Embarking on a captivating journey through ancient Egyptian history, a trip to the Pyramids of Giza, Memphis, and Saqqara offers unparalleled insights. Visitors can marvel at the iconic Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, before exploring the lesser-known treasures of Memphis and Saqqara. From the colossal statue of Ramses II to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, this excursion provides a unique and quieter experience, allowing for in-depth exploration of these remarkable sites and their fascinating architectural evolution. With a blend of the well-known and the lesser-explored, this journey promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to uncover the enduring mysteries of Egypt’s past.
Key Points
-
This private half-day tour from Cairo explores the ancient sites of Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur, offering a quieter alternative to the crowded Giza Pyramids.
-
The tour includes visits to the colossal statue of Ramses II in Memphis, the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, and the Bent and Red Pyramids in Dahshur.
-
The tour offers a customizable experience with options for guided insights, entry fees, and lunch, as well as complimentary snacks and wheelchair-accessible transportation.
-
Positive customer reviews highlight the tour’s driver friendliness, knowledgeable guides, and overall satisfaction, with a focus on the immersive experience at the lesser-known sites.
-
The tour provides an opportunity to explore the evolution of pyramid design and uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian necropolis away from the crowds.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Cairo
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Inclusions
- Transportation Details
- Customer Experience
- Pyramid Exploration
- Memphis Marvels
- Saqqara Secrets
- Dahshur Discoveries
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Photography Permitted at All the Sites Visited?
- What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?
- Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Interests?
- Is There an Option to Visit the Sphinx and the Valley Temple?
- Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Not Mentioned?
- The Sum Up
- Our Top Picks in Cairo
- More Tour Reviews in Cairo
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cairo we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This private half-day excursion from Cairo takes visitors to three ancient attractions – Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur – which are less crowded than the famous Pyramids of Giza.
The tour typically lasts 4-5 hours, allowing ample time for photography and exploration. Priced from $45 per person, the experience can be customized based on group size.
Complimentary snacks, including bottled water, Pepsi, chips, and cake, are provided. Travelers can also opt for additional services like lunch and a professional tour guide.
The air-conditioned transportation is wheelchair accessible, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
With 13 glowing reviews and a 5.0 rating, this tour offers a personalized and insightful experience away from the typical tourist crowds.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cairo.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from any Cairo accommodation, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s exploration.
Plus, snacks such as bottled water, a can of Pepsi, chips, and cake are complimentary.
While the entry fees and services of an expert tour guide are optional, the driver’s friendly assistance is provided throughout the journey.
Travelers have the flexibility to customize their experience, deciding whether to add a lunch stop or opt for the expert insights of a knowledgeable guide.
Though tipping and additional optional tours aren’t included in the base price, the tour provides an affordable and convenient way to discover these ancient wonders beyond the famous Giza Plateau.
Transportation Details
An air-conditioned, chauffeured vehicle is provided for the tour, ensuring a comfortable journey from pickup to drop-off at any Cairo or Giza hotel.
The transportation accommodates wheelchair users, strollers, and infant seats, making it accessible for travelers of all needs.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing for seamless transportation to and from the historic sites of Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur.
Guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive while the experienced driver navigates the roads efficiently.
The transportation service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing travelers to focus on the fascinating sights and rich history they’ll encounter during the tour.
Customer Experience
Travelers’ reviews of the tour consistently praise the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers, as well as the knowledge and hospitality of the tour guides.
The tour has a perfect 5.0 rating based on 13 reviews, with customers highlighting the quieter experience at the less-visited sites like Memphis and Saqqara.
One reviewer noted that the driver was ‘extremely accommodating and made sure we were comfortable throughout the trip.’
Another praised the guide’s ‘extensive knowledge of the sites’ and their ability to provide a personalized experience.
