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

Summary

Walk the sands of Giza and Sakkara then taste Cairo’s rhythms

You’ll walk beneath the shadows of the Giza Pyramids, meet the gaze of the Sphinx up close, and trace ancient steps through Saqqara’s quiet tombs before sharing lunch at a local restaurant. With an Egyptologist guide leading every stop and hotel pickup included, you’ll feel both looked after and free to soak up whatever moments surprise you most.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I knew what to expect from the Giza Pyramids. But standing right there, early morning haze still clinging to the stones, it hit different — the size, the weird silence even with all the city noise behind us. Our guide, Ahmed, grinned when I asked if people ever get used to this view. “Never,” he said, and honestly, I get it now. There’s a smell too — warm sand and something older that I can’t quite name.

We wandered around the Sphinx next. Up close, its face is softer than I imagined (maybe wind-worn or just tired after 4,000 years). Ahmed told us about Chefren and how this lion body was meant to guard him — he acted it out a bit, which made us laugh. At one point a camel let out this loud groan behind us and everyone jumped. It’s funny what sticks in your head. The panoramic spot where you see all three pyramids lined up is wild; you sort of forget to take photos for a second.

Lunch was in some little local spot near Saqqara — grilled chicken with bread that tasted smoky from the oven. No fancy stuff but honestly perfect after walking in the sun. Saqqara itself felt quieter than Giza; fewer crowds so you hear your own footsteps crunching on old stone. The Step Pyramid looks almost patchwork up close — not smooth like Giza but somehow more real? Ahmed explained how these layers changed everything for pyramid building later on. He seemed proud talking about it.

Memphis surprised me most — not much left standing but seeing those statues half-buried in grass made ancient Egypt feel less like a storybook and more like someone’s old neighborhood. A kid waved at us from his bike as we left; small thing but it stuck with me for some reason.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Memphis, and Saqqara

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
• See panoramic pyramid area
• Visit Great Sphinx and Valley Temple
• Travel to Memphis, ancient capital
• Explore Memphis archaeological site
• Visit Saqqara necropolis and Step Pyramid

Top questions

How long does this private day tour last?

The tour typically lasts a full day, starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic and pace.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch at a local restaurant is included depending on your chosen tour option.

Are entry fees to all sites covered?

Entry fees for Giza Pyramids, Sphinx area, Sakkara, and Memphis are included if selected during booking.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off within Cairo or Giza are included; airport pickups may require an extra charge.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by adults throughout the day.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated for lunch?

You can advise specific dietary needs at booking; efforts will be made to accommodate them at the restaurant.

Will we have an Egyptologist guide?

A qualified Egyptologist guide leads your tour and shares historical context throughout each site visit.

What should I wear or bring for this day trip?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on sand and stone; bring sun protection like hats or sunscreen as most sites are outdoors.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, entry tickets for each site (depending on your booking), guidance from an Egyptologist who really knows their stuff, bottled water along the way, plus lunch at a local spot before heading back toward Cairo as things wind down.