Aswan- 2 nights
Our journey takes us south to Aswan, where the Nile winds between ancient granite formations, lush islands, and the golden desert.
Often called the jewel of Upper Egypt, Aswan moves at a different rhythm. Here, we'll spend two nights soaking in the beauty of the river, discovering Nubian culture, and exploring a region steeped in history.
From the magnificent Temple of Philae to the colorful villages along the Nile, Aswan offers a beautiful balance of exploration and stillness.
It's the kind of place that invites you to slow down, take it all in, and remember why you came so far in the first place.
Dahabiya cruise
3 nights on the Nile
There's something magical about exploring the Nile the way travelers have for centuries — slowly, by sail.
For three nights, we'll call a beautiful dahabiya home as we journey from Aswan toward Luxor, drifting past palm-lined villages, ancient temples, and quiet islands that larger cruise ships often miss.
Days unfold to the rhythm of the river. We'll explore remarkable historic sites, watch the landscape change from the deck, and enjoy the rare luxury of having nowhere else we need to be.
This is Egypt at a different pace. Intimate, immersive, and unforgettable.
Along the way we'll explore:
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Sail to Kom Ombo Temple
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Bisaw Island
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Edfu Temple
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Esna Temple
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Sail to Watermelon Island
Luxor - 2 nights
Welcome to Luxor, where ancient Egypt comes to life on an extraordinary scale.
Often called the world's greatest open-air museum, Luxor is home to some of Egypt's most remarkable treasures. We'll wander through the Valley of the Kings, stand beneath the towering columns of Karnak Temple, and explore monuments that have stood for thousands of years.
There's something humbling about being surrounded by so much history. From the grandeur of ancient temples to the everyday rhythms of life along the Nile, Luxor invites us to experience a world that feels both impossibly distant and wonderfully alive.
Two nights to explore, discover, and take it all in.
We'll explore:
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Valley of the Kings
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Temple of Hatshepsut
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Colossi of Memnon
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Karnak Temple
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Evening visit to Luxor Temple
Cairo - 2 nights
Cairo is a city of beautiful contradictions. Ancient wonders, bustling streets, colorful markets, and a history so extraordinary it's almost impossible to wrap your head around.
We'll stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the treasures of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and wander through the lively streets and markets of this unforgettable city.
Between ancient monuments and modern Egyptian life, we'll discover a place where thousands of years of history exist alongside the energy of the present.
Two nights to explore one of the world's most fascinating cities. And probably take about a thousand photographs.
We'll explore:
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Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
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Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
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Islamic Cairo & the City Wall
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Saladin Citadel of Cairo
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Khan Al Khalili Market
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Fine Dining and Local Experiences
What's included
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Daily yoga & meditation with Mandy
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All 9 nights of accommodation in hotels and aboard our private dahabiya
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Three meals daily throughout the retreat
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All scheduled excursions & entrance fees (excluding entry inside the Great Pyramid)
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Domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo
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Private Egyptologist and tour guide throughout the journey
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Airport arrival and departure transfers
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Private transportation for all scheduled excursions
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Airport meet-and-assist services as needed
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Unlimited bottled water during guided tours
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All necessary permits and program arrangements
What's Not Included
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International airfare and connecting flight to Aswan
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Egyptian entry visa
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Optional tours, excursions, and experiences not included in the itinerary
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Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other beverages beyond the bottled water provided during tours
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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2.9% credit card processing fee (Venmo payment option available to avoid this fee)
Meet Mandy
Mandy Morell | Founder, Mako Retreats
Yoga teacher, lifelong adventurer, and the person obsessing over all the little details before you ever pack your bag.
I've been teaching yoga for more than 16 years, and my journey has taken me from teacher training in Rishikesh, India, to teaching in Nepal, Germany, Alaska, and Cape Cod. As an RYT 500 and E-RYT 200, I bring a love of alignment, yogic philosophy, and exploration to every practice.
I founded Mako Retreats because I believe the best adventures aren't just about where you go, but who you meet along the way. There's something extraordinary about exploring a new place with people who start as strangers and leave as friends.
Egypt has been on my dream destination list for years. The history, the culture, the Nile, the sheer wonder of it all. I can't wait to experience it alongside you.
Expect thoughtful yoga, plenty of laughter, a little adventure, and a retreat where you can show up exactly as you are.
Investment
We only have 16 spots available for this once-in-a-lifetime retreat.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
Shared
$7950/per person
Private Hotel Accommodation
$8550/per person
A note about private accommodations
Private bookings include a guaranteed private room at all hotels throughout the retreat. During our three-night dahabiya sailing, cabins may be shared due to limited availability. Private cabins will be assigned whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.
A $200 early-bird discount applies to the above-listed prices for the first 8
signups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I fly into?
Our journey begins in Aswan and ends in Cairo. You'll need to arrange your international flights into Egypt, including your connection to Aswan, and your return flight home from Cairo. We're happy to help you navigate flight options.
What are the retreat dates?
November 3–12, 2027. Our 10-day journey includes nine nights exploring Aswan, sailing the Nile, discovering Luxor, and experiencing Cairo.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many Mako guests arrive solo and leave with lifelong friends. You can book shared accommodations or choose a private hotel room. Either way, you'll be part of a welcoming, small-group experience.
What's the difference between shared and private accommodations?
Shared accommodations are $7,950 per person, while private hotel accommodations are $8,550 per person.
Private bookings guarantee your own room in all hotels. During our three-night dahabiya sailing, cabins may be shared due to limited availability. Private cabins will be assigned whenever possible but cannot be guaranteed.
What is a dahabiya?
A dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian sailing vessel offering a more intimate way to experience the Nile. Rather than traveling aboard a large cruise ship, we'll spend three nights sailing between Aswan and Luxor, exploring ancient temples, quiet islands, and riverside villages along the way.
Do I have to participate in every yoga class?
Not at all! Yoga is part of the experience, but this is your adventure. Join us for practice when you'd like, or take time to rest and recharge. All levels of yoga experience are welcome.
Are meals included?
Yes! Three meals a day are included throughout the retreat. Bottled water is provided during guided tours. Alcoholic beverages and additional drinks are not included.
Are flights included?
Your domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo is included. International airfare and your connecting flight to Aswan are not included.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
U.S. passport holders generally need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. Visa fees are not included in the retreat investment. We'll share additional travel preparation information before departure.
How much is the deposit?
A $500 nonrefundable deposit reserves your spot. The remaining balance is paid according to the retreat's payment schedule.
Is there an early-bird discount?
Yes! The first eight guests to register receive $200 off the listed retreat price.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for this international adventure. We encourage coverage for trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and unexpected travel disruptions.
What is the cancellation policy?
A $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve your spot.
If you need to cancel, refunds of payments made beyond your deposit are available according to the following schedule:
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More than 6 months before departure: 100% refund.
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Between 3 and 6 months before departure: 50% refund.
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Less than 3 months before departure: No refund.
If Mako Retreats cancels the retreat, all payments, including your deposit, will be refunded in full.