Women only · Small group · September 21 to October 3, 2027
Egypt is more than ancient. Come see the rest of her.
Thirteen days from Cairo to the Nile to the Red Sea, with a maximum of 14 women. Nine nights in five‑star hotels, three nights sailing, three slow days by the water.
The April 2027 departure sold out. This is the September 2027 trip, and it is open.
Egypt: more than ancient
This is Egypt in all her layers.
Ancient, vibrant, beautiful, chaotic, soulful. We begin in Cairo, where the treasures of the pharaohs come to life inside the Grand Egyptian Museum before we stand beneath the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
Then we fly south to Aswan and board our Nile cruise. For three nights the river becomes our road. Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu. Then Luxor, ancient Thebes, and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings.
And just when you think Egypt could not possibly show you another side of herself, she does. We trade temples for turquoise water and head to Hurghada for three nights on the Red Sea. No alarm clocks. No sightseeing schedule.
This is not about racing through a checklist of monuments. It is about understanding the stories behind them, and sharing it all with a small group of women who came for the same thing.
What you will actually do
Eight days of history. Three days of doing nothing.
The Pyramids, and the moment it becomes real
The Great Pyramid of Khufu has stood here roughly 4,500 years. Look near the top of Khafre and you will still see its original limestone casing. Take the photos, then give yourself a moment to just look.
Saqqara, where the idea started
The Step Pyramid of Djoser, ancient tombs and the mysterious underground Serapeum. At Giza you see the masterpiece. At Saqqara you see how pyramid building was invented.
Three nights on the Nile
The island temple of Philae, the unusual double temple of Kom Ombo, and beautifully preserved Edfu. Our cruise is both hotel and transport through Upper Egypt.
Thebes, and the Valley of the Kings
Cross to the West Bank to enter the tombs, stand beneath the terraces of Queen Hatshepsut's temple, and walk the enormous columns of Karnak. One of the greatest archaeological landscapes on earth.
Three slow days on the Red Sea
Hurghada. A private boat, snorkeling and lunch on the water, then two days that are yours. Sunshine, long breakfasts and time to enjoy being exactly where you are.
Khan El Khalili, and Cairo's other side
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Hall, Coptic Cairo, the Hanging Church, and the wonderfully chaotic lanes of Khan El Khalili before one last dinner together.
Day by day
Thirteen days, in order
Tap any day to open it. Egypt has a rhythm of its own, so flight schedules, river traffic and local conditions occasionally change the order of things. We consider that part of traveling well.
Day 1Welcome to Egypt, Mother of the World
Arrival at Cairo International Airport, where a TDJ representative meets you and helps you through customs, baggage and visa. Private VIP transfer to your hotel along the Nile. Tonight, a welcome dinner with the women who will become your travel circle.
Day 2Cairo's legendary past
Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, lunch in Giza with views toward the plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a relaxed group dinner. Private licensed Egyptologist throughout.
Day 3Saqqara's sacred secrets
Saqqara, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Serapeum and ancient tombs. Lunch in Saqqara, the Imhotep Museum and a visit to a carpet school, then dinner.
Day 4South to Aswan and the Nile
Fly to Aswan and board our Nile cruise. The island temple of Philae, then our first night on the river.
Day 5Life along the Nile
Sailing the Nile. Kom Ombo and the Temple of Sobek, then we sail on to Edfu.
Day 6Horus by day, Luxor by night
Edfu and the Temple of Horus, then sail to Luxor. The Corniche, a local market, dinner, and Luxor Temple after dark.
Day 7Pharaohs, queens and the glory of Thebes
Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch, then Karnak Temple.
Day 8From the Nile to the Red Sea
Leave Luxor and cross the Eastern Desert to Hurghada by private transfer, roughly four to five hours, then settle into our Red Sea resort.
Day 9Out on the Red Sea
A private boat for the day. Cruising, snorkeling and lunch onboard, then a resort evening.
Day 10Your day, your way
Beach time, water activities, poolside relaxing. One more day in paradise, with nothing on the schedule.
Day 11Back to Cairo
One last morning by the water, then fly Hurghada to Cairo. Rest and recharge, a walkabout in Korba, and dinner.
Day 12Cairo through the ages
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and its Royal Mummies Hall, Coptic Cairo, the Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Local lunch, Khan El Khalili, then our farewell dinner.
Day 13Departure day, until we meet again
Breakfast, one last look at Cairo, and a private transfer to Cairo International Airport.
The value stack
What your money covers
Included
All of this is in the price
- Hotels and stays. Nine nights in five-star hotels plus three nights on our Nile cruise.
- Meals. Dining experiences throughout, including signature welcome and farewell dinners.
- Guides. A private TDJ trip facilitator, our Dandie, plus licensed local Egyptologists.
- All in-country transportation. Airport transfers, internal flights, the cruise and a private van.
- Tickets and entrance fees, including private access to exclusive sites.
