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

Summary

Walk ancient stones at Giza and Saqqara then share lunch near Cairo’s old capital

You’ll walk between ancient pyramids on the Giza Plateau, touch history at Saqqara’s Step Pyramid, explore Memphis’ quiet ruins with a local guide, ride camels under desert sun, and share lunch that lingers in your memory. Pickup and entry fees are included—just bring curiosity (and maybe sunscreen).

What’s the experience like?

You blink and there it is — the Great Pyramid of Giza, just sitting in the haze like it’s always been there. Our guide, Hossam, grinned when I tried to count the limestone blocks (no chance), and he told us how each one was hauled here before anyone had even dreamed of Rome or Paris. The morning was already hot but there was this dry wind that made the sand swirl around your ankles. I kept getting distracted by camels chewing lazily near the parking lot, their bells clinking softly. We’d started out from Cairo with hotel pickup — early enough that the city hadn’t quite woken up yet.

Memphis felt quieter than I expected. There’s not much left standing but you can still see where the old kings ruled — a toppled statue here, a palm tree leaning over some broken stone. Hossam pointed out a faded carving and said something about how everyone used to bring offerings here. I tried to imagine what it must’ve sounded like back then, crowds and music and all that ceremony. At Saqqara, we stood in front of Djoser’s Step Pyramid and ran our hands along those rough stones (they’re colder than you’d think). He explained how Imhotep designed this place long before anyone figured out how to make a “real” pyramid.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at lunch — but there we were, passing plates of koshari around a table while Hossam teased me for mixing up Arabic words (I probably called someone’s mother an onion). The taste of cumin stuck with me all afternoon. Afterward we rode camels for half an hour — mine kept trying to veer off toward some shade — and then wandered through Khan Khalili market where everything smelled like cardamom and old leather. The whole day felt kind of surreal by the time we got dropped off back at our hotel. Sometimes I still think about that first glimpse of the Sphinx’s face through the dust.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit pyramids, Sphinx, and market

• Visit Sakkara Step Pyramid
• See Step Pyramid of Djoser
• Explore Giza Pyramids complex
• View Great Pyramid of Giza
• See Pyramid of Khafre
• Go up Giza Plateau for photos
• Visit Great Sphinx of Giza
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Giza Pyramids & Memphis tour take?

The day trip usually lasts around 8 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from hotels in Downtown Cairo or Giza are included.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees for sites like Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis are included.

Does this tour include lunch?

A traditional Egyptian lunch is provided during the tour.

Is camel riding part of this day trip?

A 30-minute camel ride near the pyramids is included in your experience.

Can infants join this tour?

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

What languages do guides speak on this tour?

Tours are typically available in English; other languages may be possible upon request.

Are there extra charges for hotels outside central Cairo?

Yes, pickups from New Cairo or other distant areas may have an extra fee.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, hotel pickup and drop-off within central Cairo or Giza, entry fees for all sites (Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara Step Pyramid, Memphis), bottled water throughout the day, a traditional Egyptian lunch shared with your group or guide, a 30-minute camel ride on the plateau, plus time to browse Khan Khalili market before heading back to your hotel.