Journey back to the origins of pyramid architecture with the Cairo Day Tour to Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur. Perfect for history enthusiasts who wish to explore beyond the Giza Plateau, this comprehensive full-day excursion takes you to Egypt’s ancient first capital and its royal necropolises. Discover the Step Pyramid of Djozer at Saqqara, view the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II at Memphis, and marvel at the engineering evolution of the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid at Dahshur. Led by an expert Egyptologist guide, this trip includes private air-conditioned hotel transfers, admission passes, and a freshly prepared local lunch starting from €55 per person.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur Necropolis (Giza Governorate) |
| Duration | Full Day (approx. 08:00 AM – 16:00 PM / 8 Hours) |
| Type | Historical Sightseeing & Architectural Exploration |
| Pickup Time | 08:00 AM (Hotel Lobby Pick-up) |
| Pickup Location | Cairo or Giza Hotel Included |
| Price | From €55 per person |
Saqqara, Memphis & Dahshur Day Tour Cairo HIGHLIGHTS
- Tour the revolutionary Step Pyramid of Djozer at Saqqara, the world’s oldest major stone structure
- Explore open-air museum monuments at Memphis, ancient Egypt’s first unified capital city
- Stand before the immense fallen Colossus of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis
- Marvel at the unique angles of the Bent Pyramid built by King Sneferu at Dahshur
- Step inside the burial chamber of the Red Pyramid, Egypt’s first successful smooth-sided pyramid
- Gain detailed archaeological insights from a dedicated professional Egyptologist
- Savor a freshly prepared traditional lunch served at a countryside restaurant
TOUR DESCRIPTION
- What to Expect: Begin your morning with an 08:00 AM pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Drive south into the countryside to explore Dahshur’s royal field, continue to the open-air museum of Memphis, and spend your afternoon touring the extensive burial fields and mastaba tombs of Saqqara before returning to your hotel.
- Experience Highlights: During this excursion, you will walk through stone mortuary complexes, descend into ancient pyramid corridors, examine intricate high-relief carvings in Old Kingdom noble tombs, and trace how royal architecture evolved over generations.
- Why Choose This Tour: This itinerary offers a peaceful, crowd-free alternative to standard tourist routes, allowing you to explore three UNESCO World Heritage locations that hold the true architectural keys to how the Great Pyramids were built.
DAILY ITINERARY TIMELINE
- 08:00 AM: Pick-up from your hotel lobby in Cairo or Giza in a private air-conditioned vehicle.
- 09:00 AM: Arrival at Dahshur; guided visit to the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid of King Sneferu.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to Memphis; guided tour of the open-air museum, Colossus of Ramses II, and Alabaster Sphinx.
- 12:30 PM: Delicious local lunch served at a palm-grove restaurant near Saqqara.
- 01:30 PM: Guided exploration of the Step Pyramid complex of Djozer at Saqqara & noble mastaba tombs.
- 03:30 PM: Brief stop at a local carpet weaving school or traditional craft workshop (time permitting).
- 04:00 PM: Return drive back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
WHAT ARE THE INCLUDES / EXCLUDES?
- Included:
- Round-trip transfers from Cairo/Giza hotels in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Official admission passes to Saqqara archaeological zone, Memphis museum, and Dahshur site
- Entry access into the interior chambers of the Red Pyramid
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
- Traditional lunch served at a local restaurant
- Bottled mineral water throughout the day
- Not Included:
- Ticket to enter the interior chambers of the Step Pyramid of Djozer (optional on-site purchase)
- Personal beverages during lunch
- Personal souvenirs and tips for the guide and driver
IMPORTANT INFO
- Bring: camera or smartphone, comfortable walking shoes (rocky terrain/sand), sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, power bank, small cash.
- Physical Note: Entering the Red Pyramid involves steep wooden ramps and descending tunnels; good mobility is recommended for entering the inner chambers.
- Suitable for: history enthusiasts, adult families, couples, and keen photographers.
- Child policy: Children under 5 years go free; ages 5–11 receive a 50% discount.
FLEXIBILITY NOTICE
All tour details, site visiting order, travel times, and lunch schedules may be adapted depending on daily traffic conditions, site access protocols, and official Ministry of Tourism operating hours to maintain guest safety and comfort.
Plan your archaeological journey today—whether you are booking an educational family exploration, a romantic couples history trip, or a memorable cultural getaway—and enjoy one of the best Cairo day tours with excellent value and expert guidance.
OTHER EXCURSIONS IN CAIRO
- 👉 Explore more (Cairo Day Tours)
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- 👉 Check (Alexandria Day Tour from Cairo)
FAQ
- How are Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur related historically? All three sites belong to the ancient Memphite Necropolis region. Memphis was the administrative capital, while Saqqara and Dahshur served as the primary burial grounds where Old Kingdom pharaohs developed pyramid construction techniques.
- Are entrance tickets to all three sites included in the price? Yes! Official admission passes covering the Saqqara complex, the Memphis open-air museum, and the Dahshur pyramid zone are fully covered in the tour package.
- Is it possible to go inside any of the pyramids on this trip? Yes! Access inside the Red Pyramid at Dahshur is included with your general admission ticket. Stepping inside the Step Pyramid at Saqqara requires an additional ticket purchased at the gate.
- How far are these sites located from central Cairo? The sites sit approximately 30 to 40 kilometers south of central Cairo, taking roughly 45 to 60 minutes to reach in comfortable private transport.
Secure your spot on this in-depth archaeological journey today. Whether you are planning an unforgettable family history day, a romantic couples excursion, or a special holiday cultural trip, vehicle slots fill quickly. Book now from €55 per person and enjoy a well-organized adventure.