Cairo & Giza: Private Day Tour Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis

Summary

Stories from a Cairo day trip pyramids sphinx saqqara memphis tour

You’ll wander ancient stones at Giza Pyramids with a local Egyptologist guide by your side, ride camels and quad bikes through desert air, taste home-cooked Egyptian lunch, then explore Saqqara’s Step Pyramid and Memphis’ statues before heading back with new stories in your pocket.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is our guide, Ahmed, waving at us from across the lobby — he had this easy smile and insisted we try saying “sabah el kheir” before we even got in the car. It was early but already warm, and the city outside felt like it was just starting to stretch awake. The drive out to Giza went fast; Ahmed told stories about his grandmother’s old neighborhood and pointed out a bakery where he swears the best baladi bread comes from (I still regret not stopping).

Standing in front of the Giza pyramids hit me harder than I expected. There’s this dry wind that kicks up sand around your ankles, and you can hear vendors calling out in Arabic behind you. Ahmed explained how each block was hauled up with ramps — he made little gestures with his hands like he was stacking invisible stones. We did the classic camel ride (my camel’s name was Zizou), and I’ll admit I was pretty awkward climbing on. The view from there — sun bouncing off all that limestone — is something I still think about when I close my eyes.

The Sphinx is smaller than you imagine but somehow more mysterious up close. There were kids running around taking selfies and an old man selling mint tea nearby. Afterward, we zipped around on quad bikes just outside the pyramid area — sand in my teeth and laughter echoing between us. Lunch was at this local spot Ahmed picked; grilled chicken with rice and tahini that tasted smoky and fresh, nothing fancy but exactly what we needed.

Saqqara felt quieter, almost sleepy compared to Giza. The Step Pyramid looked rougher around the edges but older too — Ahmed called it “the grandfather of all pyramids.” By Memphis, honestly, my brain was full of dates and pharaoh names (I mixed up Ramses II with someone else and Ahmed just grinned). The alabaster Sphinx there glowed pale under the afternoon sun. On the drive back to Cairo, tired but happy, I kept thinking how none of these places feel real until you’re actually standing there with dust on your shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis

• Pickup from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Travel to Giza Pyramids
• Explore the pyramids with guide
• Visit the Great Sphinx and temple
• Take camel ride around pyramids
• Ride quad bike near pyramids
• Lunch at local Egyptian restaurant
• Visit Saqqara Step Pyramid
• Tour ancient city of Memphis
• Return to hotel in Cairo or Giza

Top questions

How long does the private Cairo & Giza day tour last?

The tour lasts a full day including visits to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cairo pyramids tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza are included.

Do I get a guided tour at each site?

You’ll have a professional Egyptologist guide throughout all sites.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included.

Is there a camel ride at Giza pyramids?

Yes, a 30-minute camel ride around the pyramids is part of the experience.

Can children join this Cairo day trip?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infant seats are available if needed.

Are quad bikes included in this private tour?

A quad bike safari around the pyramids is included during your visit.

What sites will I see on this day trip from Cairo?

You’ll visit Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara Step Pyramid, and Memphis.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed Egyptologist guide leading you through each site. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant plus both a 30-minute camel ride and quad bike safari around the Giza Pyramids before returning to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.