Journey into the Sacred Myths of Egypt

I invite you to join me for a creative pilgrimage along the Nile, a journey where art and mythology meet. For ten days we will travel through temples, tombs, and timeless landscapes, exploring Egypt not only as travelers but as seekers and artists.

This retreat is a journey deeply rooted in myth and story. We will meet some of the goddesses of Egypt: Isis with her wings of protection, Hathor with her music and joy, Sekhmet with her fire and power, and Nut with her star-filled sky. Their symbols, stories, and mysteries will guide our creative practice. Together, we will paint, collage, and sketch as we sail the river that has carried their legends for thousands of years.

DATES: February 2-12th, 2026

Only a Few Spots Left!

Join Me In Egypt

“The soul is the traveller; the wise find her in every temple.”

— Plotinus

Your Time With Ivy:

Over ten nights, you will experience a blend of art-making, cultural exploration, and rest. Part of our journey will be spent in comfortable hotels, and part on our private Nile sailboat where the river itself becomes our floating studio.

Workshops will be welcoming and spacious, with all art materials provided. You will have space to explore your own creative process without the stress of bringing supplies. No prior art experience is needed. Ivy shares simple, step-by-step techniques that make the creative process approachable for everyone, from beginners picking up a brush for the first time to seasoned artists seeking fresh inspiration.

Our Egyptian and Dutch host will guide us through temples, museums, and sacred sites, sharing the history with depth and meaning as we walk where the ancients once stood.

A Creative Pilgrimage

As we move from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, our days will flow between cultural explorations and dedicated studio time. Guided by history and myth, we will:

Create goddess altar cards with collage and mixed media, layering sacred imagery with personal symbols.
Study and paint goddess portraits, exploring feminine archetypes through line, color, and form.
Fill our sketchbooks with watercolor and mixed media symbology pages, inspired by hieroglyphs, temple carvings, and tomb paintings.
Work with the myths of Isis, Hathor, Sekhmet, and Nut as living prompts for reflection and creative exploration.

In our art sessions, we will treat creativity as a sacred practice, setting intentions, working with goddess symbols, and approaching the act of making as ritual. My hope is that connecting with Isis, Hathor, Sekhmet, and Nut through art will add richness to our journey, creating a meaningful bond with the land we explore and the culture that continues to inspire. I believe this shared experience will make our time in Egypt truly unforgettable.

“The goddess comes in many forms. To know her is to know yourself.”

— Egyptian Proverb

About our Host

I am honored to partner with Lora Murphy of Essence of Mulranny for this journey. Lora has been traveling to Egypt for decades and has guided many groups through its temples, markets, and landscapes. Her deep knowledge of the country and her love of sharing it with others make her the ideal host for our adventure.

Working closely with trusted local tour experts, Lora ensures every detail is thoughtfully arranged. From airport pickup to sailing the Nile, you can relax knowing the logistics are seamless and you are in caring hands. She creates an atmosphere of ease and safety, where travelers feel supported and free to fully enjoy each moment.

With Lora’s experience and the guidance of our local team, this retreat becomes more than a trip. It is a smooth, enjoyable experience where you can focus on art, connection, and the beauty of Egypt.

Only a Few Spots Left!

DATES: February 2-12th, 2026

Price:

$5,500 USD FOR a shared accommodation

$5,900 USD for a private accommodation

Join Me In Egypt

Ready to Reserve Your Spot?

Secure your place for Only $700 USD.

{ Essense of Mulranny Studios will handle all payments securely and assist with all booking details. }

At this retreat YOU WILL:

Creative Highlights

Four immersive art workshop days with Ivy
Creation of collage altar cards inspired by Egyptian goddesses
Goddess portrait studies in mixed media
Symbolic art journal pages inspired by Egyptian myth and symbology
On-location sketching at temples and sacred sites
Enjoy a floating studio experience while sailing down the Nile (3 nights)
Sketch on location at breathtaking sites like Luxor and Karnak temples
Soak in inspiration from ancient wonders like the Great Pyramid, Saqqara, and Philae Temple
All painting materials provided, just bring your creativity
Experience a full cultural immersion guided by a local expert team

Travel effortlessly and safely with internal flights and all ground transport arranged
Visit iconic temples and museums with all entrance fees included
Explore bustling markets like Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili and Aswan’s vibrant souk
Enjoy a mix of luxury and authenticity: hotels, local cuisine, and a private Nile sailboat
Savor traditional Egyptian meals, including full board during the boat journey
Connect with like-minded creatives in an inspiring and supportive setting
Relax with seamless logistics from airport pickup to final day in Aswan
Experience the magic, mystery, and artistic spirit of Egypt
And so MUCH MORE…

Excursions Included

The Great Pyramid of Giza (including entry inside!)
The Giza Plateau with panoramic pyramid views
Gamal Perfume Factory – an immersive sensory experience
Saqqara – including the Serapeum and the Pyramid of Unas
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) – Cairo’s newest cultural treasure
Khan el-Khalili Market – a feast of color, texture, and tradition
Luxor Temple – glowing in the afternoon light
Karnak Temple – including the powerful Chapel of Sekhmet
Sailing the Nile aboard a private Dahabiya sailboat
Kom Ombo Temple – dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder
Edfu Temple – one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples
Philae Temple – including a visit to its original location
Aswan Market – vibrant and full of local charm

Included in your retreat

Workshop instruction with Ivy
All painting materials provided – no need to bring supplies
10 nights lodging (hotels and private Nile sailboat)
All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner in Cairo
Full board during the 3-night Nile cruise
All guided excursions and entry fees to temples and museums
Internal flights and all in-country transportation
Airport pickup in Cairo
Expert local guide (Egyptian/Dutch operator) throughout the trip

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Tips for the Hotel and Boat staff. Tipping is greatly appreciated in Egypt.

Questions You May Have

Do I need to be an experienced artist to join?
Not at all. This retreat is open to every level. I share clear, step-by-step techniques that make the creative process approachable for beginners, while also offering depth for those with more experience.

Can I bring my spouse or a friend who is not an artist?
Yes, couples and companions are very welcome. Non-participating guests will have guided activities and cultural experiences while the art sessions are taking place, so everyone feels included and engaged.

Is it safe to travel in Egypt right now?
Yes. We partner with a trusted Egyptian company that has guided groups safely for decades. Our itinerary stays within secure, well-traveled regions, and all logistics are carefully arranged so you are supported from the moment you arrive.

What kind of art projects will we create?
We’ll explore goddess altar cards with collage and mixed media, goddess portrait studies, and symbology sketchbook pages inspired by ancient Egyptian motifs, on-location sketching and painting and more…

Do I need to bring art supplies?
No. All painting and mixed media materials are provided. Simply arrive ready to create.

What if I’m traveling alone?
Many participants join solo. From airport pickup to daily excursions, you’ll be fully supported. The group atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and you’ll leave with new creative friends.