Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara: Cairo Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Walk where pharaohs ruled from Giza to Memphis and Saqqara

You’ll walk ancient corridors at Saqqara, stand dwarfed by Ramesses II in Memphis, taste fresh-baked bread near Giza, and look up at the Sphinx’s weathered face—all on one Cairo day tour with hotel pickup and an Egyptologist guide who brings every stone to life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping out of the van near Saqqara was this dry, chalky wind that got everywhere—my hair, my mouth, even my shoes. Our guide, Hossam, handed me a bottle of water and grinned like he’d seen it all before (he probably had). He started telling us about King Djoser’s Step Pyramid while a stray dog trotted past behind him. I tried to picture what this place looked like thousands of years ago—honestly, it’s hard when there’s a guy selling sodas right next to a tomb. But then we ducked into one of the smaller pyramids and the air changed—cooler, almost heavy with old secrets. The carvings inside were so sharp you could still see the chisel marks.

Memphis was next. It’s not much more than scattered ruins now but standing under the giant statue of Ramesses II made me feel tiny in a way that’s hard to explain. Some local kids were chasing each other around the columns while their dad tried to get them to pose for photos. Hossam joked that Ramesses would’ve been horrified by all this chaos. We laughed and then wandered through broken statues and palm trees until lunch. The food was simple—grilled chicken, bread that tasted smoky from the oven, pickled vegetables that made my lips pucker.

After lunch (which I paid for in card—apparently cash isn’t a thing for tickets here), we drove out toward the Giza Pyramids. The whole skyline just sort of appears all at once—the three pyramids lined up against this washed-out sky. There were camels everywhere; one kept trying to eat my backpack straps while I fumbled with my camera. Hossam told us stories about Cheops and Chephren that sounded half like history and half like gossip passed down through generations. The main keyword here is “day trip Giza Pyramids”—but honestly it felt more like stepping sideways in time than anything else.

The Sphinx was smaller than I expected but its face had this weird calm about it, even surrounded by tourists waving selfie sticks. In the Valley Temple nearby, I ran my fingers along these cool stone blocks—so smooth after thousands of years—and wondered how many hands had done the same thing before me. We finished with some free time to wander or shop (I didn’t buy anything but did try haggling just for fun; pretty sure I lost). Anyway, I still think about that view from behind the Sphinx—just sand and sky and silence for a minute before real life came back in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Saqqara, Memphis, and Giza Pyramids

• Pick up from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara
• Explore Tomb of Kangemni and Pyramid of Teti
• Visit Memphis and see Ramesses II statue
• Lunch at local restaurant (own expense)
• Tour Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mycerinus
• View Giza Pyramids and take photos
• Optional camel ride at Giza Pyramids
• Visit the Great Sphinx statue
• Walk around the Valley Temple and mortuary temple
• Free shopping and experience with vendors
• Drop off at hotel in Cairo or Giza

Top questions

How long does the Cairo day trip to Giza Pyramids take?

The full tour lasts most of a day including pickup and drop-off times.

Is lunch included in this Giza Pyramids tour?

Lunch is included if you book the Private option; otherwise it's at your own expense.

Are entry tickets for Saqqara & Memphis included?

If you choose that option during booking, entry tickets are included; otherwise you can buy them on site using card only.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Cairo or Giza is included.

Can I ride a camel at the pyramids?

Camel rides are available for an extra cost during your visit to Giza.

Is an Egyptologist guide provided on this tour?

Yes, you'll be guided by an expert Egyptologist throughout your day trip.

What should I bring for this Cairo day tour?

A passport or ID copy is recommended; also bring water and sun protection.

Can I pay cash for entry tickets at sites?

No, entry tickets must be purchased by card if buying onsite due to local regulations.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, transportation in air-conditioned comfort with bottled water along the way, all entry fees if selected during booking (for Giza Pyramids-Sphinx area, Saqqara and Memphis), guidance from a knowledgeable Egyptologist throughout every stop—and lunch if you go for the Private option before heading back home again.