Half-Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour From Cairo

Uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt’s past on this comprehensive half-day tour from Cairo. Venture to the Saqqara necropolis and marvel at the iconic Step Pyramid of Zoser, the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument. Then, explore the open-air museum in Memphis, the former capital of Lower Egypt, and discover a treasure trove of ancient relics and artifacts. With an expert guide to provide insight, air-conditioned transportation, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers an immersive experience that delves deep into the rich history and culture of these captivating archaeological sites. What secrets await you on this journey into the heart of Egypt’s past?

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Cairo visits the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis, including the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser.
• The tour includes an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and air-conditioned vehicle transport, with a duration of approximately 4 hours.
• Visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the Saqqara necropolis, home to an array of tombs, temples, and relics.
• The tour departs at 8:00 AM from Pharaohs Hotel in Giza and has a maximum group size of 12 travelers.
• The tour has a cancellation policy that provides full refunds for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.

Overview of the Tour

This guided tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the ancient wonders of Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo.

It begins with a visit to the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser at Saqqara.

Afterward, the tour continues to Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, where travelers can see its relics at the open-air museum, including a colossal statue of Ramses II.

Travelers will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who’ll provide insights into the rich history and significance of these archaeological sites.

The tour lasts approximately four hours and departs from the Pharaohs Hotel in Giza.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes the local English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Saqqara and Memphis, and air-conditioned vehicle transport.

However, it excludes food, drinks, gratuities, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

The tour’s inclusions and exclusions are:

• Included: Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Saqqara and Memphis, air-conditioned vehicle transport

• Excluded: Food and drinks

• Excluded: Gratuities

• Excluded: Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Excluded: Children under 6 years old

This structured approach ensures that travelers have a clear understanding of what’s and isn’t provided in the tour package, allowing them to budget and plan accordingly.

Key Tour Details

The tour generally lasts 4 hours, starting at 8:00 AM from the meeting point at Pharaohs Hotel in Giza.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers, and the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users. Plus, children under 6 years old aren’t permitted to join the excursion.

Guests will explore the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis, including the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser. At Memphis, they’ll see the open-air museum’s relics, such as the colossal statue of Ramses II.

The tour includes entrance fees to both sites and air-conditioned vehicle transport, but food, drinks, gratuities, and hotel pickup/drop-off aren’t covered.

Cancellation Policy

If guests need to cancel their Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour, they can receive a full refund if they do so at least 24 hours in advance.

However, no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour departure.

This cancellation policy is designed to:

• Accommodate last-minute changes in travel plans
• Ensure the tour operator can fill the available spots
• Maintain the financial viability of the tour
• Provide flexibility for guests
• Avoid penalties for the tour operator

Exploring Saqqara and Its Monuments

After learning about the tour’s cancellation policy, visitors can now explore the wonders of Saqqara, the ancient burial site that boasts the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument – the Step Pyramid of Zoser.

This iconic structure, dating back to the 27th century BC, is a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of ancient Egyptian civilisation. Guests will marvel at the sheer size and complexity of the Step Pyramid, which served as the centerpiece of a vast funerary complex.

Beyond the pyramid, the Saqqara necropolis is home to an array of other tombs, temples, and relics, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this remarkable archaeological site.

Visiting the Ancient Capital of Memphis

From Saqqara, the tour continues on to Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, where visitors can explore the relics preserved at the open-air museum.

Here, they’ll marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, a testament to the grandeur and power of this once-thriving metropolis. The museum’s exhibits provide a window into the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of this legendary city, which served as the administrative and religious center of the region for centuries.

The highlights of visiting Memphis include:

• Viewing the massive statue of Ramses II, one of the most iconic artifacts from ancient Egypt
• Exploring the open-air museum’s collection of ancient sculptures and architectural fragments
• Learning about the city’s role as the administrative and religious capital of Lower Egypt
• Discovering the historical significance of Memphis in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization
• Gaining a deeper appreciation for the grandeur and legacy of this once-mighty ancient city.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of ancient Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites – the Saqqara necropolis and the open-air museum in Memphis.

At Saqqara, travelers marvel at the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser, which stands as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of Egypt’s ancient builders.

In Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, the tour showcases the relics of this once-thriving city, including a colossal statue of Ramses II.

Throughout the journey, an English-speaking guide provides insights into the history and significance of these iconic sites, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all participants.

Transportation and Meeting Point

Visitors will meet their English-speaking guide at the Pharaohs Hotel in Giza, the designated meeting point for this tour.

Transportation throughout the tour is provided via an air-conditioned vehicle. This ensures a comfortable and efficient journey to the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis.

Key transportation details include:

• Pickup and drop-off at the centrally located Pharaohs Hotel
• Air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of the 4-hour tour
• Efficient transportation to minimize travel time between sites
• Maximum group size of 12 travelers for a personalized experience
• Transport not suitable for wheelchair users or children under 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photos during the tour. Photography is generally permitted at the sites, though visitors should check with the guide for any restrictions. Respectful photography is encouraged to capture the ancient wonders.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. The tour operator offers a private Saqqara and Memphis tour from Cairo, allowing travelers to explore the sites at their own pace with a dedicated guide.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

No special equipment is needed for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy exploring the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis.

How Long Do We Spend at Each Location?

The tour spends around 2 hours at Saqqara to explore the Step Pyramid and Memphis’ open-air museum. Travelers will have about 1-1.5 hours to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and other relics at the Memphis site.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool in the warm climate. Proper attire shows respect for the historical sites.

Recap

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient sites of Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo.

Visitors will witness the oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser, and explore the rich history of the Saqqara necropolis.

The tour continues to Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, where participants can see relics and artifacts at the open-air museum.

With an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and included entrance fees, this four-hour excursion provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for those interested in ancient Egyptian history.