Full Day Cairo Pyramids, Saqqara & Dahshur Tour with Guide

Summary

Visit Giza, Memphis & Dahshur: Ancient Egypt Day Trip

You’ll stand face-to-face with Egypt’s most famous pyramids, wander ancient Memphis ruins without crowds, and see Dahshur’s quirky Bent Pyramid—all with a friendly local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of the car near the Giza Plateau, I felt that first wave of dry desert air—warm but not harsh, just enough to remind you you’re somewhere different. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out cold bottles of water and pointed toward the Great Pyramid. Up close, it’s hard to believe people built this with their hands and simple tools. The three pyramids—Cheops, Kephren, Mykrenos—stand quietly massive as tour groups shuffle by and a few camels grumble in the background. Ahmed shared stories about hidden chambers and old kingdom kings; he even showed us where some local vendors set up tiny stands selling dates and sweet tea.

Memphis was next—a short drive through busy Cairo streets with honking taxis and kids darting between fruit stalls. The open-air museum there is quieter than Giza. You’ll see huge statues of Ramses II lying on his back under a wooden roof, and bits of ruined palaces poking out from patches of grass. It’s not crowded; you can actually hear birds chirping over the distant hum of traffic.

Dahshur surprised me most. Fewer tourists come here, so it feels almost private. The Bent Pyramid rises at an odd angle—our guide explained how ancient builders miscalculated the slope, which gave it that strange shape. There’s a faint smell of wild herbs in the breeze and only the sound of your own footsteps on sandy ground. We learned how these early attempts led to the smooth-sided pyramids later on. By late afternoon, sunlight hits the stones just right for photos without crowds in your way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cairo and Giza Pyramids Tour

• Visit Pyramids of Giza
• Explore Memphis, first capital of Egypt
• Tour Dahshur Pyramids

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for older travelers or kids?

Yes—it’s designed for all fitness levels. There’s some walking but nothing too steep or difficult.

What should I bring along?

I’d suggest comfy shoes, sunscreen (the sun can be strong), maybe a hat. Water is provided but extra snacks never hurt.

How long does the tour last?

The full day usually runs 7–8 hours including travel time between sites.

Are entry tickets included?

No—entry fees aren’t included in this package but your guide will help you buy them at each site if needed.

What’s included

Your ride comes with air conditioning (trust me, you’ll appreciate it), bottled water for everyone, an English-speaking guide who knows their stuff, plus all necessary tourism police permissions so everything runs smooth.