Dahshur and Memphis Pyramids Tour: Red & Bent Pyramids

Stand in front of two pyramids that show how the ancients learned to build them

A half-day tour from Cairo to Dahshur and Memphis with private transport, Egyptologist guide and lunch included. You visit the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid at Dahshur (both built for Senefru in the 4th dynasty), then travel to Memphis, Egypt's ancient capital, to see artifacts and the fallen statue of Ramses II. Hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged. The tour runs about five hours.

The experience

The day starts with hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza, then heads south to Dahshur. The two pyramids there sit close together and tell a story: the Bent Pyramid, with its distinctive angled sides, came first as Senefru's builders worked out the geometry. The Red Pyramid, which follows it, shows what they learned: a cleaner, steeper slope that became the template for pyramids built after. Walking between them makes that evolution visible in a way no photograph does.

From Dahshur, the route continues to Memphis, the capital during Egypt's Old Kingdom. The open-air museum there holds statues and carved blocks from rulers across centuries. The fallen statue of Ramses II is the centerpiece: a limestone colossus lying on its back, massive enough that you walk its length to take it in. A traditional bazaar demonstration shows how artisans work stone and craft goods. You can watch or buy if something catches your eye.

An Egyptologist guide travels with you throughout, explaining the construction methods, the dynasties and what each site meant in its time. Transport is by air-conditioned minivan. Lunch and bottled water are provided, along with all entry fees to both sites, so there are no stops to arrange or extra tickets to buy at the gate.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza.
• private air-conditioned minivan transport.
• Egyptologist guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch and bottled water.
• snacks.
• all entry fees to Dahshur and Memphis.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 36 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Cleopatra Egypt Tours

Is this one for you?The five-hour duration means an early start and a steady pace through two sites, which suits travelers who want to see the pyramid evolution and Memphis in a single morning without a full-day commitment. If you prefer a slower exploration of one site or need flexibility to linger, a longer private tour would give you more time.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6).

What's the difference between the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid at Dahshur?

The Bent Pyramid, built first for Senefru, has a distinctive angled slope partway up its sides. A design the builders were still refining. The Red Pyramid, built after, shows the solution they found: a steeper, straighter slope that became the standard for later pyramids. Seeing both in one morning makes the engineering progression clear.

What will I see at Memphis?

Memphis is an open-air museum holding statues and carved stone from many rulers of Egypt's Old Kingdom. The most striking piece is the fallen statue of Ramses II, a limestone colossus lying on its back that you walk past and around. You'll also see a traditional bazaar where artisans demonstrate how stone carving and crafts are made, and you can purchase items if you wish.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, lunch is included in the tour price, along with bottled water and snacks. All entry fees to Dahshur and Memphis are also covered, so you won't need to buy tickets at either site.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs about five hours from pickup at your hotel. A guide in English or Spanish travels with you throughout, explaining the history and construction methods at each stop.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You'll walk around the pyramids at Dahshur and through the open-air museum at Memphis, but the pace is set by the group and there's no strenuous climbing required.