Memphis, Sakkara & Dahshur: Pyramids Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Ancient stones, quiet desert air and a guide who knows every story

You’ll wander ancient stones in Sakkara, stare up at Ramses II in Memphis, and climb into silence inside Dahshur’s pyramids — all with a local guide who brings every story alive. With hotel pickup included plus stops for perfume scents and handmade carpets, this day trip feels like stepping sideways into history for a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the desert smells like at 9am outside Cairo? It’s not just sand — there’s this dry sweetness, almost like old paper and sun-warmed linen. Our guide, Amr, picked us up early (I was half-awake but he seemed to know everyone in the street already). First stop was Sakkara. I’d seen pictures of the Step Pyramid but standing there — you can actually feel how ancient it is. The limestone is rougher than I expected, kind of chalky if you brush your hand along it (Amr said not to touch too much, though). He told us about King Zoser and how this was the first real pyramid. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at his stories about old Egyptian architects arguing over design changes.

We moved on to Memphis after that. There’s something surreal about seeing the colossal statue of Ramses II lying on its back — it looks both powerful and strangely peaceful. The Alabaster Sphinx sits nearby; kids were running around it while their parents bargained for papyrus bookmarks at the stalls. Amr pointed out little details I’d have missed: the curve of Ramses’ lips (“he always looks like he’s judging you,” Amr joked) and some faded paint still clinging to stone after thousands of years.

Dahshur felt quieter — maybe because most tours skip it or rush through. The Bent Pyramid has this weird beauty; you can see where they changed their minds halfway up. The Red Pyramid is huge but less crowded. We climbed partway up (my legs are still complaining) and just sat for a minute, listening to wind whistle through broken stones. There was a moment where all you could hear were birds and distant voices from another group across the sand.

On the way back we stopped at a perfumery — Paradise Perfumes & Flower Cotton — which smelled like rosewater and something spicy I couldn’t place. I tried saying “thank you” in Arabic; got it wrong and made everyone laugh (including myself). We watched papyrus being made at Key of Life Papyrus, then saw carpets woven by hand at a school nearby. I bought a tiny rug that still smells faintly of wool and dye.

I keep thinking about that morning light on the stones at Dahshur — soft gold, almost pink against the red blocks. Not sure photos really capture it. If you’re curious about Egypt beyond Giza’s crowds, this day trip from Cairo lets you touch (almost) what’s left of three different worlds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur

• Pickup from hotel in Cairo or Giza
• Visit Step Pyramid of Sakkara
• Explore Pyramid of Teti in Sakkara
• See Mastaba of Ti tomb
• View Pyramid of Unas replica
• Visit ancient city of Memphis
• Tour Dahshur Pyramids (Bent and Red)
• Drop off at hotel in Cairo or Giza

Top questions

How long does the Memphis Sakkara & Dahshur tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day with 20-minute stops at each main location before returning to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

Is lunch included in the Memphis Sakkara & Dahshur pyramids tour?

Lunch is included if you select that option when booking; otherwise only bottled water is provided.

Are entry fees included in this day trip from Cairo?

Entry fees are included if you choose that booking option; check your confirmation details for specifics.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in Cairo or Giza.

What else do we see besides pyramids?

You’ll visit perfume shops, watch papyrus making, see traditional artwork, and observe carpet weaving by local artisans.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for those with spinal injuries or serious health issues.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes, there are government-approved stops where you can buy high-quality souvenirs like perfumes, papyrus art, or carpets.

How far are these sites from Cairo?

Sakkara is about 27 km southwest of Cairo; Dahshur is roughly 40 km south; Memphis is nearby as well.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, entry fees if selected when booking, bottled water to keep cool under the desert sun, all transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle, plus optional lunch with your guide before heading back home — along with stops to watch papyrus making and browse handmade carpets if you want to bring home something crafted by local hands.