Pickleball & Pyramids: A 15-Day Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise
November 1–15, 2026 | Hosted by National Geographic Expert Gwyneth Talley
Experience Egypt in a way few travelers ever do — blending pickleball, ancient wonders, a luxury Nile cruise, and immersive cultural experiences designed for active, curious travelers.
This small-group Egypt tour is perfect for travelers who want meaningful cultural depth, comfortable accommodations, and the joy of sport woven into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Why This Egypt Pickleball Tour Is Different
Unlike standard Egypt tours, Pickleball & Pyramids combines:
Professional pickleball instruction & rec play
A luxury Nile River cruise on a dahabeya (small sailing vessel)
Private guided tours of Egypt’s most iconic sites
Boutique hotels and carefully curated dining
Cultural immersion led by a PhD anthropologist & National Geographic Expert
You won’t just “see” Egypt — you’ll experience it.
Still have questions about whether a pickleball tour is right for you? Check out our FAQs about Pickleball tours here.
Pricing Information:
Double Occupancy: $7200 per person
Single Occupancy: $9350 per person
*there is the potential to find another single guest who would like a same-sex roommate, please indicate if you would be interested in sharing for double occupancy pricing. Not guaranteed.
Deposit: $1000 per person
**Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride: $200 per person
Please note:
Pricing does not include international airfare or visa.
Days 1–4: Red Sea Pickleball in El Gouna
We begin on Egypt’s beautiful Red Sea coast in El Gouna, a resort town known for sunshine, calm waters, and outdoor living.
Mornings feature optional pickleball clinics and drills designed to elevate your game, followed by friendly rec play and a round-robin tournament with local Egyptian players. Afternoons include a Red Sea boat excursion, swimming opportunities, and time to relax.
This is active travel in Egypt at its finest — sport, sunshine, and global community.
Overnights: El Gouna (Red Sea)
Day 5: Fly to Cairo – Citadel & Historic Cairo
We fly to Cairo and immediately dive into Egypt’s layered history with a guided tour of the Cairo Citadel and the stunning Mohamed Ali Mosque. After lunch at a beloved local institution, we settle into our hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Optional evening pickleball play is available in Maadi.
Overnight: Cairo
Day 6: Saqqara & Dahshur – The Evolution of the Pyramid
Today we explore Saqqara’s Step Pyramid — the world’s first monumental stone structure — followed by the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dahshur.
These sites are quieter than Giza, allowing for deeper exploration and powerful photo opportunities without heavy crowds.
Evening pickleball play available.
Overnight: Cairo
Day 7: The Great Pyramids of Giza & Cairo Food Tour
This is the day many travelers dream of: standing before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
After time to explore the Giza Plateau, we rest before embarking on a curated Cairo street food tour. Taste koshari, ta’ameya, fresh juices, and more as we experience Egypt’s culinary culture firsthand.
Evening rec play available.
Overnight: Cairo
Day 8: Luxor – Karnak & Luxor Temple by Night
We fly south to Luxor, often called the world’s greatest open-air museum.
Explore the vast Karnak Temple complex, visit the beautifully curated Luxor Museum, and experience Luxor Temple illuminated at night — one of Egypt’s most magical sights.
Overnight: Steigenberger Nile Palace
Day 9: Valley of the Kings & Begin Luxury Nile Cruise
Optional sunrise hot air balloon rides offer breathtaking views over Luxor’s west bank.
We explore the Valley of the Kings, the Colossi of Memnon, and Medinet Habu before boarding our luxury Nile River cruise ship. Enjoy lunch, relaxation on deck, and dinner as we begin sailing south.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Day 10: Hatshepsut & the Ramesseum – Sailing the Nile
Visit Queen Hatshepsut’s dramatic temple and the Ramesseum of Ramses II before passing through the Esna Lock.
The afternoon is pure Nile magic — palm groves, village life, and golden desert landscapes drifting by from the sundeck.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Day 11: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples
We visit the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu and the unique double temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus. The nearby Crocodile Museum adds another fascinating layer to Egypt’s religious history.
Continue sailing to Aswan.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Day 12: Aswan – Philae Temple & Felucca Sail
In Aswan, we visit the stunning Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the lively local souk. After lunch at a Nubian restaurant, we sail the Nile on a traditional felucca — a peaceful, timeless experience.
Overnight: Nile Cruise
Day 13: Abu Simbel Excursion
We fly to Abu Simbel to witness the colossal temples of Ramses II — one of Egypt’s most dramatic archaeological sites.
After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, we return to Cairo for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Cairo
Day 14: Grand Egyptian Museum & Farewell Dinner
We explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the treasures of Tutankhamun, and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
After lunch and shopping in Khan el Khalili bazaar, we gather for a farewell dinner celebrating new friendships, shared rallies, and unforgettable moments.
Overnight: Cairo
Day 15: Departure
Depart Cairo with extraordinary memories of pyramids, pickleball, and the Nile.