- All curated experiences and excursions.
- Trip support. Pre-trip support, group calls and a personalized packing list.
- Standard gratuities.
Not included
Budget for these separately
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Domestic flight upgrades
- Extra baggage or weight fees
- Alcohol. Note that alcoholic drinks are mostly limited to hotels and internationally frequented restaurants.
- Personal purchases and personal items, including room service
- Gratuities for guides or hotel staff beyond the standard gratuities included above
- Travel insurance, which is required. It must include medical coverage, trip interruption and cancellation protection.
Reserve your room
Hold your spot for $800
You do not pay for the trip today. You pay the deposit, and the balance splits into payments from there.
Payment plan options are offered at checkout, so the rest arrives in monthly pieces instead of one lump sum. The earlier you book, the smaller each payment is.
Share a Room
Double occupancy room and cabin. The shared rooms are spacious and beautiful. Tell us your roommate's name when you register, or ask to be matched and we will do our best. If we cannot match you, a single supplement applies.
Solo Room
Single occupancy room and cabin, for the whole journey including your Nile cabin. Your own space every night, no roommate matching needed.
Both room types are available until June 30, 2027. Prices are per traveler in USD and exclude international flights. Single supplement amount: [confirm with client]. Full terms and conditions are on the main site.
Who you are traveling with
You will not be figuring Egypt out alone.
The Dandelion Journals is a women-founded travel company built for small groups of adventurous women. We design intimate itineraries that weave together cultural immersion, soulful exploration and a touch of indulgence.
On this journey you travel with a private TDJ trip facilitator, our Dandie, alongside licensed local Egyptologists who bring each site to life. From the moment you land, someone is there. A TDJ representative meets you at Cairo airport and walks you through customs, baggage and your visa.
Trip host for this departure: [confirm with client].
From women who have gone before you
They booked it on their own, too.
Most of our travelers arrive on their own. These reviews are published on our WeTravel organizer profile, word for word.
Roatan was a wonderful experience for my first trip with Dandelion Journals. Weather, food, accommodations, excursions and people were amazing. Heba was great and I made 3 new friends. Can't wait til Egypt!
Stephanie B. · Roatán, HondurasEvery day offered meaningful connections with the people, culture, and history of the country. The level of planning was exceptional, every detail was thoughtfully handled, from simple comforts like water during transfers to incredibly knowledgeable guides who brought each place to life.
Darcy M. · VietnamNothing could have been better about this trip. Heba is a fantastic trip organizer and leader.
Karen D. · Roatán, HondurasOur own travelers, our own photographs
From a previous TDJ departure in Egypt
Before you ask
The questions we get most
Will I be the only one traveling alone?
No. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find connection and community. We also offer room-matching on request if you would like to share accommodations and lower your cost.
Do you offer payment plans?
We do. Options are offered at checkout. If you would like to talk it through first, email letsgo@thedandelionjournals.com or call 678-692-6584.
How physically active is this trip?
Moderate activity with some long days. You will walk through ancient ruins, climb temple steps and cross uneven terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential and some stamina is needed, though the pace is relaxed and the Red Sea days are deliberately slow.
Do I have to join every excursion?
No. We encourage participation to get the most from the trip, but you are free to skip an activity and enjoy downtime instead. A few excursions you will need to join, because we may be moving on to a new location afterward. Just let us know ahead of time.
Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?
Yes. U.S. citizens need a tourist visa for Egypt. We provide guidance and support for securing your e-visa before the trip, and a TDJ representative helps you through the process on arrival at Cairo airport.
What airport should I fly into?
Cairo International Airport, CAI. We meet you at the airport and provide transportation to the hotel.
Is Egypt safe for tourists?
Egypt is generally safe in the areas we visit. We work with local experts and experienced guides, avoid regions with travel advisories, stay in vetted accommodations and travel in private transportation.
What is the weather like in Egypt in September?
Warm days and cooler evenings. Average daytime highs are in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, around 29 Celsius, with cooler nights especially on the Nile. September and early October can still be quite warm in Upper Egypt, so sun protection and hydration matter.
What should I pack?
Breathable, modest clothing such as lightweight pants, long skirts and short or long sleeves. Bring a sunhat, sunglasses, a scarf for temple visits, a swimsuit, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. A full packing list is sent closer to departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. We require all travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance including medical coverage, trip interruption and cancellation protection. You may also want to consider a cancel-for-any-reason policy for the greatest protection.
Not ready to book? Just ask us.
Tell us what is holding you back and we will answer honestly, including if this trip is not the right fit for you.
Text us: 678-692-6584 Email letsgo@thedandelionjournals.comCome solo. Leave with a crew.
Egypt is waiting. So are thirteen other women.
September 21 to October 3, 2027. Maximum 14 women. Booking closes June 30, 2027, and the earlier you reserve, the smaller your monthly payments.
