Half Day Dahshur & Memphis Tour with Lunch from Cairo

Summary

Private Guided Tour: Dahshur Pyramids & Memphis City Experience

If you want to see Egypt’s quieter side and get close to ancient history without crowds, this half-day tour to Dahshur and Memphis is a solid pick. You’ll learn from a real Egyptologist, climb inside pyramids, and get a taste of local life—all in just a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

Early morning in Cairo feels different—there’s a cool breeze, and the city’s usual buzz hasn’t quite kicked in yet. Our guide, Hossam, met us right in the hotel lobby, already grinning and holding a bottle of cold water. The drive out to Dahshur took about 40 minutes, but it went fast as Hossam shared stories about King Sneferu and how these pyramids changed everything for ancient builders. When we got to the Red Pyramid, there were barely any other visitors. The limestone blocks felt warm under my hand, and you could actually smell the dry grass nearby. We even climbed inside—steep steps, a bit musty, but totally worth it for that echoey silence.

The Bent Pyramid looked odd at first—like someone tried to fix it halfway through. Hossam explained the angle change was a real engineering lesson for the Egyptians. You can see where they switched tactics just by looking at the stones. After snapping a few photos (the light’s best before noon), we headed to Memphis. The open-air museum there is full of statues—some missing noses or arms, but all with stories. The fallen statue of Ramses II is massive; you have to walk around it to really get the scale. There’s a small bazaar nearby where local artists carve souvenirs. I watched one guy etch hieroglyphs into a piece of alabaster—his hands moved so fast, I almost missed it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dahshur and Memphis Tour

• Hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Red Pyramid
• Visit Bent Pyramid
• Explore Memphis ancient capital
• See fallen statue of Ramses II
• Visit traditional bazaar demonstration

Top questions

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes, lunch is included and usually features local Egyptian dishes at a nearby restaurant.

How long does the tour last?

The tour takes about 5-6 hours, including travel time from Cairo or Giza.

Can I go inside the pyramids at Dahshur?

Yes, you can enter the Red Pyramid. It’s a bit steep inside but safe for most visitors.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

It’s suitable for all fitness levels, though there are some stairs if you want to enter the pyramid.

What’s included

You’ll get hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, all entrance fees covered, bottled water, snacks, lunch at a local spot, and your own Egyptologist guide. Transport is by air-conditioned minivan—comfortable even when it gets hot outside.