Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis: Private Day Trip with Lunch

Summary

Walk among pyramids and pharaohs near Cairo in one surprising day

You’ll stand in the shadow of the Giza Pyramids and meet the Sphinx face-to-face before exploring Saqqara’s ancient Step Pyramid and walking through Memphis’ open-air statues. With an Egyptologist guide sharing stories along the way plus local lunch included, this day trip from Cairo feels both big and personal.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect the first glimpse of the Giza Pyramids to feel so odd — they just sort of rise up behind the city haze, like someone left them there by accident. Our guide, Hossam, grinned when he saw my face and said, “Yeah, they’re real.” The air smelled faintly dusty, but also sweet — maybe from the tea stands nearby? We wandered around Cheops and Chephren while Hossam explained which stones were original and which had been replaced. I kept touching the rock when no one was looking. It’s rougher than I thought. There’s this moment where you look up and realize how small you are — I know that sounds cliché, but it hit me anyway.

The Sphinx was smaller than I’d pictured from photos, but there’s something about its face — kind of tired but still watching everything. Kids were running around taking selfies. Someone tried to sell us little pyramid magnets (I caved). After that we drove out toward Saqqara; the landscape changed fast — suddenly palms and green fields instead of city noise. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara is older than Giza, which Hossam kept reminding us with this proud smile. He told a story about King Djoser’s architect Imhotep inventing stone construction here; honestly, I only half-followed because I was distracted by a group of goats wandering past. The sun felt sharp on my neck.

Memphis was different again — more open, quieter somehow. There’s this huge statue of Ramses II lying on its back in an open-air museum. You can walk right up to it; his feet are massive (I took a photo next to them for scale). A breeze picked up and brought the smell of cut grass and something floral I couldn’t place. We had lunch at a small spot nearby — grilled chicken, rice, some kind of spicy salad I still think about. Hossam laughed when I tried to pronounce “Shukran” properly; pretty sure he was being polite about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara

• Visit Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, Mykerinus
• See the Great Sphinx statue
• Explore Memphis open museum and statues
• Tour Saqqara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid

Top questions

How long does the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis tour take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Cairo including all three sites and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and return to your hotel in Cairo are included.

Are entrance tickets for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis included?

Yes, entry fees for all main attractions are covered in the price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A local lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Will we have a qualified guide during the tour?

You’ll be accompanied by a qualified Egyptologist guide throughout.

Is bottled water available during the trip?

Bottled water and snacks are provided during your visit.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How far is Saqqara from Giza?

The drive between Giza Pyramids and Saqqara takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Cairo hotel in an air-conditioned private vehicle with all entrance fees covered for Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara and Memphis sites. You’ll have bottled water and snacks along the way plus a traditional Egyptian lunch before heading back in comfort with your Egyptologist guide handling everything.