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

Summary

Ancient Egypt’s giants, local stories and smoky grill flavors

You’ll stand beneath Giza’s pyramids as sunlight hits ancient stone, wander through Saqqara’s tombs with a local guide sharing quiet jokes, and see Memphis’ statues up close before recharging over smoky grilled meats and fresh bread. Expect moments that catch you off guard — not just sights but feelings you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous that the Giza Pyramids would feel too familiar, like something I’d already seen in photos a thousand times. But standing there, sand crunching under my shoes and the morning haze making everything look kind of unreal, it hit different. Our guide, Youssef, had this way of telling stories that made even the crowds fade out. He pointed at the blocks and said, “Every one has its own story,” which sounded cheesy until you see how huge they are up close. There’s this dry wind that kicks up dust and camel bells somewhere behind you — it’s not quiet but somehow feels peaceful.

We wandered around the Sphinx (it really is smaller than you expect), then squeezed into the car for Saqqara. The drive out felt quick — maybe 40 minutes? — but you see Cairo thinning out into palms and dusty fields. At Saqqara, the Step Pyramid just rises up out of nowhere. Touching those old stones (they’re rougher than I thought) made me think about how long people have been coming here to stare at them. Youssef joked about my pronunciation of “Djoser” — I still don’t think I got it right. The tombs nearby are dark and cool inside; there’s this faint smell of earth and old incense.

Memphis was our last stop before lunch. It’s quieter than Giza, almost sleepy, with school kids running around the giant statue of Ramses II like it’s no big deal. The Alabaster Sphinx is tucked off to one side — honestly easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. By then I was starving, so when we finally sat down for lunch (mix grill: chicken, kofta, kebab), I barely remembered to take a photo before digging in. The bread was warm and soft; tahini tasted smokier than back home. Maybe it was just being tired or hungry or both but that meal felt earned.

I keep thinking about that first glimpse of Giza from the car window — how small everything else looked next to those shapes on the horizon. If you want a day trip from Cairo that covers all the big names but still feels personal (and includes pickup so you don’t have to stress), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Saqqara, Memphis with lunch

• Hotel pickup and meet guide
• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• See Sphinx and temple of mummifications
• Take photos at panoramic pyramid view
• Explore Step Pyramid of Saqqara
• Visit Tombs of Saqqara
• Tour Memphis ancient capital
• See Ramses II statue and Alabaster Sphinx
• Enjoy traditional Egyptian lunch

Top questions

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

This is a full-day tour from Cairo, including all stops plus lunch.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Cairo or pyramid-area hotel is included.

What do we eat for lunch on this tour?

The included lunch features an Egyptian mixed grill platter with chicken, kofta, kebab, plus bread or rice, salad and mezze.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Yes, entrance tickets for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara Step Pyramid and Memphis are included if selected during booking.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

How far is Saqqara from Cairo city center?

Saqqara is about 27 km southwest of central Cairo; travel time is roughly 40 minutes by car.

Who leads the tour? Is there an Egyptologist guide?

An Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout if chosen in your booking options.

Can infants or young children join this day trip?

Yes—infants can ride in prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Cairo or near the pyramids by air-conditioned car with an Egyptologist guide if selected; entry tickets for Giza Pyramids, Saqqara Step Pyramid and Memphis; bottled water and soft drinks along the way; plus a traditional Egyptian mixed grill lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel in comfort.