Dahshur, Saqqara & Memphis: Private Day Trip with Egyptologist

Step pyramids, quiet fields and Memphis statues on a Cairo day trip

You’ll walk where pharaohs once ruled—from Dahshur’s strange-angled pyramids to Saqqara’s ancient steps and Memphis’ scattered statues. With a local Egyptologist guiding each story, hotel pickup makes things easy—and there’s always bottled water waiting when you need it most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis

• Meet guide and transfer from hotel
• Explore Dahshur pyramid field
• Visit Saqqara and King Zoser's step pyramid
• Tour ancient capital Memphis
• Transfer back to hotel

The Experience

Hands brushing against the cool limestone, I tried to imagine what it was like when the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur was new. Our Egyptologist guide—his name was Ahmed—pointed out a crack running along one side and told us stories about the pharaoh who insisted it be finished, even when the angle went wrong. The air smelled faintly of sand and car exhaust from our van, but mostly just dry wind. We were only about 40 minutes from Cairo, but it felt quieter here, almost empty except for a few guards leaning on their sticks in the shade.

We drove next to Saqqara. The road got bumpier and I nearly spilled my water bottle (Ahmed handed me another before I could even ask). There’s something odd about seeing the Step Pyramid up close—it’s older than anything else I’ve ever stood beside. Ahmed grinned as he explained how Imhotep designed it for King Zoser; apparently this was the first time anyone tried stacking stone like that. A couple of kids waved at us from behind a low wall. The sun was sharp but not unbearable—maybe because we kept ducking into bits of shadow or because Ahmed had snacks ready in his bag.

Memphis surprised me. It’s not really a city anymore—just scattered statues and palm trees, goats wandering around like they own the place. There’s this enormous statue of Ramses II lying on its back; you can walk right up to it and see every chipped toe. Ahmed showed us some faded carvings and told us about Ptah, god of creation (I tried saying his name right—he laughed). By then I’d lost track of time, which is probably how these places want you to feel anyway.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, bottled water and snacks along the way, all fuel surcharges covered by the operator, plus full guiding by a qualified Egyptologist before returning you comfortably to your hotel at sunset.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Egypt Select Tours

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Top questions

How long does the private day trip to Dahshur, Saqqara & Memphis take?

The tour lasts approximately one day with pickup and drop-off included.

Is an Egyptologist guide included in this tour?

Yes, a qualified Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout the trip.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included for all guests.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

Is this day trip suitable for young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants under 5 join free.