Places that don’t just frame your work—they awaken it.
Whether along the Red Sea, where mountains meet the shore beneath open skies, or among the ancient temples of Luxor, rich with memory and myth—each setting holds its own quiet magic. Stand by the Nile, where time drifts slowly and the light shifts like a painting, and feel inspiration rise from the land itself.
Locality is the new Tourism
From the buzzing and historical districts of Cairo to Red Sea shores, we offer you excursions that immerses you in Egypt. Dive into the vibrant reefs of the Red Sea and sense the timeless history of Luxor along the banks of the Nile. These experiences offer more than sights—they create memories that stay.
Hands On Experience
Artvara brings creativity to life by providing colors, canvases, and all the materials you need to experiment techniques! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, our expert guidance will support you.
Cultural Exchange
Meet talented artists, culture seekers and language enthusiasts from various nationalities and explore a wide range of perceptions in a truly diverse human connectivity experience.
At Artvara, every event is an invitation to inspiration.
- 100+ Nationalities
- 2500+ Artists & Culture Seekers
- 450+ Events
From contemporary masterpieces to avant-garde installations, we curate experiences that transcend boundaries while cultivating cross-cultural dialogue and building an inclusive, global vibrant community where creativity thrives.
Since 2012, we have delivered intimate workshops to awe-inspiring retreats and showcases, our programs are designed to spark curiosity and celebrate artistic diversity.
This programme creates a dynamic platform for contemporary artists with interest in the Middle East and surrounding regions to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with local and regional artists. It fosters cross-cultural dialogue while introducing participants to diverse artistic methodologies, techniques, and perspectives. Through this interaction, artists gain valuable exposure, expand their creative practices, and build meaningful networks that extend beyond the workshop experience.
by Egypt Time Co. UK in partnership with
Our Programme - International Lead Artists
Artvara is a curated international programme bringing together a carefully selected cohort of artists, creatives, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and emerging professionals from across the UK, EU and beyond. Designed around exploration, cultural exchange, and human connectivity, Artvara creates an environment where participants from diverse academic, creative, and personal backgrounds engage through shared experiences in Egypt — from workshops and artistic practice to dialogue, travel, and interdisciplinary discovery.
- Outdoor art and cultural sessions in picturesque settings such as the banks of the Nile River & the Red Sea
- Artistic retreats and residencies, where creators can immerse themselves in new surroundings to inspire and showcase their work at a closing event, usually held in a luxury resort or an ancient venue.
- Guided museum and gallery tours featuring ancient Egypt.
- Historical site visits to ancient temples, castles, and UNESCO heritage locations.
- Excursions at selected locations.
- Live performances and musical showcases, merging traditional and contemporary artistic of renowned and emerging artists.
Programme Egyptology Lead Tour Guide - Hala El Hefny
With over 30 years of experience guiding travellers through the wonders of Ancient Egypt, Hala El Hefny brings a rare depth of knowledge, cultural understanding, and passion to every journey. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, she has hosted guests from across the world, creating enriching and seamless experiences for diverse international groups.
As an Egyptology Tour Guide and operations specialist, Hala combines historical expertise with meticulous planning, ensuring every visit is thoughtfully curated — from iconic temples and sacred tombs to hidden stories and meaningful cultural encounters.
Through expert-led storytelling, carefully designed itineraries, and meaningful engagement with Egypt’s heritage, Hala helps transform each journey into an unforgettable cultural experience rather than simply a tour.
Programme Egyptology Tour Guide - Ewais Mahmoud
With over 18 years of experience as a professional Egyptian tour guide, Ewais Mahmoud Ali brings deep historical knowledge, cultural insight, and exceptional hospitality to every journey through Luxor of Ancient Egypt. Having worked with leading international travel companies, he has guided travellers from around the world through some of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological and spiritual sites.
Fluent in both Arabic and English, Ewais is known for his engaging storytelling, calm professionalism, and ability to create immersive experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. His expertise combines historical interpretation with a refined understanding of luxury and spiritual travel, ensuring guests experience Ancient Egypt with depth, authenticity, and comfort
An all-taken-care-of adventure to Egypt
Whether you’re an art school, a university, an organisation—or simply a group with a shared sense of adventure—we’ll take you on a journey through Egypt where everything is handled with care through itineraries tailored to your budget, dates, and destinations.
