Giza Pyramids and Saqqara Private Tour from Cairo with Memphis
Walk among the world's oldest stone monuments and trace the origins of ancient Egyptian civilization in a single unforgettable day.
This private full-day tour gives you direct access to the Giza Pyramids and Saqqara, two of Egypt's most significant archaeological zones, along with a visit to Memphis, the country's first recorded capital city. An Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout, providing historical context at every site. The tour is rated easy and is well suited for a wide range of travelers.
Starting with a hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, the day moves through three distinct historical periods. You will see the monumental architecture of the Old Kingdom at Giza, the even earlier Step Pyramid complex at Saqqara, and the ruins of Memphis where the story of unified Egypt began under King Menes.
The itinerary is structured to let you explore each site at a comfortable pace without rushing. Lunch at a local restaurant is included between the Saqqara and Memphis visits, giving you time to rest before the final stop of the day.
Tour Highlights
Stand before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus on the Giza Plateau.
See the Great Sphinx, the iconic limestone statue combining a human head with a lion's body, attributed to the reign of King Chephren.
Visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC during the 3rd Dynasty.
Explore the Valley Temple at Giza, a well-preserved mortuary complex associated with the Pyramid of Chephren.
Walk through the ancient city of Memphis, Egypt's first capital, and view the colossal Statue of Ramses II.
Travel with a certified Egyptologist guide who provides in-depth commentary at every stop.
Enjoy private, door-to-door transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for the full duration of the tour.
Itinerary
1
Hotel Pickup in Cairo
Your Egyptologist guide meets you at your hotel lobby and transfers you to the first site in a private, air-conditioned van. The drive to Giza takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
2
Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
You will visit the three main pyramids — Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus — on the Giza Plateau. The tour then continues to the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple, both located within the same complex and connected to the reign of Chephren.
3
Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
The tour moves south to Saqqara to visit the Step Pyramid, commissioned for King Djoser around 2630 BC. This six-tiered structure is recognized as the world's oldest major stone monument and predates the Giza pyramids by roughly a century.
4
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
A lunch break is included at a local restaurant between Saqqara and Memphis. This gives you time to rest and refuel before the final stop of the day.
5
Memphis — Egypt's First Capital
The tour concludes at Memphis, founded by King Menes and recognized as the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom for more than 3,000 years. The highlight here is the colossal limestone Statue of Ramses II displayed in the open-air museum.
6
Return to Your Hotel
After the Memphis visit, your driver returns you directly to your hotel in Cairo. The full tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.
What Is Included
Included
Private Egyptologist guide for the full day
Round-trip hotel transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance fees to the Giza Pyramid complex
Entrance fees to Saqqara and the Step Pyramid
Entrance fees to the Memphis open-air museum
Valley Temple visit at Giza
Lunch at a local restaurant
Not Included
Entry inside the Great Pyramid (optional, at extra cost)
Camel or horse rides at Giza (optional, at extra cost)
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Gratuities for the guide and driver
Travel insurance
Important Information
This is a private tour. All sites involve outdoor walking on uneven terrain, including sand and stone surfaces. Comfortable footwear and sun protection are strongly recommended.
Duration
Approximately 8 hours, including all transfers, site visits, and lunch.
What to Bring
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a bottle of water. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is advised for site visits.
Cancellation
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Accessibility
The tour involves walking on sand, gravel, and uneven stone surfaces. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Guests with limited mobility should consult the operator before booking.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is rated easy in terms of physical difficulty.
Reserve Your Private Tour Today
Secure your spot on this private full-day tour and explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, and the ancient city of Memphis with an expert Egyptologist guide by your side.
Yes, this is a private tour. Your group will not be joined by other travelers, and the guide and vehicle are dedicated exclusively to your party for the entire day.
Are entrance fees included in the tour?▼
Entrance fees to the Giza Pyramid complex, the Valley Temple, Saqqara, and the Memphis open-air museum are included. Optional entry inside the Great Pyramid carries an additional fee payable on site.
What is the Step Pyramid of Djoser and why is it significant?▼
The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was built around 2630 BC for King Djoser during the 3rd Dynasty and is considered the world's oldest major stone structure. It predates the Giza pyramids and represents the earliest experiment in large-scale stone construction in ancient Egypt.
Where does the tour start and end?▼
The tour starts and ends at your hotel in Cairo. Your Egyptologist guide will collect you from the lobby and return you there after the Memphis visit, approximately 8 hours later.
What should I wear for this tour?▼
Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes are recommended given the sandy and uneven terrain at all three sites. Lightweight, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is advised, and sun protection including a hat and sunscreen is strongly recommended.
Is lunch included in the tour?▼
Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included and is scheduled between the Saqqara and Memphis visits. Guests with dietary requirements should inform the operator at the time of booking.
Giza PyramidsSaqqaraMemphis EgyptStep PyramidGreat SphinxCairo Day TourEgyptologist GuidePrivate Tour EgyptAncient EgyptValley TempleRamses II StatueOld Kingdom Sites
This tour operates entirely within the Greater Cairo region of northern Egypt, covering three geographically close but historically distinct archaeological zones. The Giza Plateau, located on the west bank of the Nile roughly 13 kilometres southwest of central Cairo, is home to the three main pyramids and the Great Sphinx. Saqqara, situated approximately 30 kilometres south of Cairo near the town of Badrasheen, is part of a vast necropolis that served the ancient capital Memphis. Memphis itself, now the village of Mit Rahina in Giza Governorate, sits about 24 kilometres south of Cairo and is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Memphis and its Necropolis World Heritage Site. Together, these three sites form the backbone of Old Kingdom heritage tourism in Egypt and attract millions of international visitors each year.
Region: Greater Cairo, Egypt | Sites: Giza Plateau, Saqqara Necropolis, Memphis (Mit Rahina) | Historical Period: Old Kingdom Egypt, c. 2630–1550 BC | UNESCO World Heritage: Memphis and its Necropolis | Tour Type: Private Full-Day Archaeological Tour | Difficulty: Easy | Departure City: Cairo
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