Saqqara, Dahshur & Memphis: Private tour with Egyptologist guide

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the world's first monumental stone structure, not the Great Pyramid.

A private full-day tour from Giza to Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis with a certified Egyptologist guide in an air-conditioned vehicle. Walk through Saqqara's vast necropolis and the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, explore Dahshur's experimental pyramid sites, then visit Memphis to see the limestone colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Hotel pickup, lunch and entrance fees are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each2 stops

1. Saqqara1h 30m
2. Colossus of Ramses II at MemphisEntry included1h

Explore Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis and more

• Visit Saqqara Necropolis and Step Pyramid
• Explore Dahshur pyramids and monuments
• Tour Memphis open-air museum and statues
• Enjoy optional lunch and artisan workshops

The experience

Saqqara is where Egypt's architectural story truly began. Your Egyptologist guide leads you through the ancient burial grounds of nobles and pharaohs, walking past intricately decorated tombs with vivid hieroglyphs and colorful wall carvings that depict daily life, music and rituals from over 4,500 years ago. The Step Pyramid of King Djoser dominates the site: the world's first monumental stone structure and the prototype for all later pyramids. Dahshur, about 40 km south of Cairo, sits on the desert edge with far fewer crowds than Giza. Here you see the evolution of pyramid building in one place, with experimental monuments that show how ancient engineers refined their craft across generations.

Memphis, Egypt's first capital, now spreads as an open-air museum in a tranquil garden setting. You walk among colossal statues, including the magnificent limestone colossus of Ramses II and the elegant Alabaster Sphinx. The contrast between the desert landscapes of Saqqara and Dahshur and the green, peaceful gardens of Memphis gives you a complete picture of how Egypt's power and artistry developed from its earliest kings through its golden age. Your private guide handles all the logistics. The vehicle is modern and air-conditioned, entrance fees are covered, and lunch is included in the tour.

Optional extras let you dig deeper into Egyptian craftsmanship. A papyrus institute visit teaches you the ancient art of papermaking using traditional techniques, with hand-painted artworks to browse. The perfume essence workshop walks you through how Egyptians blended oils following Pharaonic recipes once used in temples and palaces. You can sample pure essences or have a custom scent mixed to take home. Your guide also helps you navigate local bazaars for souvenirs and spices, ensuring fair prices and transparent dealings.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned vehicle.
• certified Egyptologist guide.
• entrance fees to Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis.
• lunch.

Options for this experience

4 options

Private car onlyGuide in English, Spanish or Arabic · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Lasts 8 hours with a private, English-speaking driver; pickup is included

Private guide and a private carGuide in English, Spanish or Arabic · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Lasts 8 hours and includes a private tour guide and private transportation; pickup is included

All included tourGuide in English, Spanish or Arabic · 5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 11:00Lasts 8 hours with lunch; everything is included: a tour guide, private transportation, lunch and entrance tickets; pickup is included

Fully inclusive tour plus an ATV bikeGuide in English, Spanish or Arabic · 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00ATV tour by the pyramids lasting 8 hours, covering everything: a private guide, private transportation, a quad bike ATV with a view of the pyramids, entrance tickets and lunch; pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 6h–8h, runs every day, 5 start times, from US$ 20 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Arabic, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: 07:30, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and ArabicOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Egypt bnbn travel

Is this one for you?You choose between a private guide with private car, a private car only, an all-included tour with ATV bike option, or an all-included tour without the bike. Pick based on whether you want a guide's expertise, the flexibility of solo exploration, or the added adventure of riding an ATV through the desert sites.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

29 verified traveler reviews

5 ★27

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What is the Step Pyramid of Djoser and why does it matter?

The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara is the world's first monumental stone structure, built as a tomb for King Djoser over 4,500 years ago. It became the prototype for all later pyramids and marks the moment Egyptian architects moved from mud brick to stone on a massive scale.

How does Dahshur differ from the pyramids at Giza?

Dahshur sits about 40 km south of Cairo with far fewer crowds than Giza. The site shows the experimental nature of pyramid building. You can see how ancient engineers refined their techniques across different monuments, all in one place without the heavy tourist traffic.

What will I see at Memphis?

Memphis, Egypt's first capital, is now an open-air museum set in a tranquil garden. You'll see the limestone colossus of Ramses II, one of the largest statues ever carved, and the elegant Alabaster Sphinx, a rare symbol of royal power and artistry from ancient Egypt's earliest dynasties.

Can I add activities like papyrus making or perfume blending to this tour?

Yes, optional extras are available. A papyrus institute visit teaches the ancient art of papermaking with hand-painted artworks to browse, and a perfume essence workshop lets you sample pure oils blended following Pharaonic recipes or create a custom scent to take home.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fees to all sites, lunch, and a certified Egyptologist guide are included. Tips are not included.