Giza, Memphis & Saqqara: Private Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Walk the Giza Plateau, explore Memphis relics, climb Saqqara’s steps

You’ll start your private day trip with pickup in Cairo or Giza before heading straight for the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx—dusty air, ancient stones, and plenty of stories from your guide along the way. Wander Memphis’ quiet ruins and share a simple Egyptian lunch before climbing Sakkara’s step pyramid under wide desert skies.

What’s the experience like?

We started early—our guide, Hossam, was already waiting outside the hotel in Giza. He had this easy way about him, like he’d seen every sunrise over the pyramids but still found it worth pointing out. The car ride was quiet at first (I’m not a morning person), but then we turned onto the Giza Plateau and suddenly there they were—the pyramids just sitting there in the sand like they’d always been. I could smell dust and something sweet from a nearby vendor roasting nuts. Hossam kept tossing out little facts—like how Khufu’s pyramid used to be covered in white limestone—but honestly my mind wandered as I stared up at those stones. It’s hard to listen when you’re craning your neck that far back.

The Sphinx felt smaller than I expected, maybe because of all the photos you see online. But standing right there with its paws stretched out and the city humming behind us—it hit different. We wandered around the edges of the Great Pyramid for a while (Hossam said you can’t go inside without a special ticket), then he pointed out where workers once lived. There was a group of kids selling postcards; one tried to teach me how to say “hello” in Arabic and laughed when I totally messed it up. Not my proudest language moment.

Memphis was next—just outside Cairo really, but it felt quieter somehow. There’s not much left except statues lying on their sides and palm trees rustling overhead. The air smelled faintly of earth and old stone, which sounds weird but made sense at the time. We stopped for lunch at this local spot (rice with tomato sauce, grilled chicken—nothing fancy but honestly so good after walking all morning). Hossam told us stories about old kings between bites; I think he liked watching our faces as we tried hibiscus juice for the first time.

Sakkara was last—the Step Pyramid rising up out of nowhere, looking rough around the edges compared to Giza but almost more impressive because of it. The wind picked up and there was this dry heat that made everything shimmer a little bit. We peeked into tombs covered in faded carvings; one wall showed people baking bread thousands of years ago. It made me wonder what small things we do now will last that long—or if anything does.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Memphis, and Sakkara

• Pickup from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Giza Pyramid Complex
• Explore Great Pyramid of Giza
• See Pyramid of Khafre
• See Pyramid of Menkaure
• Visit Giza Plateau
• View Great Sphinx of Giza
• Visit Memphis City
• Visit Saqqara and Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Explore Pyramid of Unas replica
• Explore Pyramid of Teti
• Visit Mastaba of Ti
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the private day tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Saqqara?

The tour lasts one full day with stops at each site and includes transfers back to your hotel.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included if you select that option when booking.

Are entry fees covered in the price?

Entry fees are included if you choose that option during booking; otherwise they are extra.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from both Cairo and Giza hotels.

Can I visit inside the Great Pyramid on this tour?

No interior visit is included by default; entry requires a separate ticket not part of standard inclusions.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour involves walking on uneven ground; it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or certain health conditions.

What languages does the guide speak?

Tours are available in multiple languages depending on guide availability—ask when booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

A bottle of water is included per person; additional drinks can be purchased during lunch or at stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle, entry fees if selected, bottled water along the way, a traditional Egyptian lunch (if chosen), plus time exploring natural oils at Paradise Perfumes & Flower Cotton, papyrus making at Key of Life Papyrus, and handmade carpets at a local school before heading back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.