Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Memphis: Full Day Tour with Guide

Summary

Walking ancient stones & sharing laughs in Giza and Memphis

Step into Egypt’s ancient world with a local guide as you explore the Giza pyramids, marvel at the Sphinx, wander Saqqara’s step pyramid, and visit quiet Memphis. Includes hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza, entry fees, lunch and stories you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about actually seeing the Giza pyramids up close — like, what if they didn’t feel as big as I’d imagined? But when our guide Hossam met us outside the hotel (he had this easy smile and a knack for dodging Cairo traffic), all that faded. The city noise gave way to this dry hush as we got closer. Standing there, sand crunching under my shoes, I could smell something warm and mineral in the air. Hossam pointed out where Cheops’ pyramid lines up with the sun at certain times of year — he even showed us a trick with his phone’s compass. I tried to act like I understood but honestly just stared up until my neck hurt.

The Sphinx was smaller than I pictured but somehow more mysterious — its face looked both wise and tired. There were school kids on a field trip giggling nearby; one of them waved at me and shouted “Welcome!” which made me laugh. After that we drove out to Saqqara. The drive itself was a patchwork of green fields and dusty roads, goats wandering right across traffic like they owned it. At Saqqara, Hossam explained how King Zoser’s step pyramid changed everything for Egyptian architecture (I still can’t wrap my head around how old it is). The stones felt cool when I touched them — maybe just from the morning shade.

Lunch was simple but good: grilled chicken, rice, flatbread that tasted smoky from the oven. We ate outside under a faded awning while Hossam told stories about growing up near Memphis. When we finally reached Memphis itself — just a short drive — it felt quieter than everywhere else, almost sleepy. There’s this giant statue of Ramses II lying down that looks too big for any building; you have to walk around it in pieces. By then the sun was sharp and high and everyone moved slower.

I keep thinking about that first moment at Giza — how small I felt next to those stones, but also weirdly calm. If you’re even half-curious about ancient Egypt, this day trip from Cairo is worth it just for those little moments you can’t plan for.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza Pyramids and Surroundings

• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
• Visit Step Pyramid at Sakkara
• Visit Memphis ancient capital

Top questions

How long does the full day tour to Giza pyramids last?

The tour starts at 8:00 am and lasts most of the day before returning to your hotel.

Is hotel pickup included for this Giza pyramids tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included from anywhere in Cairo or Giza.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees are included in your booking.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have a qualified Egyptologist guide throughout the day.

Is lunch provided on this day trip from Cairo?

Yes, lunch is included during your tour.

Can infants join the tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What sites are visited on this full day tour?

You’ll visit the Giza pyramids (Cheops, Chephren & Mykerinos), Sphinx, Saqqara step pyramid, and Memphis city.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Cairo or Giza by private vehicle with an Egyptologist guide leading each stop; bottled water along the way; all entrance fees covered; snacks for quick energy between sites; plus a traditional lunch before heading back to your hotel in the afternoon.