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11^th - 17^th May 2024
Shawn Farquhar • John Guastaferro
Andi Gladwin • Joshua Jay

The Retreat: Egypt 2024

Unveil the Wonders of Egypt

Every year we organize an exclusive, luxury “retreat” in an exotic place around the world. We mix the very best elements of a magic convention with the very finest in accommodations and excursions. And this year we’ve chosen a place everyone must see in their lifetime: Egypt. This is an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating history and allure of Egypt, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of modern travel - joined by some of magic’s finest luminaries.

The best part? Most magic conventions discourage partners from joining. The Retreat is designed for you and your guest to experience together. Bring your partner, a parent, a friend, your (adult) child—so that you can share in this bucket-list adventure with them to one of the most coveted places on Earth. When you’re off learning from two of the finest magicians in our field, they will have a chance to visit the spa, swim, explore, or relax.

We’ll begin our adventure in Cairo, visiting the pyramids and the Sphinx. Then we’ll embark on a four-night cruise down the Nile! As you’ve come to expect, everything is top notch on this journey from the luxurious Four Seasons hotel in Cairo to the Sonesta Nile cruise…we are in for a treat. We’ll be joined by two of our industry’s leading performers: Shawn Farquhar and John Guastaferro. Both of these performers are world-class, and will perform and speak to our group on their exclusive, original material. This is where the experience would end at a magic convention, but on the Retreat, this is just the beginning. You’ll spend time dining, exploring, chatting, and jamming with both of our guests, in a fully-immersive environment. The Retreat is all about access.

The Adventure

Are you ready for an adventure that will transport you to the heart of ancient wonders and captivating landscapes? Egypt, the land of pharaohs and mysteries, beckons you to embark on a journey like no other! We are thrilled to offer you an unforgettable Retreat experience that combines the vibrant city life of Cairo with the timeless allure of a Luxury Nile Cruise.

For two marvelous nights, Cairo will welcome you with open arms, inviting you to delve into its rich history and modern charm. Marvel at the iconic pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the fascinating treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Feel the pulsating energy of the bustling markets, where you can bargain for souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture.

But the adventure doesn't end there! Get ready to step aboard a luxurious Nile cruise, where you'll sail serenely along the life-giving river, the very artery that nurtured the cradle of civilization. Imagine waking up to breathtaking sunrises and gazing at the ever-changing landscapes, adorned with lush greenery and ancient temples.

Highlights of the Nile Cruise include:

Explore the temple complex of Karnak, an awe-inspiring display of ancient architecture.
Wander through the Valley of the Kings and witness the majesty of the tombs of ancient rulers.
Visit the captivating temple of Queen Hatshepsut, rising dramatically from the desert cliffs.

Embark on a voyage through time and experience the true magic of Egypt!

The Talent

Shawn Farquhar: A FISM-winner, Shawn fools everyone with his magic…including Penn & Teller. Since being crowned world champion in close-up magic, Shawn has founded Hidden Wonders, his own, bespoke performing venue where he astounds audiences on a nightly basis. What we find most impressive about Shawn—and the reason he makes the ideal Retreat guest—is that he is an expert in both close-up and stage magic. He will be able to speak to guests on a wide variety of topics and effects.

John Guastaferro: John isn’t just a great magician: he’s also inspiring. John’s magic is elegant, fluid, and refined. He performs close-up magic, but often with a message that is subtle and uplifting. Beneath this polished veneer is the mind of someone who has worked decades at his craft. John will pass on tips about the construction of a magic effect and show, and he’ll help guests infuse their own magic with the other passions in their lives. As an added bonus, John will be sharing another of his passions: music. John is a world-class classical guitar player, and he’ll be sharing his gifts of both magic and music with us.

