or stay a little longer and explore!)
(Please note that this itinerary may change in direction based upon the schedule of the Afandina at the time of sailing, as well as other factors during our journey. All sites will be included, and add-on options will be available.)
Tour Pricing
Tour (excluding international airfare) $7,145
Prices based on double occupancy with a minimum of 13 passengers
Deposit: $1,500 and is non-refundable
Payment can be made by personal check to:
Karen Hefner, 7234 SE 18th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
Or pay with Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal (any fees incurred will be passed on the the traveler.)
The Tour Includes:
3-4 Zoom sessions, prior to traveling, with Jacquie and Karen to discuss details, answer questions, and prepare you in a good way
All hotel accommodations and travel in Egypt
Seven night Nile Cruise on the Dahabeya, The Afandina
All (non-alcoholic) drinks and internet access while on the Afandina
Domestic flight to Luxor and return to Cairo
All entrance fees to temples and tombs***
Our enthusiastic and mystical Egyptologist
All tips (although you are free to express additional appreciation)
Private visits to the Sphinx, Great Pyramid, and Philae (Temple of Isis)
Transportation and transfers to and from the airport
All meals beginning with dinner on April 12, except where indicated on the itinerary
***Note from Quest Travel: If there are increases in entry fees or transportation costs within Egypt, we will notify you. The costs must be passed on as is required by governmental policy.
The tour does NOT include:
Entry visa of $25 upon arrival (some may need to purchase Visa before arrival)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation Insurance
Hotel accommodations for extra nights. Quest Travel is happy to arrange those for you