- DurationApprox. 8 hours
- Tour typePrivate tour
- StartsPickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel
- PriceFrom $96 per person based on 6+ travellers
OverviewItineraryWhat’s includedPricesFAQ
Tour Overview
This private Giza, Saqqara and Memphis day tour covers the three places that tell the story of Egypt’s pyramid age. You start at Giza with the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and a short camel ride, then drive south through palm groves and farmland to Saqqara, where the Step Pyramid of Djoser marks the moment Egyptians first built in stone, and finish at Memphis, the country’s first capital.
Your own Egyptologist guide explains how the pyramids developed from Djoser’s stepped design to Khufu’s smooth giant, and why the Old Kingdom tombs at Saqqara are full of everyday scenes of farming, fishing and markets. The pace is relaxed, with time for photos and a local lunch between Saqqara and Memphis. Entry tickets are included, so you simply follow your guide.
Highlights
- The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure and the panoramic viewpoint
- The Great Sphinx and the granite Valley Temple
- Around 30 minutes on a camel at the pyramids
- The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and decorated Old Kingdom tombs
- The colossal statue of Ramesses II and the alabaster sphinx at Memphis
- Private Egyptologist guide, entry tickets and lunch included
Itinerary
08:00 – Hotel pickup
Your Egyptologist guide and driver meet you in the hotel lobby and you set off in a private air-conditioned vehicle. From central Cairo the drive to Giza takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, and your guide uses it to outline the day and the 4,500-year history you are about to see.
09:00 – Giza pyramids and camel ride
Walk around the Great Pyramid of Khufu, then see Khafre’s and Menkaure’s pyramids. At the panoramic viewpoint you can see all three together, and this is where your camel ride of around 30 minutes starts. Entry inside the Great Pyramid is optional and paid separately if you would like to go in.
11:00 – Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
Walk down to the Great Sphinx, carved from the bedrock of the plateau, and the granite Valley Temple of Khafre beside it. Your guide explains how the temple was used in royal funerals and points out the best spots for photographs before you leave Giza for Saqqara, around 40 minutes to the south.
12:00 – Saqqara Step Pyramid
At Saqqara you see the Step Pyramid of Djoser, designed by the architect Imhotep around 2650 BC and the oldest large stone building in Egypt. Explore its ceremonial courtyard and visit one or two Old Kingdom tombs whose walls show farming, fishing, crafts and offerings in remarkably fresh detail.
13:30 – Lunch
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the countryside near Saqqara. Expect Egyptian dishes such as grilled meat, rice, salads, dips and fresh bread, with vegetarian options available if you tell us in advance. Drinks are extra. It is a relaxed break before the last visit of the day.
Meals: Lunch
14:30 – Memphis open-air museum
Memphis, founded around 3100 BC, was Egypt’s first capital. Little of the city survives, but the open-air museum holds a huge limestone statue of Ramesses II, now lying in its own hall, and a fine alabaster sphinx. After about 45 minutes here, you drive back to your hotel, arriving around 16:00 to 17:00.
Good to know: Camel rides are short and led on foot by a handler; if you prefer not to ride, your guide can swap it for extra time at the panoramic viewpoint.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to the Giza plateau, Saqqara and Memphis
- Camel ride of about 30 minutes at the pyramids
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Bottled water
Not included
- Tickets inside the Great Pyramid (about $19–29) or other special tombs
- Drinks with lunch
- Tips for the guide, driver and camel handler
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Prices
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single traveller | $199 |
| 2 travellers | $132 |
| 3–5 travellers | $110 |
| 6+ travellers | $96 |
Per person in USD. Child prices depend on age and the services included – ask us for a child price before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside the Great Pyramid?
Yes, if you buy the extra interior ticket, which costs about $19 to $29 and is not included. The passage is narrow, steep and warm inside, so it is not ideal for anyone with claustrophobia, back problems or limited mobility. Your guide will help you buy the ticket and wait for you outside.
Is the camel ride suitable for beginners?
Yes. The camels are led by an experienced handler at a walking pace, and the ride lasts about 30 minutes around the panoramic area. Holding on while the camel stands up and kneels is the only tricky moment. Children can ride with an adult, and you can skip the ride if you prefer.
How much walking is involved?
Expect around three to four kilometres of walking during the day, mostly on sand, gravel and uneven stone paths. The vehicle drives you between the main viewpoints at Giza. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring a light layer for air-conditioned spaces.
Can we add the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Not comfortably on the same day, as the museum needs at least two to three hours. We recommend our Grand Egyptian Museum tour on a separate day, or we can arrange a private two-day plan that combines both at a relaxed pace. Ask us for a quote.
Is the tour private?
Yes. Your guide, driver and vehicle are only for you and your travel companions, so you can set the pace, stop for photos and ask as many questions as you like. Prices fall per person as your group grows.
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Want to combine tours or change anything? Contact us or message us on WhatsApp and we will tailor it for you.
