2-Day Ancient Egypt Tour: Pyramids, Museums and Memphis
Walk through five millennia of civilization across Cairo, Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis
This 2-day Cairo ancient Egypt tour takes you from the last surviving wonder of the ancient world to the oldest stone structure ever built, covering the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt within a single, well-paced itinerary.
On the first day, you stand before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx before stepping inside the Egyptian Museum, home to more than 250,000 genuine artifacts including the legendary Tutankhamun treasure collection. The afternoon continues into Coptic Cairo, where early Christian and Jewish heritage layers the city with a different kind of depth.
The second day shifts south toward Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis. You enter the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, the oldest true pyramid in Egypt, and walk around the Bent Pyramid before reaching the ancient capital of Memphis to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx.
Both days include hotel pickup and drop-off, a licensed Egyptologist guide and lunch, making this one of the most complete introductions to ancient Egyptian civilization available in Cairo.
Tour Highlights
Visit the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus at Giza, among the most recognized structures in human history.
Stand before the Great Sphinx and explore the Valley Temple of Chephren at close range.
Explore the Egyptian Museum and its unmatched Tutankhamun collection, sealed in his tomb for over 3,500 years.
Discover Coptic Cairo including the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Church of Abu Serga.
Visit the Step Pyramid of Zoser at Saqqara, the world's oldest major stone structure built in the 3rd Dynasty.
Enter the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, the oldest true pyramid in Egypt, and observe the remarkably preserved Bent Pyramid.
Explore the ancient city of Memphis, the first capital of Egypt, and see the statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1 Morning: Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Your guide picks you up from your hotel and drives to the Giza Plateau. You visit the three main pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, then walk to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Chephren.
2
Day 1 Afternoon: Egyptian Museum and Coptic Cairo
After lunch at a local restaurant, you enter the Egyptian Museum to view its collection spanning 5,000 years of Egyptian art, with a dedicated section for Tutankhamun's gold and jewelry. The day closes with a visit to Coptic Cairo, including the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Church of St. Barbara and Church of Abu Serga.
3
Day 2 Morning: Saqqara Step Pyramid
Pickup begins at 08:00. You head to Saqqara, located about 30 km south of Cairo, to visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest large-scale cut stone construction in history, surrounded by a complex of mastaba tombs.
4
Day 2 Mid-Morning: Dahshur Pyramids
At Dahshur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Western Desert plateau, you enter the Red Pyramid and observe the Bent Pyramid, two of the most structurally significant pyramids in Egypt.
5
Day 2 Afternoon: Memphis and Return
You visit the open-air museum of Memphis, the first capital of unified Egypt founded by King Menes. Highlights include the fallen colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, followed by lunch and return transfer to your hotel.
What Is Included
Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off on both days
Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout
Entrance fees to all listed sites
Lunch on both days
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Visit to the Valley Temple of Chephren
Entry to the Red Pyramid at Dahshur
Not Included
International or domestic flights
Personal travel insurance
Entry inside the Great Pyramid (optional, extra cost)
Camel or horse rides at Giza
Tips and gratuities
Beverages and personal expenses
Important Information
Please read the following details before booking to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
Duration
This tour spans 2 full days. Each day begins with hotel pickup and ends with a return transfer to your accommodation in Cairo.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Sun protection, a hat and a refillable water bottle are strongly recommended. Modest dress is advised for Coptic Cairo sites.
Cancellation
Cancellation policies vary. Please review the terms provided at the time of booking or contact the operator directly for details.
Accessibility
The Giza Plateau, Saqqara and Dahshur involve uneven terrain and some walking on sandy or rocky ground. The tour is rated Easy but may not be fully suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for all ages. Children are welcome, and the itinerary is manageable for older travelers given the Easy difficulty rating.
Reserve Your Spot
This 2-day itinerary covers the most historically significant sites in Egypt in a structured, guided format with all logistics handled for you.
Yes, a Sun Pyramids Tours representative will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cairo on both days of the tour and return you at the end of each day.
Can I go inside the pyramids on this tour?▼
Entry inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops is not included in the standard tour price and can be arranged for an additional fee. On Day 2, entry inside the Red Pyramid at Dahshur is included.
What meals are provided during the tour?▼
Lunch is included on both days. Breakfast, dinner and beverages are not included and are at your own expense.
Is the Dahshur site open to visitors year-round?▼
Dahshur is generally open to visitors throughout the year. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the Western Desert plateau, approximately 40 km south of Cairo.
How much walking is involved on this tour?▼
The tour is rated Easy, though visitors should expect moderate walking across sandy and uneven ground at Giza, Saqqara and Dahshur. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
What is the significance of Memphis on the second day?▼
Memphis was the first capital of unified Egypt, founded by King Menes, and served as a center of rule and culture for over 3,000 years. The site features the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis.
Cairo ToursGiza PyramidsEgyptian MuseumSphinxSaqqaraDahshurMemphis EgyptAncient EgyptCoptic CairoStep PyramidTutankhamunEgypt History Tour
This tour operates entirely within Greater Cairo and its surrounding archaeological zones in northern Egypt. Day 1 covers the Giza Plateau, located on the western bank of the Nile approximately 15 km southwest of central Cairo, and continues to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square and the Coptic Cairo district. Day 2 extends south along the Nile Valley to Saqqara (30 km south of Cairo), Dahshur (40 km south of Cairo, UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the open-air museum of Memphis in Mit Rahina. All sites are situated within the greater metropolitan Cairo governorate or the neighboring Giza and Beni Suef corridors, making this itinerary fully accessible as a hotel-based tour without overnight relocation.
Location: Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis — Egypt | Region: North Africa | Category: Historical and Cultural Tour | Sub-category: Ancient Civilization / Archaeological Sites | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 2 Days | Tour Type: Guided Group Tour with Private Transfer | Landmarks: Great Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Valley Temple, Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun Collection, Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Step Pyramid of Djoser, Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, Memphis Open-Air Museum, Statue of Ramses II, Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis | UNESCO Sites: Dahshur Necropolis | Meals: Lunch (both days) | Pickup: Hotel-based Cairo
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