Full day tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, Sakkara & Dahshur with private guide

Explore Egypt’s Top Ancient Sites in One Day

This full-day tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur offers a comprehensive journey through some of Egypt’s most famous archaeological treasures. Priced at $65.00 per person, the tour is designed for those interested in delving into the history of ancient Egypt with the comfort of private transfers and a knowledgeable guide. The 8-hour experience starts promptly at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making logistics hassle-free.

The tour’s strength lies in its curated itinerary, allowing visitors to see the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Djoser, as well as the Red and Bent Pyramids at Dahshur, all in one day. It’s a flexible, guided experience suited for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the stress of planning individual visits. While inside the pyramids isn’t included, the tour offers a detailed overview of each site’s significance and history.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day tour covering Giza, Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur for $65 per person
• Private transport with air conditioning ensures comfort throughout the approximately 8-hour day
• Guided visits to the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley Temple at Giza
• Stops at notable sites including Sakkara’s Step Pyramid and Dahshur’s Red and Bent Pyramids
• Tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless experience
• Optional lunch at a local restaurant enhances the day’s enjoyment

Starting at the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

The day begins at 8:00 am with pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel. The tour kicks off with a guided visit to the Giza Pyramids complex, where you’ll see the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos. The Valley Temple nearby, where priests mummified King Chephren, provides insight into ancient burial rituals, while the Sphinx, with its lion body and king’s head, guards the site. Expect to spend around 2 hours exploring these iconic monuments.

The Giza Plateau itself is a vast limestone area at around 60 meters above sea level, dotted with cemeteries and a workers’ village, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the admission tickets for the pyramids are not included, the guide offers detailed explanations and historical context at each stop, making this a rich learning experience even from the outside.

Visiting the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu)

The Great Pyramid of Khufu stands as the largest of the three at Giza, completed around 2560 BC. Its complex includes a Valley Temple, a causeway leading to the Mortuary Temple, and the pyramid itself. Visitors get approximately 30 minutes to admire and photograph this awe-inspiring structure. The site remains mostly in its ancient form, with some features buried beneath modern village layers, but the scale of Khufu’s pyramid is immediately impressive.

While inside the pyramid isn’t part of this tour, the guide provides comprehensive descriptions of its construction and purpose, allowing a clear picture of its significance in Egyptian history.

Exploring Khafre’s Pyramid and the Sphinx

Next, the guide leads visitors to Khafre’s Pyramid, the second largest at Giza, which includes a Valley Temple, Sphinx Temple, and a causeway. The well-preserved statues of Khafre found in the valley temple offer a glimpse into the artistry of the Old Kingdom.

The Great Sphinx, dating from Khafre’s reign, is one of Egypt’s most famous monuments. Its 30-minute visit involves appreciating its colossal size and mysterious symbolism. The Sphinx remains a highlight of the Giza site, blending impressive engineering with iconic symbolism.

The Giza Plateau and Its Features

The Giza Plateau itself is an expansive limestone area, roughly 60 meters above sea level, offering sweeping views of the pyramids. It’s the hub of the ancient Fourth Dynasty necropolis, featuring cemeteries, a workers’ village, and an industrial complex. Visitors can enjoy 30-minute stops at key points, taking photos and soaking in the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site’s outdoor nature means visitors should prepare for the weather, and comfortable footwear is advised for walking around the uneven terrain.

Discovering the Pyramids of Menkaure and Dahshur’s Red and Bent Pyramids

After Giza, the tour takes visitors 27 km south to Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser and other mastabas. The Pyramid of Teti and the Pyramid of Unas are also featured, each offering a look into different royal burial practices. These sites are rich in history, with 30-minute stops at each monument.

Next, the Dahshur Pyramids are visited, highlighting the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid—both built circa 2613–2589 BCE. These structures showcase the evolution of pyramid design and engineering. Visitors spend about 1 hour exploring the site’s impressive pyramids, which are less crowded and offer a different perspective on pyramid construction.

The Significance of Memphis and Its Ruins

The tour concludes with a visit to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt dating back to 3100 BC. The site features remnants of statues, including a colossal statue of Ramesses II, and offers insight into the city’s historical importance as a political and cultural center. Expect to spend approximately 1 hour here, with the guide explaining Memphis’s role in Egypt’s history.

Optional and Practical Details

Lunch at a local restaurant is available, providing an opportunity to taste authentic Egyptian cuisine and relax during the busy day. The tour also includes bottled water and private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort for the entire journey.

While admission tickets for interior pyramid visits are not included, the guide offers detailed external explanations. The tour is private, so only your group participates, which allows for a flexible pace and personalized attention from your guide.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This full-day guided experience is ideal for travelers eager to see Egypt’s most iconic sites without the hassle of arranging individual visits or transportation. The private transport and expert guide make it accessible and comfortable, especially for those with limited time. It’s perfect for those who want a rundown of the pyramids, Memphis, and Saqqara in a single day.

However, visitors who wish to go inside the pyramids or prefer a more leisurely pace should consider that interior ticket costs are not included, and some stops might feel somewhat rushed according to reviews. The flexibility of the guide can help mitigate this for most.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day of Egypt’s Ancient Wonders

This private tour offers a practical and cost-effective way to experience Egypt’s most celebrated monuments in one day. The expert guide and private transport deliver a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on the awe of each site. The inclusion of stops at Giza, Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis ensures a broad view of Egypt’s royal and religious history.

While interior access to pyramids isn’t part of this package, the external views, detailed explanations, and scenic locations make this tour appealing, especially for first-time visitors or those short on time. It’s a good value for the price, with most reviews praising the knowledgeable guides and stunning views.

This tour suits history enthusiasts, photographers, and travelers wanting a comprehensive, guided day exploring Egypt’s ancient landscape with comfort and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the entrance tickets to the pyramids included?
No, the admission tickets for inside the pyramids are not included. However, the guide provides detailed external explanations of each site.

Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is optional and can be enjoyed at a local restaurant during the day, but it is not included in the price.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:00 am with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off back at your hotel.

Can I go inside the pyramids?
Interior visits are not included and would require separate tickets. The tour focuses on external exploration and guide-led explanations.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with private transportation and relatively short stops at each site.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 21 days in advance, reflecting good planning for this popular tour.