Discovery Tours Egypt
Day TourCairo

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Day Tour

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Day Tour is a 1-day private guided excursion covering Giza, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Cultural
  • Archaeology & history
  • Photography
Best for
  • Couples·
  • Solo traveller·
  • Groups

Snapshot

Good to know

Guide languages
Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are usually milder and site visits are easier on foot. From May to September, heat and sun exposure can be significant, so early departures are preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours, traffic, and lunch timing may vary, so advance confirmation is recommended.

02Overview

A first look

This private day tour visits Khufu Pyramid, the Great Sphinx, Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara, and Ramses II's colossus at Memphis. We provide private transfers, entrance reservations, and an Egyptologist who explains each site's archaeology.

Background

The facts

This Cairo day excursion combines four major archaeological locations in the Memphite region: the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis. The route typically begins with hotel pickup in Cairo, then continues west to Giza, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the surrounding pyramid field are viewed from the exterior unless a pyramid interior ticket is purchased separately.

Saqqara lies roughly 30 km south of central Cairo and is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built during the 3rd Dynasty around the 27th century BCE and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale stone monument in Egypt. Depending on time and ticket choice, visitors may also see elements of the necropolis landscape, but premium tomb access is not included unless specifically requested.

Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt founded around 3100 BCE, is now an open-air archaeological site south of Cairo. The main items typically seen are the Colossus of Ramses II and other exposed remains from the old city, displayed in an outdoor setting that involves walking on uneven ground.

The drive between Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis is generally short by Egyptian regional standards, but traffic in greater Cairo can affect timings. Standard entrance fees for included sites are covered in the product unless stated otherwise, while gratuities and optional extras such as pyramid interiors remain excluded unless arranged in advance.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This tour suits first-time visitors to Cairo, history-focused travelers, and adults or older children who want a guided overview of ancient Egypt in one day. It is also appropriate for private travelers who prefer a steady pace, more time at each site, and direct commentary from an Egyptologist guide.

What lingers

  • 01Our driver collects you from your Cairo hotel; private air-conditioned transfer, unlike shared coach schedules.
  • 02Standard site entrance fees included; Khufu pyramid interior and gratuities are excluded unless requested.
  • 03Our Egyptologist explains construction phasing at Khufu and the Sphinx's erosion controversies during the visit.
  • 04Explore Saqqara's Step Pyramid and Serapeum with explanations of Old Kingdom tomb architecture and funerary practice.
  • 05Visit ancient Memphis site to see the colossal Ramses II fallen statue and alabaster sphinx fragment.
  • 06We time the route to avoid midday heat when possible; expect walking on uneven stone and minimal shade.

Bundled in

  • Hotel pickup
  • Private transfer
  • Private Egyptologist

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • 8 hours guided private tour
  • Private Egyptologist guide for the day
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers during the excursion
  • Lunch (as stated in product details)
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Cairo city limits

Not included

  • Entrance tickets if specifically requested differently from standard site access (pyramid interiors, premium tombs are extra)
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks unless specified with lunch
  • Personal travel insurance

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Minimum age is 3 years for this excursion, due to site terrain and the pace of visits. Children under 12 receive a child rate when accompanied by adults; infant seating is available on request but strollers are difficult to use at archaeological sites because of stairs and rough ground. Parents should expect to carry infants or fold strollers when moving between vehicle and entrances. Please tell us the ages of children at booking so we can provide appropriate seats and adjust timings to reduce midday heat exposure.

Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis day tour?
    The full-day tour typically lasts 8–9 hours, depending on Cairo traffic. Pickup from central Cairo or Giza hotels is included and we start in the morning to avoid peak heat. We operate with private vehicles and licensed Egyptologists rather than large coach groups, which reduces time wasted on multiple hotel stops.
  2. 02Are entrance fees and tickets included?
    Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are not included unless specified. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we handle local bookings and can add Khufu interior or Saqqara special-access tickets for an extra cost. Gratuities, personal items, and optional extras are excluded.
  3. 03Can we enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Saqqara Step Pyramid?
    Interior access to the Khufu pyramid and some Saqqara tombs is possible but requires separate tickets and sometimes fixed time slots. Khufu interior tickets are limited and often sell out, so we recommend booking them in advance. Interior visits involve narrow, steep passages and may be unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia or significant mobility limitations.
  4. 04Is the tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
    The tour involves uneven ancient stone, sand, steps, and short walks; it is not fully wheelchair accessible. We can reduce walking by driving to viewpoints and arranging vehicle-assisted stops, but pyramid interiors and some tombs will remain inaccessible. Please tell us your mobility needs at booking so we can plan appropriate alternatives.
  5. 05What should I bring and wear for the tour?
    Bring sun protection, comfortable closed walking shoes, a hat, plenty of water, and a small daypack; modest dress is required at some sites. Midday shade is limited at Giza and Saqqara, so sunscreen and a reusable water bottle are essential. A light scarf or long-sleeve layer is useful for museum or mosque visits.
  6. 06Can I take photos or fly a drone at the sites?
    Personal photography is allowed at most sites; drones and commercial filming require advance permits. Tripods, flash, and selfie-sticks may be restricted inside museums or certain tombs. If you plan drone use, provide device details when booking so we can apply for permits and advise on current local regulations.

If plans change

Cancellation and refunds

What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy

Editorial review

Reviewed by Khaled Mansour

Last updated Product ID: EXC-CAI-104545

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