By Laurens Winkel, CEO Boat Bike Tours
It started over coffee, as many wild ideas do. “What if we cycled in Egypt?” my colleague Rudi asked. We laughed. Egypt? The land of pharaohs and pyramids? Of sand, camels and searing desert heat? It sounded impossible. And yet, irresistibly intriguing.
Could we bring our boat-and-bike concept to the cradle of civilization? I couldn’t shake the idea. So I did what any good traveler does: I packed a bag and went to see for myself.
From dream to reality
In the months that followed, I returned to Egypt again and again. I pedaled through the sugarcane fields near Luxor, listened to the calls of traders in bustling souks, and stood at dawn on the banks of the Nile as feluccas drifted by.
Each time, I felt the same thing: this place has magic.
But we knew that to make cycling in Egypt possible, it had to be done with the utmost care. So we partnered with experts who live and breathe this country: Baher from Sakkara Travel, whose family has welcomed guests for generations, and Maged with his team of Egyptologists, who will share the country’s stories not from a textbook, but as companions on the road.
Together, we tested every route and shaped an itinerary that combines comfort, safety and wonder. Support vans, quiet rural roads and e-bikes make the journey accessible; sunrises at temples, boat rides through bird sanctuaries and evenings on the Nile make it unforgettable.
Q&A with Laurens
What are the greatest highlights of this trip?
There are so many, but a few moments stand out: I will never forget the first time I cycled past Karnak Temple. The massive stone columns glowed in the morning light, and it felt as though the temple had awakened with us. Or when I set my bike aside and stepped into the tomb of Ramses. The colors on the walls are still incredibly bright and vivid, even after more than three thousand years. And then there was the gentle rhythm of a felucca when we were gliding across the Nile, back to Aswan. My personal highlight of the trip was the extraordinary moment of riding across the Giza Plateau, the pyramids rising in front of me. A perfect finale for a great journey.
What makes biking in Egypt so special?
The striking contrasts. On the one hand you have the silence of the desert, the immensity of the monuments, the sweep of history stretching back thousands of years. And on the other hand there is daily life, intimate and immediate: farmers working the fields, children waving as you pass, the call of traders in a bustling market. On a bike, you move at the perfect pace to take it all in: the sounds, the smells, the unexpected smiles.
Is it safe to cycle in Egypt?
That was one of my first questions as well. I can say with confidence that it is. We ride primarily on quiet rural roads, sometimes on bigger roads but always with a support van nearby. Our licensed Egyptologists and guides cycle alongside us. We have tested every route carefully, and the use of e-bikes makes the distances easy to manage. Guests can simply enjoy the experience, knowing that safety and comfort are always in the background, quietly taken care of.
What makes this different from a classic Nile cruise?
A cruise is a beautiful way to see Egypt, but on a bike you don’t just see the country, you feel it. You arrive at temples not through a bus door, but under your own power, the anticipation building with every turn of the pedals. You meet people along the way, sharing tea or a smile, and those encounters become part of your story. And yet, after each ride, you return to the H/S NEBU, our boutique cruiser on the Nile. There, you’re welcomed back with cool drinks, refined meals and a soft bed. It’s the balance between immersion and indulgence that makes this journey unique.
Who is this trip for?
Couples, friends or solo travelers: I believe it will appeal to anyone who loves history, culture and discovery, but who also values comfort and ease. The pace is relaxed, and the e-bikes make it accessible, even for those who are not avid cyclists. The group size is relatively small, which allows for personal connections, while still leaving space for privacy. It is not an extreme adventure; it is an experience that combines activity with luxury, the thrill of discovery with the reassurance that everything has been thoughtfully prepared.
Why join the inaugural departure?
Because first times only happen once. These tours are more than trips. They’re milestones. You’ll be among the very first to experience Egypt this way. And that’s something to remember.
Link to product page. Egypt & The Nile – A Journey to Ancient wonders
Want to see more? Click on this video!
Do you want to join our inaugural Egypt tour?
Laurens is going to be the host of our inaugural departure of our Egypt tour in 2026. Do you want to join him on this once-in-a lifetime experience? This is a rare chance to be part of something that has never been done before!
Call us at (203) 814-1249 or send an email to info@boatbiketours.com, if you want to know more ore need help with booking. We’d love to welcome you on board!