Pyramid Exploration
This tour offers visitors a chance to explore three of Egypt’s remarkable ancient pyramid complexes – Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur – which are often overshadowed by the iconic Giza Pyramids but hold their own cultural and historical significance. At Memphis, you’ll marvel at the colossal statue of Ramses II, while Saqqara boasts the iconic Step Pyramid, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. The lesser-known Dahshur site features the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, offering a quieter and more peaceful experience compared to the bustling Giza.
| Pyramid Site | Key Attraction |
|---|---|
| Memphis | Colossal Statue of Ramses II |
| Saqqara | Step Pyramid, Oldest in Egypt |
| Dahshur | Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid |
This diverse itinerary allows visitors to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders beyond the ubiquitous Giza Pyramids, providing a unique and enriching experience.
Memphis Marvels
At Memphis, the former capital of ancient Egypt, visitors are captivated by the colossal statue of Ramses II, a magnificent testament to the grandeur of this once-thriving metropolis. The ancient site offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region, with several key attractions:
-
The necropolis of Saqqara, featuring the step pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt.
-
The Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid at Dahshur, prime examples of the evolution of pyramid design.
-
The Serapeum, an underground labyrinth of galleries housing the massive sarcophagi of the Apis bulls.
-
The Memphis Open-Air Museum, showcasing a remarkable collection of ancient statues and architectural fragments.
This private tour provides a unique opportunity to explore these lesser-known, yet equally captivating, ancient wonders.
Saqqara Secrets
From the towering Ramses II statue in Memphis, the tour moves on to the necropolis of Saqqara, home to the oldest known pyramid in Egypt – the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
This architectural marvel, dating back to the 27th century BC, represents a crucial turning point in the evolution of pyramid design. Visitors can explore the intricate underground tunnels and chambers of this pioneering structure, which set the stage for the later development of the iconic smooth-sided pyramids at Giza.
Saqqara is also known for its elaborate tombs, decorated with vibrant hieroglyphics and offering glimpses into the rituals and beliefs of ancient Egyptian society.
This lesser-known site provides a quieter, more immersive experience for travelers seeking to uncover the secrets of Egypt’s past.
Dahshur Discoveries
The tour then ventures to the lesser-known Dahshur necropolis, home to several remarkable pyramids that predate the famous Giza monuments.
The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid at Dahshur showcase the evolution of pyramid architecture, with the Bent Pyramid’s unique angled sides and the Red Pyramid’s smooth, elegant form representing crucial advancements in ancient Egyptian engineering.
Visitors can:
-
Explore the interior chambers and passages of the Bent Pyramid, marveling at its distinctive appearance.
-
Climb to the top of the Red Pyramid, one of the oldest true smooth-sided pyramids in Egypt.
-
Discover ancient tombs and temples scattered throughout the Dahshur necropolis.
-
Appreciate the serene, less-crowded atmosphere of this historic site compared to the bustling Giza Plateau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Permitted at All the Sites Visited?
Photography is permitted at all the sites visited on this tour. Travelers are free to take photos throughout the excursion, allowing them to capture the ancient wonders and create lasting memories of their experience.
What Languages Do the Tour Guides Speak?
The tour guides for this excursion are fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Arabic. They’re praised for their extensive knowledge and ability to provide a personalized experience for travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Can We Customize the Itinerary Based on Our Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized based on your interests. The private nature of the excursion allows for flexibility in the itinerary, enabling you to focus on the sites that most interest you during the 4-5 hour tour.
Is There an Option to Visit the Sphinx and the Valley Temple?
Yes, the tour can be customized to include a visit to the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. This additional option may incur an extra cost, but it provides a more comprehensive experience of the Giza plateau’s iconic attractions.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Charges Not Mentioned?
The tour doesn’t mention any additional fees or charges besides the optional services like lunch and entry fees. The price starts from $45.00 and covers hotel pickup/drop-off, snacks, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Trip to Pyramids of Giza, Memphis, Saqqara
“Went for a half day trip to Saqqara, Dahsur and Memphis, with just a driver (ie. no guide). My driver Ali was very friendly and patient especially!…”
The Sum Up
Embarking on this captivating journey through ancient Egyptian history, visitors can marvel at the iconic Giza Pyramids.
They can also explore the lesser-known treasures of Memphis and uncover the secrets of Saqqara.
This excursion offers a unique, quieter experience, allowing for in-depth exploration of these remarkable sites and their fascinating architectural evolution.
Overall, it provides a well-rounded understanding of Egypt’s timeless wonders.
