Memphis and Dahshur Half Day Private Tour from Cairo

Summary

Visit Ancient Pyramids and Memphis City with an Expert Guide

You’ll get to walk inside ancient pyramids at Dahshur and explore Memphis with a real Egyptologist by your side. This tour gives you rare access to quieter sites and local stories you won’t find in guidebooks.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air in Cairo always feels a bit cooler before the city wakes up. Our driver met us right at the hotel lobby—no waiting around—and we set off for Dahshur. The drive out of town is a patchwork of honking cars, roadside tea stalls, and that faint scent of dust you only get in Egypt. When we reached Dahshur, the Red Pyramid stood quietly against the sky, no crowds in sight. Our guide, Ahmed, explained how this was actually one of the first smooth-sided pyramids ever built. I could still see some workers resting under a nearby acacia tree, chatting softly in Arabic.

Walking up to the Bent Pyramid felt surreal—the angle really does look odd up close. Ahmed pointed out where the builders changed their minds halfway through construction (you can see it if you look closely at the stones). Inside, it’s cooler and there’s this earthy smell that lingers on your clothes for hours. We took our time—no rush—snapping photos and just soaking in the silence.

Next stop: Memphis. It’s not far—maybe 30 minutes? The old capital is more like an open-air museum now. There’s this massive fallen statue of Ramses II lying on its back; honestly, it’s hard to believe how detailed it still is after all these centuries. Local artists were carving little souvenirs nearby—one guy let me try my hand at chiseling a tiny scarab (I wasn’t great). Before heading back, we wandered through a small bazaar where you can pick up handmade crafts or just watch how they’re made.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Memphis and Dahshur Tour

• Hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Dahshur Pyramids: Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid
• Explore Memphis ancient capital and see Ramses II statue
• Visit traditional bazaar demonstration and shopping

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes, it’s pretty relaxed and doesn’t involve much walking or climbing unless you want to go inside the pyramids. The guide adjusts the pace for everyone.

How long does the whole tour take?

Usually about 4-5 hours including travel time from Cairo or Giza hotels.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Definitely! There’s a small bazaar in Memphis where local artists sell crafts—you can watch them work too.

What’s included

Your hotel pickup and drop-off are covered, plus all entrance fees so there’s no surprise costs. You’ll have bottled water, snacks for the road, private transport in an air-conditioned van, and a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide throughout your journey.