Cairo Ultra Tour: Saqqara, Dahshur and the Museum of Egyptian Civilization
A single sweeping day through five thousand years of pharaonic history, from the oldest pyramid complex in Egypt to a world-class museum of royal mummies.
The Cairo Ultra Tour from Marsa Alam takes you on an overnight road journey to the Egyptian capital, where you will visit the stepped monuments of Saqqara, the royal necropolis of Dahshur, and the nationally significant Museum of Egyptian Civilization before returning south by evening.
Few itineraries pack as much archaeological depth into a single excursion. Saqqara introduces you to the earliest large-scale stone architecture ever built, while Dahshur reveals how pyramid construction evolved under a single ruler across just a few decades.
The Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which officially opened its royal mummy hall in 2021, provides the modern counterpart to those ancient sites: 50,000 artifacts presented in thematic galleries that trace Egyptian life from prehistory to the present day.
Tour Highlights
Stand before Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the world's oldest large-scale stone structure still standing above ground.
Explore the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur, two experimental masterpieces that paved the way for Giza.
View the 22 royal mummies relocated to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, including those of New Kingdom pharaohs and queens.
Discover 50,000 artifacts spanning every era of Egyptian civilization under one contemporary roof in Old Cairo.
Visit a working carpet school and factory in Saqqara village, where traditional weaving techniques are still taught to young artisans.
Stop at an authentic Egyptian perfume factory and browse locally produced scents before the return journey.
Optional extensions include a Nile cruise or a guided walk through the historic district of Old Cairo, available on request.
Itinerary
Your guide meets you at your hotel in Marsa Alam for a late-night departure. The overland drive to Cairo covers approximately 500 kilometres and takes around 12 hours, arriving in the capital in the morning.
Begin your sightseeing at Saqqara with Djoser's Step Pyramid, Egypt's first monumental stone building, followed by Teti's Pyramid and the decorated interior of Kagemni's Tomb. A short stop at the village carpet school offers a look at traditional handcraft techniques passed down through generations.
Head south to Dahshur to examine King Sneferu's two surviving pyramids: the Bent Pyramid, whose angle shifts midway up, and the Red Pyramid, the first true smooth-sided pyramid ever completed. The site remains far less crowded than Giza, allowing for an unhurried visit.
After a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Old Cairo. The galleries present Egypt's cultural legacy from the Neolithic period onward, with the Royal Mummies Hall as the centrepiece of the collection.
The day concludes with a visit to an Egyptian perfume factory, where you can learn about traditional distillation methods and purchase fragrances directly from the producers. Departure for Marsa Alam follows, with arrival back at your hotel late in the evening.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip overland transport from Marsa Alam
- Licensed Egyptologist guide throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to Saqqara, Dahshur, and the Museum of Egyptian Civilization
- Buffet lunch at a local restaurant
- Visit to the carpet school and perfume factory
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Optional Nile cruise or Old Cairo visit
- Personal purchases at the carpet school or perfume factory
- Drinks not included with the buffet meal
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Cairo Ultra Tour
Secure your seat on this comprehensive excursion from Marsa Alam and explore the monuments of Saqqara, Dahshur, and the Museum of Egyptian Civilization in a single guided day.
Book Now
