Giza Pyramids, Sphinx & Saqqara Day Trip with Memphis

Summary

Walk between Giza’s giants, greet the Sphinx, explore Memphis and Saqqara’s mysteries all in one Cairo day

You’ll walk between Giza’s massive pyramids with an Egyptologist guide, meet the Sphinx face-to-face, ride camels past ancient stones, explore Saqqara’s step pyramid from inside, and share lunch Egyptian-style before wandering Memphis’ open-air museum. Expect laughter, real stories, and moments that stick long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with a mix-up — I’d forgotten my sunglasses in the hotel lobby (rookie move), so our guide, Ahmed, just handed me his spare pair without a word. That tiny gesture set the tone for the whole day around Giza. The city noise faded as we drove out; you could smell dust and something sweet in the air — maybe date palms? At the pyramids, I kept blinking like an idiot because they’re just… there. Bigger than my brain could process. Ahmed explained Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinos like he’d known them personally. There was a family picnicking nearby, sharing bread and tea on a blanket — it felt oddly normal for such an old place.

I’m not sure what I expected from the Sphinx but it wasn’t that silent stare. You get close enough to see where time has worn its face smooth. A camel ride sounded touristy but honestly? It made me laugh out loud when my camel sneezed right as we started moving. Ahmed grinned and told me its name (I forgot instantly). We stopped for photos at the panorama spot — wind kicking up sand into my shoes — then headed to Saqqara. The step pyramid is rougher than Giza’s giants, stones chipped and sun-bleached. Going inside King Titi’s pyramid was cooler (literally) than outside; the walls were covered in hieroglyphics so old I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

Lunch was in a small restaurant off some dusty road — grilled chicken, rice with spices I couldn’t name, tomatoes so sweet they tasted almost fake. Ahmed showed us how Egyptians eat with bread instead of forks; he laughed when I tried to copy him (not gracefully). Memphis came after — open-air statues half-buried in sunlight and schoolkids running around shouting each other’s names. The guide pointed out Ramses II lying down like he’d just decided to nap for eternity.

On the drive back to Cairo, everyone got quiet for a bit. There was this moment where I stared at my hands still smelling faintly of cumin and dust, thinking about how old everything we’d seen really was — 4,500 years is impossible to hold in your head. If you want a day trip from Cairo that actually makes you feel part of Egypt’s story (with some sand in your socks), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis sites

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit the three great pyramids
• Take photos at pyramid panorama
• Visit the Great Sphinx and valley temple
• Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara
• Enter pyramid of King Unas or King Titi
• Visit Memphis open air museum
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

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

The tour lasts most of the day including travel time from Cairo; expect to return by late afternoon or early evening.

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for convenience.

Can you go inside any pyramids during this tour?

You can enter either King Unas or King Titi's pyramid at Saqqara to see ancient hieroglyphics.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

An authentic Egyptian lunch is included if you book the all-inclusive option.

Are entrance fees covered?

Entry fees to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, and Saqqara are included if you select the all-inclusive package.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to provided information.

What sites are visited on this day trip?

The itinerary covers Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara Step Pyramid (and interior), plus Memphis’ open-air museum.

Is there a camel ride included?

A 30-minute camel ride near the pyramids is part of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned car or van; entry fees for Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Saqqara if booked as all-inclusive; skip-the-line access; guidance from a professional Egyptologist; exploring inside either King Unas or King Titi's pyramid at Saqqara; a 30-minute camel ride; plus an authentic Egyptian lunch if selected before heading back to your hotel in Cairo.