Giza Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis: Inside Pyramid, Camel Ride, VIP Lunch

Summary

Walk ancient sands at Giza then step inside Menkaure’s pyramid with lunch overlooking the stones

You’ll walk beside ancient stones at Giza with an Egyptologist guide, ride camels across golden sand, go inside Menkaure’s pyramid, and taste lunch overlooking those legendary shapes. From Sakkara’s step pyramid to Memphis’ colossal statues — it’s not just sightseeing; you’ll feel history pressing close in ways you can’t predict.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how quiet it got when we walked up close to the Great Pyramid. The city noise just sort of faded out, like someone turned down the volume. Our guide, Hossam, handed me a cold bottle of water (needed it — Cairo sun is no joke), and started telling us about Cheops. I tried to picture what this place looked like thousands of years ago but honestly my brain couldn’t keep up. There was this faint smell of dust and something almost metallic in the air. We wandered around the base for a while, everyone kind of lost in their own thoughts until Hossam pointed out some graffiti from 1800s travelers — people have been coming here forever.

I’d never ridden a camel before and I probably looked ridiculous getting on. The camel driver grinned and said something to Hossam who just laughed and told me to “lean back or you’ll fly.” So there we were, bobbing along with the pyramids right there beside us. The sand felt softer than I expected underfoot when we stopped for photos — my shoes are still full of it. You get this wild panoramic view where all three pyramids line up against the sky. It’s one of those moments that sneaks up on you; I didn’t expect to feel so small.

We ducked inside Menkaure’s pyramid after that. It was cooler in there — damp stone walls, echoes from our footsteps, kind of claustrophobic but in a good way? Hossam explained how they built these passageways without modern tools and I still can’t wrap my head around it. Afterward we went to Sakkara where the step pyramid rises out of nowhere — totally different vibe from Giza, more open and almost peaceful. Lunch came with a view back toward the pyramids (and honestly, best falafel I’ve had). Memphis was last: huge statue of Ramses II lying on his back like he’s napping through history. By then my brain was overloaded but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, Memphis

• Pick up from hotel by Egyptologist guide
• Visit Great Pyramid of King Cheops
• See pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus
• Enjoy panoramic pyramid views and photos
• Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza
• Explore the valley temple
• Ride camel for 30 minutes around pyramids
• Take lunch break
• Enter the Pyramid of Menkaure
• Visit the first pyramid and tombs in Sakkara
• Visit Memphis and Colossus of Ramses II
• Return to hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Cairo city limits.

Do we actually go inside any pyramids?

Yes, entry into Menkaure's pyramid is included in this tour.

How long is the camel ride at Giza?

The camel ride lasts about 30 minutes around the pyramids area.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a VIP lunch overlooking the Giza Pyramids is included.

Are entrance fees covered for all sites?

All entry tickets for Giza Pyramids, Memphis, Saqqara, and Sphinx are included.

Who leads the tour?

A qualified Egyptologist guide leads your private trip.

Is bottled water available during the tour?

Bottled water is provided throughout your day trip.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by modern car or van within Cairo city limits, all entrance tickets for Giza Pyramids (including going inside Menkaure), Sakkara, Memphis and the Sphinx; a private Egyptologist guide; bottled water as you go; a 30-minute camel ride near Giza; plus a VIP five-star lunch with views across those ancient stones before heading back to your hotel.