Cairo Pyramids: Dahshur, Saqqara & Memphis Private Tour

Summary

Walk ancient stones at Dahshur then trace pharaohs in Memphis

You’ll walk through Egypt’s quieter wonders with a local guide—touching Dahshur’s unusual pyramids, exploring Saqqara’s ancient carvings, and seeing what remains of Memphis’ lost grandeur. Expect hotel pickup, honest stories from your guide, a few unexpected laughs—and maybe a new appreciation for history you can actually feel under your fingers.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I’d seen enough pyramids after Giza, but this half-day trip from Cairo surprised me. Our guide, Ahmed, picked us up right after breakfast — he greeted us with that easy Egyptian warmth and a joke about Cairo traffic (“It’s its own pyramid!”). On the drive out to Dahshur, the city sounds faded and there was just open land and that dry morning light. The Red Pyramid looked almost pink in the sun. We stood close enough to touch the limestone blocks — they’re rougher than you’d expect, warm under your hand. Ahmed explained how the Bent Pyramid got its odd shape (I still can’t believe they just… changed angles halfway up). A breeze carried this dusty scent, like old paper and stone.

Saqqara was next — honestly, I didn’t know much about it before. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is older than Giza’s by centuries. There were barely any crowds; just us and a couple of chatty local kids selling bracelets (I caved and bought one). Inside the Mastaba of Ti, the wall carvings showed people fishing and baking bread thousands of years ago — it made everything feel weirdly close. Ahmed pointed out some hieroglyphs for us but admitted he sometimes mixes them up too. We laughed about it; even experts get lost in all these symbols.

Last stop was Memphis. Not much left standing except some massive statues lying sideways in the dust — but somehow that made it more real. You could see how time just wears things down here. The sun was hot by then and we grabbed cold water before heading back to Cairo. There were quick stops at a perfume shop (the jasmine oil smell stuck to my sleeves) and a carpet school where women wove bright threads with their bare hands. I still think about those colors against all that sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis

• Pickup from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• See Red and Bent Pyramids at Dahshur
• Visit Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
• Explore Pyramid of Unas
• Visit Mastaba of Ti
• Tour Memphis ancient capital
• Drop off at hotel in Cairo or Giza

Top questions

How long does the Cairo pyramids tour take?

The tour lasts around half a day with 20-minute stops at each main site plus travel time from Cairo or Giza.

Is hotel pickup included for the Dahshur & Saqqara tour?

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

What sites are visited on this private tour?

The tour visits Dahshur (Red & Bent Pyramids), Saqqara (Step Pyramid of Djoser), Memphis ruins, plus stops at local artisan shops.

Are entry fees included in the price?

Entry fees are included if you select that option when booking.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Lunch is included if you choose that option during booking; bottled water is also provided.

Are there any shopping stops on this itinerary?

Yes, there are brief stops at Paradise Perfumes & Flower Cotton shop, Key of Life Papyrus workshop, and Handmade Carpets school.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

The tour may not be recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join this private pyramids tour?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for families traveling with young children.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairo or Giza, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, entry fees if selected when booking, an optional traditional lunch with bottled water along the way, plus guided visits to Dahshur’s Red and Bent Pyramids, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser and Mastaba of Ti, Memphis ruins—and short stops at local perfume shops, papyrus makers and carpet schools before returning to your hotel.