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

Summary

Walk ancient stones in Giza then ride a camel to the Sphinx before Memphis

You’ll walk beside ancient stones at Giza, ride a camel near the Sphinx, taste fresh bread over lunch, and wander Memphis’ ruins—all with a local Egyptologist guiding your way. Expect moments that stick: faded hieroglyphs under your fingertips or laughter shared over language stumbles. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s feeling history under your feet.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand in front of something that’s been around for thousands of years? I didn’t really believe it until we pulled up to the Giza Plateau and my guide, Samir, handed me a bottle of water and just grinned. The air was dry but not too hot yet, and there was this faint smell—like dust and sun-warmed stone. We started walking toward the Great Pyramid, and I kept thinking how small I felt next to those blocks. There were school kids nearby practicing their English (“Where are you from?”) and vendors calling out for us to try their dates or take a photo. I tried not to look too much like a tourist but failed pretty fast.

Samir knew every shortcut through the crowds—he pointed out little details on the stones I’d never have noticed. When we got close to the Sphinx, he told us this story about Napoleon’s soldiers shooting at its nose (not sure if it’s true, but he made it sound convincing). The camel ride was bumpier than I expected; my camel was named Lulu and she seemed pretty uninterested in my attempts at conversation. But riding along the edge of the desert with those pyramids behind me—yeah, that sticks with you. Sand got everywhere (I’m still finding it), but honestly, who cares?

After lunch—flatbread so fresh it steamed when you tore it open—we drove out to Saqqara. The step pyramid looked almost ghostly against the sky. Inside King Teti’s pyramid, Samir showed us these faded blue hieroglyphs on the walls; he traced one with his finger and said they were spells for the king’s journey east. It smelled old in there—kind of earthy and cool—and I had this weird moment where I just stood quietly listening to nothing but my own breath echoing back.

Memphis felt different—more relaxed somehow. There was this massive statue of Ramses II lying on its back, toes chipped from centuries of people passing by. A local kid tried to teach me how to say “thank you” in Arabic—I think I butchered it because he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his juice box. On the drive back to Cairo, everything outside looked gold in the late light. If you’re even half-curious about Egypt’s past, this day trip from Cairo is worth every bit of dust in your shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Explore Giza Pyramids
• Take panoramic pyramid views
• Ride camel on Giza plateau
• Visit the Great Sphinx
• Visit Saqqara Pyramid
• Drive to Dahshur pyramids
• Explore Bent and Red Pyramids
• Visit Colossus of Ramses II
• See Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis
• Explore Memphis ruins
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long does this private day trip from Cairo last?

The full-day tour typically lasts around 8 hours including all transfers.

Is lunch included on this Giza pyramids tour?

Yes, if you choose the all-inclusive option, lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Do I get picked up from my hotel in Cairo or Giza?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for both Cairo and Giza hotels.

Are entrance fees covered on this private tour?

If you select the all-inclusive price option, all entrance fees are included.

Is there a camel ride during this day trip?

A 20-minute camel ride along the Giza plateau is included if you book all-inclusive.

What sites do we visit besides Giza Pyramids?

You’ll also visit Saqqara (the step pyramid) and Memphis (with Ramses II statue).

Is this tour suitable for people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels according to organizers.

Will we go inside any pyramids during this day trip?

You can enter King Teti's pyramid at Saqqara as part of the itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel by an Egyptologist guide, entry fees (if booked all-inclusive), a 20-minute camel ride across the Giza plateau, traditional lunch at a local spot if selected, plus all taxes before you’re dropped back at your hotel in comfort.