Flights? Sorted. Visas? Done. Safe and comfortable transport, hotels and resorts of the highest standards and most distinctive locations, guided tours and excursions, and a taste of Egypt’s soul through food, stories, and hidden corners—we’ve got you. From sailing the Nile to wandering through ancient sites or shopping in a local market, you’ll experience it all without the stress. Just show up with your curiosity—we’ll take care of the rest, with special rates, decades of trusted quality, and the kind of smooth planning that makes it all feel effortless.
Programme Destinations Overview
Artvara Programme Itinerary
- Meet & Assist services at designated Egyptian airport(s) ( where applicable - please refer to the relevant programme schedule)
- Airport collection and drop-off within published transfer windows
- Private modern ground transportation throughout Egypt
- Group check-in and check-out with concierge support
- 4- and 5-star accommodation (unless otherwise stated within the programme schedule)
- Fine dining experiences alongside selected food and beverage services (excluding alcoholic beverages)
- Organised excursions and curated cultural visits as outlined in the programme schedule
- Premium Egyptologist and cultural tour guides, carefully selected to ensure a rich and insightful experience
- Venue hire for workshops, panels, and exhibitions
- Full workshop setup and equipment provided (excluding personal brushes)
- Workshops delivered by experienced international lead artists
- Professional exhibition setup to showcase participant artworks
- Live lead artist performances and curated artistic activations
- Professional photography and cinematography coverage across all programme elements, including one-to-one interviews
- Required permits, licences, and approvals for organised group activities
- On-site programme coordination and logistics managed by multilingual staff members
- Selected activities, discussions, and panels delivered in partnership with Ostraca Arts and Development
- Certificate of Participation upon successful completion (where applicable)
Arrival , Airport transfers, Hotel Check-In and Dinner at a selected venue.
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Guided Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx Tour, Group Lunch at a selected venue with Pyramids view, followed by a Guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Nile Cruise Dinner, providing with you an exceptional scenery for a perfect end of the night.
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar below.
Early breakfast & Checkout followed by a guided visit to the The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization which is concluded by a group lunch at a selected venue or a quick lunch-box to take with. The group is then privately transferred on modern coach or bus to a selected Resort in the Red Sea, particularly the city of Hurghada or Marsa Alam or surrounding regions such as Soma Bay, Sahl Hasheesh or others.
Upon Arrival, the group is checked-in (soft all inclusive basis) and are guided to Dinner for the night.
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Free Leisure Day at the Resort
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Following breakfast, an introduction panel talk, meet & greet, soft drinks, with Informal art-sharing, will take place at a designated area of the resort with time allocated for artist set-up and familiarisation with the workshop area.
Following lunch and independent resort activities, evening workshop starts (Participants can have dinner anytime between 7PM to 10PM)
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Full Workshop Day
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
At the break of dawn , participants will be guided to the bus which will be transporting them to Luxor where they will be on a day guided tour of selected ancient Egyptian sites, and lunch at a selected venue.
Following an eventful day in Luxor, now it's time to head back to the resort in the Red Sea for dinner.
Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Full Workshop Day
.Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Breakfast followed by the final workshop in preparation for the Exhibition & show case of participants' art work and certificate ceremony.
Photography and Cinematography is included in this programme in a cinematic documentation style from Day 1, interviews are conducted with participants and can be shared as reels with them or through our social media accounts.
Your stay in the Red Sea is soft-all inclusive so you are free to have your meals and soft drinks at your own time. We have an alcohol free programmes policy, so alcohol purchases are at your own responsibility and expense directly from any hotel, resort and restaurants included in this programme. Full details of lead artist(s) bios, tour guide(s) bios, art workshop theme and itinerary, sites, hotels, resorts, restaurants etc. are included in the relevant Programme Schedule, please check our Programme Calendar.
Check-out & Transfers; flights can depart from Hurghada International Airport or Cairo depending on flight availability (land transport included and arranged privately if Cairo which may happen at rare occassions)
Submit your application now to be considered for upcoming programmes, soon to be released on our website.
Once you've submitted your application, we will send you an email with the programme schedule of your selected date, including full details of the art workshop, theme and travel itinerary, along with an enrolment form to be submitted. Due to limited programme capacity, early application is encouraged. Placements are offered on a first-come, first-served basis subject to participant assessment.