Giza Pyramids Memphis Saqqara Day Trip

Schedule: Daily

Duration: Approximately 6–7 Hours

Pickup Time: 8:00 AM (Flexible timing upon request)

Tour Highlights

Journey through the core developmental eras of ancient Egyptian pyramid construction on a comprehensive full-day necropolis expedition.

Begin your morning on the Giza Plateau standing before the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, followed by up-close views of the enigmatic Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. Continue south into the desert sands of Saqqara to explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser—humanity’s earliest monumental stone structure. Conclude your day in Memphis, the legendary first capital of unified Egypt, to discover its open-air museum featuring the monumental recumbent colossus of Ramesses II and the Alabaster Sphinx. Enjoy comfortable private transfers in a modern, climate-controlled vehicle accompanied by a certified Egyptologist guide.

Detailed Itinerary

Morning Hotel Pickup & Giza Plateau

Your Ramasside Tours Egyptologist guide and driver will meet you directly at your hotel lobby holding a personalized sign. Settle into a private, climate-controlled vehicle as your guide introduces the chronology of Old Kingdom royal necropolises.

• The Great Pyramids of Giza: Marvel at the monumental Fourth Dynasty royal tombs of Pharaohs Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mykerinos). Learn about the astronomical alignments, limestone quarrying techniques, and construction methods behind the sole surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• The Great Sphinx & Valley Temple: Walk through the monolithic red-granite halls of the Valley Temple of Khafre, where sacred mummification rites and the Opening of the Mouth ceremonies took place. Step outside to behold the Great Sphinx, the 5,000-year-old limestone guardian carved from the natural bedrock of the plateau.
• Enjoy dedicated panoramic viewpoints across the high desert ridge for wide-angle photographs of all three pyramids aligned together.

Saqqara Necropolis & Step Pyramid of Djoser

Travel south toward Saqqara, the vast ancient burial ground serving the Old Kingdom capital:

• Step Pyramid of Djoser: Tour the revolutionary funerary complex engineered by the royal architect Imhotep during the Third Dynasty (c. 2670 BC). Rising in six distinct tiers over a 28-meter shaft, this architectural breakthrough represents humanity's earliest monumental stone building.
• Explore the surrounding courtyard, the Great South Court, and the entrance colonnade adorned with stone-carved bundles of reeds and papyrus.

Ancient Capital of Memphis

Proceed to Memphis (Mit Rahina), founded around 3100 BC by King Menes as the first capital of unified Upper and Lower Egypt:

• Colossus of Ramesses II: Step inside the open-air museum to view the massive 10-meter recumbent limestone statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, celebrated for its intricate anatomical detail and royal hieroglyphic inscriptions.
• Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis: View the monolithic 8-meter calcite sphinx dating to the New Kingdom, the second-largest sphinx sculpture preserved in Egypt.

Following your historical exploration, relax in your private vehicle for a smooth transfer back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Round-trip private transfers in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
• Professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide
• Official entrance tickets to all mentioned archaeological sites (Giza Plateau, Saqqara complex, Memphis Open-Air Museum)
• All service charges and local taxes

Exclusions

• Entry visa to Egypt
• Optional lunch and beverages
• Interior entry tickets into the burial chambers of the Great Pyramids
• Personal expenses and shopping
• Gratuities / Tipping

Tour Add-ons & Travel Notes

Pyramid View Dining Upgrade

Add a gourmet lunch at the prestigious 9 Pyramids Lounge located on the Giza Plateau, enjoying fine dining with panoramic views across all nine pyramids (advance reservation required).

Executive Luxury Minivan Upgrade

Upgrade your day trip to a spacious executive minivan featuring extra legroom, dual-zone climate control, chilled bottled beverages, and superior touring comfort.

Professional Studio Photographer

Hire a professional vacation photographer to accompany your tour across the Pyramids, Saqqara, and Memphis, capturing high-resolution photos for $50 per tour.

Airport Transfers

Private meet-and-assist airport transfers between Cairo International Airport and your hotel are available for $30 per transfer. (Transfers starting from remote locations such as Heliopolis or 6th of October City are subject to an additional surcharge).

Fast-Track Visa-on-Arrival

Save time upon landing with pre-arranged entry visa assistance for eligible passport holders for $35 per person. Simply send a passport copy prior to travel.

Travel Insurance (AIG Travel Guard)

Comprehensive travel coverage through AIG Travel Guard is available for $15 per day or $25 per week per person.

Footwear & Packing Tips

• Sturdy, flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended for desert gravel trails, ramps, and stone courtyards.
• Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera.

Child Policy

• 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge
• 2 – 11.99 years: 50% of adult tour rate
• 12+ years: Full adult rate

For reservations and custom private itineraries, contact us at: [email protected]