Memphis & Sakkara Half Day Tour with Local Lunch from Cairo

Summary

Private Egyptologist-Guided Trip to Memphis and Sakkara

If you want to see Egypt’s oldest pyramid and explore real ancient tombs without crowds or rush, this half-day tour is perfect. You’ll get expert stories from a local guide and taste proper Egyptian food—all in just a few hours.

What’s the experience like?

Morning air in Cairo always feels a bit dusty but alive—drivers honking, street vendors already at it. Our guide, Ahmed, met us right in the hotel lobby, all smiles and stories. The drive out to Sakkara took about 40 minutes, passing little fruit stands and kids waving from tuk-tuks. When we finally reached the necropolis, I could actually smell the dry earth as we walked up to the Step Pyramid. Ahmed explained how Imhotep designed this for King Djoser—he even pointed out some faded carvings that most people just walk past.

The Mastabas of Ti and Prince Ptahotep were quieter than I expected. You can almost hear your own footsteps echo inside those ancient chambers. There’s something about seeing those old reliefs up close—the colors are still there if you look hard enough. Afterward, we headed over to Memphis. It’s not far, maybe another 20 minutes by van, but it feels like stepping into another world. The fallen statue of Ramses II is massive—hard to get your head around how they carved something that size so long ago.

Before heading back, Ahmed took us through a small bazaar where local artisans were working on replicas of ancient artwork. I watched one guy paint tiny hieroglyphics onto a piece of limestone—his hands never shook once. We grabbed lunch at a spot nearby; nothing fancy, just grilled chicken with rice and some fresh bread that tasted smoky from the oven. By early afternoon, we were back at our hotel—tired but honestly glad we didn’t try to cram too much into one morning.

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 Memphis ancient capital and see Ramses II statue
• Traditional bazaar demonstration and shopping
• Return to hotel/accommodation

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Yes! The walking is easy and our guide helped everyone move at their own pace.

What should I wear for visiting Sakkara and Memphis?

Light clothes and comfy shoes are best—it gets warm and there’s some sand around the sites.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?

You’ll have time at a local bazaar where you can watch artisans work and pick up handmade pieces if you want.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included—a simple Egyptian meal like grilled chicken or kofta with rice, plus bread and salad.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, all entrance fees covered, private transport in an air-conditioned minivan, bottled water to keep you cool, snacks for the road, a tasty local lunch, and an Egyptologist guide who really knows their stuff.