Giza Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis: Private Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Walk the sands of Giza to Memphis with a private Egyptologist, ride camels past ancient stones and share stories over lunch as the pyramids watch

You’ll walk among giants at Giza with a private Egyptologist guide, ride camels across golden sand, explore Saqqara’s ancient tombs up close, and share a fresh lunch with views of pyramids rising beyond your table. This day trip brings you into Egypt’s living history — sometimes awkwardly (hello camel), always memorably.

What’s the experience like?

What’s it like to stand in front of the Great Pyramid for the first time? I honestly didn’t know what to expect — maybe something huge and silent. But there was this low hum: guides calling out in Arabic, camels snorting, kids laughing somewhere behind us. Our guide, Samir, met us right at the hotel (I was grateful for that AC van already) and by the time we reached Giza, he was telling stories about Pharaohs like they were old neighbors. I tried to imagine building something so massive with just hands and stone. The air smelled faintly of dust and sweet tea from a nearby vendor.

I’d seen photos of the Sphinx a million times but seeing it up close — its face chipped by time, half-smiling — felt different. Samir explained how Khafre’s Valley Temple was where mummification happened. He pointed out tiny carvings I’d have missed on my own. Then came the camel ride; let’s just say I’m not exactly graceful on a camel (Samir laughed when I nearly lost my balance — “You ride like an Egyptian tourist!”). The main keyword here is private day tour Giza Pyramids because honestly, having someone who actually knows these places makes all the difference.

After that we drove out to Saqqara. The step pyramid looked older than anything at Giza — rougher somehow, but also more alive? Inside one of the tombs, painted scenes showed bakers and dancers from 4,000 years ago. It was cooler underground; I could smell old stone and something musty but not unpleasant. Lunch overlooking the pyramids was better than I expected (I still think about those grilled veggies). In Memphis, Ramses II just lies there on his back like he owns the place — which he probably did.

I left feeling small but also sort of connected to everyone who’d walked here before me. You don’t really get that from pictures or books — it’s something you feel in your chest when you’re standing in that hot Egyptian light with dust on your shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Sakkara, and Memphis

• Pickup from your location
• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• Enjoy short camel ride
• Visit Sphinx and Valley Temple of Khafre
• Explore Great Sphinx up close
• Explore Khufu's pyramid area
• Visit Pyramid of Khafre and valley temple
• Visit Pyramid of Menkaure
• View panoramic Giza pyramids and city
• Visit Saqqara and Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Explore decorated tombs of nobles
• Visit Memphis and Mit Rahina Museum
• See colossal Ramses II statue and Alabaster Sphinx

Top questions

How long does this private day tour from Cairo take?

The full-day tour lasts approximately 8 hours including transfers from Cairo or Giza.

Is entry inside a pyramid included?

Yes, access inside the Third Pyramid (Menkaure) is included with your ticket.

Are lunch and drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, a VIP 5-star lunch overlooking the pyramids plus unlimited chilled water are included.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers from Cairo or Giza hotels are provided in a private vehicle.

Do I need to buy extra tickets for any sites?

No; entry fees for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis are included unless you want extra pyramid entries beyond Menkaure.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, a personal Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout your visit.

How long is the camel ride at Giza?

The camel ride lasts around 20 minutes near the panoramic area of Giza plateau.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in air-conditioned comfort, all entry tickets for Giza Pyramids (including going inside Menkaure), Saqqara and Memphis with skip-the-line access, a personal Egyptologist guide by your side throughout every stop, unlimited cold bottled water along the way, a 20-minute camel ride near Giza’s panoramic viewpoint, plus a relaxed lunch overlooking those ancient stones before heading back home again.