Half-Day Memphis & Sakkara Tour from Cairo with Entry Fees

Summary

Private Guided Tour of Egypt’s Ancient Capital and Sakkara Necropolis

If you want to see Egypt’s oldest pyramid and walk through real tombs with an expert guide, this half-day tour is perfect. You’ll get close to history in Sakkara, stand beside Ramses II in Memphis, and even have time to chat with local artisans—all without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Cairo always has a bit of dust and promise in it. Our driver picked us up right on time—no rush, just a relaxed start—and we headed out towards Sakkara. The city faded behind us, replaced by open fields and the odd donkey cart. When we reached the necropolis, I could actually smell the dry earth as we walked up to the Step Pyramid. Our guide, Ahmed, knew every detail—he pointed out how Imhotep designed this place for King Djoser way back in the 3rd Dynasty. Standing there, you can almost picture workers hauling limestone blocks under that relentless sun.

We wandered through the Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep next. Inside, it was cooler and quiet except for our footsteps echoing off carved walls. Some of the painted scenes are still bright after thousands of years—hard to believe until you see them up close. Ahmed explained what daily life looked like back then; he even showed us a spot where you can still see ancient graffiti if you look closely enough.

Memphis was our last stop. It’s not much more than a sleepy village now, but once it ruled all of Egypt. The highlight? That massive fallen statue of Ramses II lying under its shelter—his features still sharp despite centuries out in the open. There’s also a small bazaar nearby where local artists show how they carve alabaster or paint papyrus; I picked up a little souvenir after watching one man work with his hands covered in dust and pigment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Memphis and Sakkara Tour

• Hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Sakkara necropolis and Step Pyramid
• Explore Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep
• Visit ancient capital Memphis and see Ramses II statue
• Visit traditional bazaar and artwork demonstration
• Return to hotel for drop-off

Top questions

How long does the tour last?

The tour usually takes about 4-5 hours including travel time from your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels—the walking is at an easy pace with plenty of breaks.

Are entrance fees really included?

Yes, all entry tickets for Sakkara and Memphis are covered in your booking price.

Will there be time to buy souvenirs?

You’ll have a chance at the bazaar in Memphis to browse or purchase local crafts if you want.

What’s included

Your private Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (Cairo or Giza), all entrance fees, bottled water, snacks for the road, comfy air-conditioned minivan transport—all sorted so you can just enjoy the day.