Saqqara, Memphis and Giza in a day

About this experience

This day tells the story in order. You start at Saqqara with the Step Pyramid of Djoser, from the Third Dynasty, described as the oldest complete stone building complex known. Then Memphis, the old capital, now an open-air museum at Mit Rahina where a limestone colossus of Ramesses II lies on its back. Giza comes last, in the afternoon. All three sit inside one UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1979 as Memphis and its Necropolis, the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur.

The listing sets a limit of 13 participants and includes hotel pickup, an Egyptologist, transport and bottled water. Entry tickets to the pyramids and Sphinx area, Saqqara and Memphis come with the option that includes them, and the listing says tickets must be paid by card. Lunch and a camel ride are add-ons. Entry inside the Great Pyramid also appears in what the listing includes, but the wording is unclear, so check your option.

Two things to know. The web address of the listing mentions Dahshur, but the itinerary does not go there: Saqqara, Memphis and Giza are the stops. The listing also notes shopping time, where you browse on your own and agree prices with the sellers. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

• The Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara, the first Egyptian pyramid
• The colossus of Ramesses II at Memphis, the ancient capital
• The Great Pyramid, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre
• A small group limited to 13 participants
• An Egyptologist guide and hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza

How it runs

1. MorningPickup and Saqqara

   The van collects you from your hotel. At Saqqara, about an hour with the guide around the Step Pyramid complex, about 30 km south of Cairo.

2. 45 minutesMemphis

   The open-air museum at Mit Rahina and its Ramesses II colossus, about 10 m long and lying on its back. A second, standing colossus from Memphis is now in the Grand Egyptian Museum.

3. OptionalLunch in Giza

   About an hour for lunch, if you booked it as an option or add-on.

4. 1.5 hoursThe Giza plateau

   Photo stops, the guide's tour and the views. A camel ride is available as an add-on.

5. 45 minutesThe Sphinx and the Valley Temple

   About 15 minutes at the Sphinx and 30 in the Valley Temple of Khafre, then the drive back to your hotel.

The Step Pyramid at SaqqaraThe view from the panorama pointInside the Valley Temple

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Pick the option with tickets unless you want to queue and pay at three gates yourself.
• Carry a card. The listing says entry tickets must be paid by card and cash is not accepted.
• Bring a passport or ID, a sun hat, comfortable shoes and a warm layer. The listing asks for all of them.
• Agree any price at the shopping stop before you buy. The listing says prices are set with the sellers.

Read next:

• Dress code and tips
• Best pyramids tour

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Grand Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & Sphinx Tour with LunchThe pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple, then two guided hours in the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tickets and lunch included.7 to 8 hours · Guided day, hotel pickupPrivate Pyramids & Great Sphinx Tour with Camel RideYour own Egyptologist and driver, the plateau ticket and a camel ride, with options for the museum, Saqqara or a felucca.4 to 8 hours · Private tour, hotel pickupPyramids Tour with Entry Inside the Great PyramidPrivate car transfers, a guide on site and the Khufu interior ticket in the booking, plus the Sphinx and the Valley Temple.4 hours · Guided half day, car transfers