Memphis and Sakkara Tour: Step Pyramid and Ancient Capital

Two ancient capitals in one morning: the world's oldest stone structure and the seat of pharaohs

A half-day tour from Cairo visiting Sakkara necropolis and Memphis, Egypt's ancient capital, with hotel pickup, an Egyptologist guide, lunch and transport by air-conditioned minivan. The guide walks you through the Step Pyramid built by engineer Imhotep in the 3rd Dynasty, the Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep, and Memphis's artifacts from Egypt's great rulers, including the fallen Ramses II statue. You also watch a traditional bazaar demonstration and can buy artwork if you choose.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Your guide, an Egyptologist fluent in English or Spanish, takes you first to Sakkara, home to the Step Pyramid: the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC for King Djoser by the engineer Imhotep. The necropolis spreads across the plateau with the Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep, tombs carved with scenes of daily life from the Old Kingdom that your guide will unpack as you walk through them.

From Sakkara you drive to Memphis, the ancient capital that ruled Egypt during its earliest dynasties. 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 lying on its back, massive and weathered. Before heading back, you stop at a traditional bazaar where artisans demonstrate how their work is made. You can watch or buy a piece if something catches your eye.

The tour wraps in the early afternoon with drop-off back at your hotel. Bottled water and snacks travel with you, and lunch is included. The minivan is air-conditioned, and the pace suits all fitness levels. Most of the day is walking at a museum pace through open sites, not climbing or scrambling.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairo or Giza.
• private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide in English or Spanish.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• bottled water and snacks.
• lunch.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

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?The five-hour pace and walking through open sites suit anyone comfortable on their feet for a morning. If you prefer a slower rhythm or need to stay closer to central Cairo, a full-day tour with more stops or a single-site visit might work better for your schedule.

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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 and why does the tour spend time there?

The Step Pyramid at Sakkara is the world's oldest major stone structure, built around 2630 BC for King Djoser by the engineer Imhotep during the 3rd Dynasty. It marks a turning point in Egyptian architecture and is the centerpiece of the Sakkara necropolis, which your guide will explain as you walk the site.

What will I see at Memphis?

Memphis holds an open-air museum of artifacts from Egypt's great rulers. The main sight is the fallen statue of Ramses II, a limestone colossus lying on its back. You'll also visit a traditional bazaar where artisans demonstrate their craft and sell their work.

Is lunch included, and what about drinks during the tour?

Lunch is included in the tour price. Bottled water and snacks travel with you throughout the day, so you stay hydrated between sites.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves walking at a museum pace through open archaeological sites: Sakkara's necropolis and Memphis's open-air museum. The itinerary suits all fitness levels, and most of the day is spent on foot at these sites rather than climbing or scrambling.

When does the tour end and how do I get back to my hotel?

The tour wraps in the early afternoon: about five hours from pickup. You're driven back to your hotel or accommodation in the air-conditioned minivan for drop-off.