Reserve your space now

A Luxury Nile Cruise

The only way to truly experience Egypt is to take to the Nile and discover its hidden gems. We'll be traveling on one of the Sonesta Nile fleet. Noted as one of the most elegant on the Nile, it offers a full-service spa and fitness center, restaurant, bars, nightly entertainment and guided excursions. It’s luxurious accommodations provide amongst the best in comfort and elegance on the Nile.

Located on the lower deck, our Main Dining Room, designed with sophistication and style, serves breakfast and lunch buffets as well as à la carte dinners. The Sun Deck serves refreshing cocktails surrounded by breathtaking views of the Nile, whilst the inside Lounge features nightly entertainment and dance floor for those looking to trip the light fantastic each evening.

Limited spots available:
Reserve your space now

Schedule

Sat May 11^th
Arrival in Cairo. Check-in to The Four Seasons. Magic events begin at approximately 5pm.
Sun May 12^th
Egyptian Museum: Our Egyptologist will guide us on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Museum houses the world’s greatest collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts, including 12 rooms filled with golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun.
Giza Pyramids: The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are among the world’s greatest tourist attractions and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm visitors.
Camel Ride: No trip to Egypt would be complete without a ride on a “ship of the desert”, and so you will have an opportunity to mount your individual camel for an unforgettable ride across the sands of Giza from a distance.
Sphinx: Visit to the mysterious Sphinx, an ancient figure shrouded in legend and mystery. Our Egyptologist will enthral us with the tales told of this fascinating figure.
Mon May 13^th
Flight to Luxor (included in cost)
Karnak temple: Visit the temple of Karnak, the largest religious complex that was ever built for a god in the history of mankind.
Nile Cruise embarkation: Stay in a deluxe cabin on board this luxury, small, cruise ship.
Luxor temple: Visit the Luxor temple that was predominantly built by Pharaoh Ramses the Second.
Tues May 14^th
Valley of the Kings: Cross to the west bank of Luxor & visit the tomb of King Ramses 6 & the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen.
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Considered to be one of the most incredible examples of the Ancient Egyptian architecture.
Colossi of Memnon: an awe-inspiring monument to King Amenhotep III.
Weds May 15^th
Edfu Temple: Ride in a Horse and carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, which is considered to be one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt.
Kom Ombo Temple: Explore the Kom Ombo Temple home to the two gods Sobek & Haroeris
Thurs May 16^th
Philae Temple: Visit the island of Philae and the temple of Isis, the goddess of love and passion in ancient Egypt.
Felucca ride: End your day on a legendary felucca sailboat ride down the Nile enjoying a sparkling wine during sunset.
Fri May 17^th
Fly from Aswan to Cairo (included in cost) to catch your flight back home with your heart filled with memories of the sights, sounds, and magic of Egypt.

Photos provided

Everyone wishes they had a photographer on hand to catch the most memorable moments of your trip but nobody likes the hassle of doing it. We’ll have a photographer on hand for all the excursions and the magic events so that each of you leaves with a collection of professional-grade moments from your trip. There is, of course, no charge for this feature. It’s included in your package.

Price and package

Sold out - but waiting list available
We are now totally sold out. However, we are running a waiting list. Email us to be added to the list

Price per magician is $9,484 with accompanying guests paying $3,092. For your convenience, you can select to pay everything now or pay in four installments.

This includes:

2 x nights stay at Four Seasons Hotel in Cairo
4 x nights on Sonesta ship in Deluxe Cabin
Domestic tour transportation
Meet and greet airport transfer from Cairo airport to hotel
All meals onboard the Nile Cruise
BOTH domestic flights - Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
Domestic transfers
Admission to Egyptian Museum / Giza Pyramids / Sphinx
Camel ride experience at the Pyramids
Admission to Karnak Temple / Luxor Temple / Valley of the Kings / Queen Hatshepsut Temple
Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Kom Ombo & Temple of Horus
Luxor Sound and Light show

Not included:

International flights
Entry visas
Meals and drinks not specified
Gratuities
Travel insurance

All Itinerary elements subject to change.