Memphis and Sakkara Tour: Step Pyramid and Ancient Capital

Walk the Sakkara necropolis where the world's oldest major stone structure still stands

A half-day guided tour from Cairo to Sakkara and Memphis, Egypt's ancient capitals, with hotel pickup and an Egyptologist guide. You'll see the Step Pyramid built by engineer Imhotep for King Djoser in the 3rd Dynasty, explore the Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep at Sakkara, then travel to Memphis to view artifacts and the fallen Ramses II statue. The tour runs about five hours and includes entrance fees, transport by air-conditioned minivan, bottled water and snacks.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, then heads straight to Sakkara. The Step Pyramid dominates the necropolis: the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC by the engineer Imhotep for King Djoser during the 3rd Dynasty. Your guide walks you through the site and explains the history of the pyramid and the surrounding Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep, which hold their own records of ancient life carved into the walls.

From Sakkara, the route moves to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. The open-air museum holds artifacts from many of Egypt's great rulers, and the centerpiece is the fallen statue of Ramses II: a limestone colossus that once stood upright. You'll also visit a traditional bazaar where artisans demonstrate how their work is made. If something catches your eye, you can buy directly from them. The tour wraps up with a drive back to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza.
• entrance fees to both Sakkara and Memphis.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• a qualified Egyptologist guide.
• bottled water and snacks.

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?Pick this if you want a private guide and vehicle for the full day, or choose the group option if you prefer to share costs while visiting both Memphis and Saqqara.

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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 is the Step Pyramid at Sakkara and why is it important?

The Step Pyramid was built around 2630 BC by engineer Imhotep for King Djoser during Egypt's 3rd Dynasty and is the world's oldest major stone structure. It marks a turning point in pyramid construction and dominates the Sakkara necropolis, which you'll explore on this tour.

What will I see at Memphis on this tour?

Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom. On the tour, you'll see artifacts from many of Egypt's great rulers displayed in the open-air museum, and the fallen statue of Ramses II, a massive limestone colossus that once stood upright.

How long is the tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs about five hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to both sites, transport by air-conditioned minivan, a qualified Egyptologist guide, bottled water and snacks.

Can I buy souvenirs at the bazaar in Memphis?

Yes. The tour includes a stop at a traditional bazaar where artisans demonstrate how their work is made, and you have the chance to purchase pieces directly if you'd like.