Giza, Saqqara & Dahshur Pyramids: Day Trip with Memphis Stop

Walk the sands of Giza and Memphis, taste Egypt’s stories

You’ll walk among giants at Giza’s pyramids, touch history in Memphis’ ruins, see Dahshur’s strange angles and Saqqara’s ancient steps on this day trip with a local guide. Enjoy hotel pickup, lunch with Egyptian flavors, and stories that linger long after you return to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Giza, Memphis, Dahshur, Saqqara

• Visit Great Pyramids of Giza
• Explore Khufu's valley temple
• See Pyramid of Khafre complex
• See Pyramid of Menkaure complex
• Visit the Great Sphinx of Giza
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Tour Dahshur pyramids
• Visit ancient Memphis city ruins
• Explore Saqqara pyramids area
• See Pyramid of Unas
• Visit Pyramid of Teti
• Tour Mastaba of Ti

The Experience

“That’s older than Rome — way older,” our guide said as we squinted up at the Great Pyramid of Giza. I’d seen it in photos a million times but standing there, Cairo’s morning haze still clinging to the air, it felt different. The limestone blocks were rougher than I expected — almost warm under my hand. There were schoolkids running around laughing (one waved at us and tried out his English), and camels grumbling nearby. Our guide, Mahmoud, showed us where to stand so the Sphinx lined up perfectly in the background for a photo — he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Khafre” right. I probably butchered it.

The drive from Giza to Memphis was quick — maybe 30 minutes? The city itself is mostly ruins now, scattered palms and old stones under the sun. But Mahmoud pointed out a massive statue of Ramses II lying on its back; he told us how this used to be Egypt’s capital ages ago. There was this faint smell of dust and something sweet from a nearby fruit stand. Lunch came next — local Egyptian food at a small restaurant (I can’t remember the name), but I do remember the tahini was tangy and there was fresh bread still warm from the oven.

Dahshur was quieter than Giza — fewer people, just wind and birds overhead. The Bent Pyramid looked almost awkward compared to the others; Mahmoud explained how they were figuring things out back then, which made me feel oddly connected to whoever built it. At Saqqara, we wandered past crumbling mastabas and finally stood in front of Djoser’s Step Pyramid. The light had shifted by then — softer, golden over all those ancient stones. I kept thinking about how many generations must have walked here before us.

I didn’t expect to feel so small or so curious at every stop on this day trip from Cairo. By the time we got back into the car (with bottled water waiting for us), my shoes were full of sand and my head full of questions that might never get answered.

Top questions

How long does this day trip from Cairo take?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup and drop-off included.

Is lunch included during the pyramids tour?

Yes, lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant is included (drinks not included).

Do you visit both Saqqara and Dahshur pyramids?

Yes, stops include Saqqara (Step Pyramid) and Dahshur (Bent Pyramid).

Are entry fees covered in this tour?

If selected during booking, entry fees are included.

Is hotel pickup provided in Cairo?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of your day trip.

Can families or kids join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or certain health issues.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English; other languages may be available if requested in advance.

How far is Memphis from Giza?

Memphis is about 20 km (12 miles) south of Giza; roughly a 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle between Giza, Memphis City, Dahshur and Saqqara pyramids with an expert local guide if selected; all entry fees if chosen during booking; plus lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant (drinks not included) and bottled water along the way before returning comfortably to your hotel.