Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Dahshur: Private Day Tour with Entry

Summary

Walk ancient sands from Giza’s giants to Memphis statues with a guide

You’ll step onto the Giza Plateau with a local guide and touch stones older than most countries. Wander through Memphis among colossal statues, explore Dahshur’s odd-angled pyramids, and pause for tea or a laugh in small shops along dusty roads. This isn’t just a tour — you’ll feel Egypt in your skin.

What’s the experience like?

So our day didn’t start as planned — we got stuck in Cairo traffic (of course), and I was already worrying we’d miss that first glimpse of the Giza Pyramids. Our guide, Ahmed, just grinned and said, “In Egypt, time is flexible.” He was right. When we finally reached the plateau, the pyramids were there waiting anyway — huge against the haze, with camels snorting somewhere behind us. The limestone felt warm under my hand. At one point I tried to pronounce “Khafre” correctly; Ahmed laughed and said I made it sound French. Not sure if that’s good or bad.

The Sphinx looked smaller than I’d imagined but somehow more real — up close you see all these tiny chips and scars in the stone. There was this weird silence around it, even with other groups nearby. After that we drove out to Dahshur; the Bent Pyramid really does look like it changed its mind halfway through being built. Sand got into my shoes but I didn’t care. The air smelled dry and old — maybe that’s just what 4,000 years does to a place.

I didn’t expect to enjoy Memphis so much — there’s this massive statue of Ramses II lying on his back like he’s taking a nap. Kids were climbing everywhere and an old man tried to sell me a carved scarab (I caved). Somewhere along the way we stopped at a cotton shop for tea; the owner let me feel these impossibly soft scarves and told me his family had worked there for generations. It’s not in any history book but it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza, Dahshur, Memphis, and Sakkara

• Pickup from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• Explore Valley Temple and Sphinx
• See Khufu's pyramid complex
• See Menkaure's pyramid complex
• See Khafre's pyramid complex
• Close-up look at the Sphinx
• Visit Dahshur Pyramids
• Tour Memphis City ancient sites
• Explore Pyramid of Teti in Saqqara
• Visit Pyramid of Unas replica
• See Mastaba of Ti tomb
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is the private day tour from Cairo?

The tour lasts about 8 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Are entry fees included in this Giza Pyramids tour?

Yes, all entry fees are included in your booking price.

Is hotel pickup available for this day trip?

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

What sites are visited on this day trip?

The tour visits Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Dahshur (Bent & Red Pyramids), Memphis & Sakkara.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included but bottled water is provided; there are stops for snacks or tea.

Are government-approved souvenir shops part of the itinerary?

Yes, short stops at government-backed shops for papyrus art, perfumes, cotton goods & carpets are included.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

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

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle from Cairo or Giza hotels, entry fees to all main sites (Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara & Dahshur), guidance from a knowledgeable local guide throughout the journey, bottled water to keep you going under that Egyptian sun, plus quick stops at traditional papyrus workshops, perfume stores and handmade carpet schools before returning you back where you started.