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

Summary

Private day from Cairo to Giza Sphinx Saqqara Dahshur with camel ride

You’ll ride camels along the Giza plateau, squeeze into ancient tombs at Saqqara with your Egyptologist guide, and pause for lunch where locals gather near Dahshur. Touch centuries-old stone and feel Cairo’s energy fade behind you—it’s less a checklist than a real memory in motion.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a bottle of water before I even realize I’m thirsty—our guide, Mahmoud, grinning like he’s seen this a hundred times. The hotel pickup is early but Cairo’s already humming outside. We’re off to the Giza Pyramids and I’m honestly not sure what to expect except that every photo I’ve ever seen never really showed the dust or the way the sun bounces off those old stones. Standing there, the Great Pyramid of Khufu just looms—bigger than it looks in pictures, almost quieting. Mahmoud tells us about how each block was set in place (I try to imagine hauling one in this heat) and then we climb up to the panorama spot. There’s a camel waiting for us—mine is called Cleopatra apparently—and I nearly lose my balance getting on. The sand smells faintly metallic, and you can hear distant laughter from other groups drifting across the plateau.

We wind our way over to the Sphinx next. It’s smaller than I’d pictured but somehow more mysterious up close—like it’s keeping secrets no one will ever quite get. Mahmoud points out where Napoleon’s soldiers supposedly shot at its nose (he shrugs; “maybe true, maybe not”). After some awkward photos (my hat kept blowing off), we pile back into the van for Saqqara. There’s something different about Saqqara—the step pyramid feels older, rougher around the edges. Crawling inside King Titi’s pyramid is stuffy and close; you can smell old stone and something earthy that clings to your clothes for hours after.

Dahshur is quieter still—no crowds here, just wind and red dust swirling around our shoes as we duck into the Red Pyramid. The Bent Pyramid off in the distance looks almost shy compared to its neighbors. Lunch comes as a relief: grilled chicken, warm bread that smells yeasty and sweet, and a view of palm trees out back of a small restaurant where everyone seems to know Mahmoud by name. He jokes about my Arabic (“next time you order!”) and we all laugh too hard at nothing in particular.

I keep thinking about that first glimpse of the pyramids through the van window—how unreal it felt until I could touch the stone myself. This private day trip from Cairo isn’t really about ticking boxes; it’s more like letting yourself be surprised by things you thought you already knew.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Giza Pyramids and Surroundings

• Meet Egyptologist guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Great Pyramid of Cheops and other pyramids
• Go to Giza plateau panorama for photos
• Ride camel around pyramids for 30 minutes
• Explore the Great Sphinx and take pictures
• Visit Saqqara step pyramid and tombs
• Tour Dahshur pyramids, enter Red pyramid
• See Bent pyramid at Dahshur
• Enjoy lunch at restaurant

Top questions

How long does this private day trip from Cairo take?

The tour starts at 8am and typically lasts most of the day, returning in the late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic.

Is hotel pickup included for this Giza Pyramids tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can you go inside any pyramids during this tour?

Yes, you can enter King Titi's pyramid at Saqqara and also go inside the Red Pyramid at Dahshur with your guide.

Is lunch provided during this private trip?

A traditional lunch is included at a local restaurant near Dahshur.

Are entrance fees covered in this Giza Pyramids & Sphinx tour?

All main site entrance fees are included in your tour price.

How long is the camel ride around Giza Pyramids?

The camel ride lasts approximately 30 minutes around the plateau area near the pyramids.

What should I wear for this day trip from Cairo?

A smart casual dress code is recommended due to heat and walking; comfortable shoes are best.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included throughout your private day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Cairo, all entry fees to sites like Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Dahshur (including stepping inside tombs), a 30-minute camel ride on the plateau with views of all three pyramids, bottled water whenever you need it, plus a hearty local lunch before heading back as sunset approaches.