Giza Pyramids, Memphis & Sakkara: Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient sands at Giza then wander Memphis statues and Sakkara’s step pyramid with a guide and real Egyptian lunch

You’ll walk where pharaohs walked on this day trip from Cairo to Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara — feeling ancient stone under your hands, sharing jokes with your guide over lunch, and catching glimpses of Egypt’s past in every sunlit carving.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely finished our first sips of tea when our guide, Ahmed, grinned and asked if we’d ever tried saying “Khufu” like a local. I gave it a shot (not great), and the driver laughed so hard he nearly missed the turnoff for the Giza Plateau. There’s something about seeing those pyramids rise up through Cairo’s morning haze — you know they’re famous, but in person they look almost unreal. Camels shuffled past us, bells clinking; someone nearby was selling sweet bread that smelled like anise. Ahmed pointed out where the priests used to prepare the kings for their journey to the afterlife — honestly, it felt strange standing there with all that old silence pressing in around us.

The Sphinx is smaller than you expect but somehow more mysterious. I watched a couple of kids try to mimic its pose while their dad snapped photos. After wandering the valley temples (the limestone under my hand was warm from the sun), we drove out toward Memphis — it’s only about 30 minutes but feels like leaving one world for another. The statue of Ramses II is just lying there, massive and cracked but still kind of regal. A local caretaker told me he’s been watching over that statue since he was a boy — “Ramses never gets lonely,” he joked. We ate lunch at this little spot nearby; I can still taste that smoky baba ganoush.

Sakkara was my favorite part of this day trip from Cairo — maybe because it’s quieter or maybe because you can actually see how pyramid-building started here. The Step Pyramid looks rougher than Giza’s but somehow more alive. We ducked inside one of the tombs; there was this faint scent of dust and old stone, and our guide traced his finger along some carved hieroglyphs as if introducing us to old friends. The afternoon light made everything gold and soft — I took way too many photos but none really caught how it felt standing there with all that history stacked around you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Memphis, and Sakkara

• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• See Valley Temple at Giza
• View Khufu's pyramid complex
• Explore Khafre's pyramid complex
• Explore Menkaure's pyramid complex
• See the Great Sphinx of Giza
• Visit ancient Memphis city
• See Ramses II statue in Memphis
• Visit Step Pyramid at Sakkara
• Explore Pyramid of Unas
• Explore Pyramid of Teti
• Visit Mastaba of Ti

Top questions

How long does the full-day Giza Pyramids tour last?

The tour covers a full day with stops at Giza Pyramids, Memphis, and Sakkara including transfers and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Cairo?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

What sites are visited on the Giza Pyramids & Sakkara tour?

The tour includes Giza Pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), Sphinx, Memphis city with Ramses II statue, and Sakkara Step Pyramid.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Are entry fees covered in this private tour?

Entry fees for main areas are included; additional options may cost extra depending on your choice.

Can I join by public transport instead of hotel pickup?

Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to meet at designated points.

How much time do we spend at each stop?

You’ll have about 20 minutes at each location for activities like exploring local crafts or viewing monuments.

Is this tour suitable for families or seniors?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with certain health conditions or spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by private vehicle, all entry fees for main sites like Giza Pyramids and Sakkara Step Pyramid, bottled water to keep you cool under the sun, plus a traditional Egyptian lunch before heading back to Cairo in comfort.