How long is the Saqqara and Memphis half day tour?

The tour runs approximately 3–4 hours including transfers. We collect from central Cairo in the morning and visit Saqqara (Step Pyramid of Djoser) and the open‑air museum at Memphis. Traffic can extend the return time; expect a flexible finish rather than an exact clock time.

What is included in the Saqqara & Memphis Half Day Tour?

Price includes private transport, an Egyptologist guide, and standard site entrance fees for Saqqara and Memphis. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide the vehicle, guide, and tickets; lunches, personal gratuities, and any extra tomb or pyramid‑interior fees are excluded unless arranged. We can add bottled water or a light snack on request.

Do we visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Serapeum?

Yes – the itinerary includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and the archaeological remains at Memphis. Access to the Serapeum (the buried Apis bull galleries) is intermittent for conservation; if it is closed, we extend time at Saqqara or the Memphis site instead. Our Egyptologist will explain the chronology and recent conservation work while on site.

How much walking is involved and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Expect moderate walking on uneven limestone, loose sand, and low steps; there is limited shade. The sites have rough ground and some steep or narrow stone steps, so it is not fully wheelchair accessible without extensive assistance. With advance notice we can shorten walking routes, provide more frequent rests, and meet you as close to vehicle drop‑offs as site rules allow.

Can I enter any pyramid interiors on this half day tour?

Pyramid interior access is not included by default and often requires separate tickets and restrictions. We do not bundle interior visits as standard – the passages are narrow, low, and steep and many guests prefer to view externally. If you request an interior visit, we will check current openings, age/health restrictions, and the extra fee and add it to your booking where possible.

What should I bring and wear for Saqqara and Memphis?

Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), sturdy closed shoes, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Light, breathable layers work best for the heat; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended out of respect at religious sites. Carry small local cash for restroom tips, optional entrance upgrades, and guide gratuities; toilets are available at the visitor centres but can be basic.

Are Saqqara and Memphis open during Ramadan?

Sites generally remain open during Ramadan but hours and services can change. Museum cafés and some local shops may operate reduced hours and visitor numbers can shift to evenings; we recommend a morning visit to avoid late‑day crowds and heat. We monitor local schedules and will adjust pickup times and the itinerary if authorities change opening hours.

Day Tour Cairo

Sakkara & Memphis Half-Day Tour from Cairo

At a glance

Departs: Daily

The short answer

Sakkara & Memphis Half Day Tour is a 1-day private guided excursion covering Saqqara and Memphis in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally milder and visibility is good for outdoor sightseeing. From May to September, early morning or late-afternoon departures help avoid the hottest hours; during Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns may change, so scheduling should be confirmed in advance.

02 Overview

A first look

Your driver meets you at your Cairo hotel for a morning or afternoon half-day pickup. The visit includes Sakkara’s Djoser Step Pyramid (Third Dynasty) and the open-air exhibits at Mit Rahina (Memphis), including the colossal Ramses II remains.

Background

The facts

Saqqara lies about 30 km south of central Cairo and served as the principal necropolis for ancient Memphis, the Old Kingdom capital. The site is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built for King Djoser of the 3rd Dynasty around the 27th century BCE and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale cut-stone monument in Egypt. Visitors typically combine Saqqara with Memphis because the two sites are geographically linked and can be visited in a single half-day circuit.

Memphis, located south of modern Cairo near Mit Rahina, was the political and administrative center of Egypt during much of the Old Kingdom and later periods. The open-air museum contains the colossal limestone statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx, both of which are among the site’s best-known surviving monuments. The museum layout is straightforward, with short walking distances between the main displayed pieces.

A private half-day excursion from Cairo usually takes about five hours, including transfer time, on-site guiding, and movement between the two archaeological areas. The drive time depends on traffic conditions in Greater Cairo, but Saqqara and Memphis are commonly paired because they are close enough to visit without a full-day schedule. Entrance fees are typically separate only if specifically excluded; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities are generally not included unless stated otherwise.

For logistics, morning or late-afternoon departures are commonly used to reduce exposure to peak midday heat, especially from May through September. The visit involves light-to-moderate walking on uneven archaeological ground, with some shade available in limited areas and better access by private vehicle than by large coach.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

This excursion suits first-time visitors to Cairo, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want a focused introduction to Old Kingdom archaeology without spending a full day on the road. It is also suitable for adults and older children who are comfortable with short walks on uneven ground and a guided sightseeing pace.

What lingers

01 Private half-day with door-to-door pickup from Cairo hotels; operated by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
02 Explore Saqqara's Step Pyramid of Djoser and Teti tombs with our Egyptologist; archaeological context explained.
03 Visit ancient Memphis: see the colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx in the open-air museum.
04 Enter the Serapeum to view stone sarcophagi of the Apis bulls – site access and fees included.
05 We don't run group bus tours; your Egyptologist and driver are dedicated to your schedule.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

Approximately 5 hours guided excursion
Private Egyptologist guide
Private air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Site entrance fees (payable on arrival)
Pyramid interior tickets and premium tomb entrances where applicable
Meals and drinks
Gratuities for guide and driver
Any personal expenses or optional extras

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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

01 How long is the Saqqara and Memphis half day tour?

The tour runs approximately 3–4 hours including transfers. We collect from central Cairo in the morning and visit Saqqara (Step Pyramid of Djoser) and the open‑air museum at Memphis. Traffic can extend the return time; expect a flexible finish rather than an exact clock time.
02 What is included in the Saqqara & Memphis Half Day Tour?

Price includes private transport, an Egyptologist guide, and standard site entrance fees for Saqqara and Memphis. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide the vehicle, guide, and tickets; lunches, personal gratuities, and any extra tomb or pyramid‑interior fees are excluded unless arranged. We can add bottled water or a light snack on request.
03 Do we visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the Serapeum?

Yes – the itinerary includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara and the archaeological remains at Memphis. Access to the Serapeum (the buried Apis bull galleries) is intermittent for conservation; if it is closed, we extend time at Saqqara or the Memphis site instead. Our Egyptologist will explain the chronology and recent conservation work while on site.
04 How much walking is involved and is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Expect moderate walking on uneven limestone, loose sand, and low steps; there is limited shade. The sites have rough ground and some steep or narrow stone steps, so it is not fully wheelchair accessible without extensive assistance. With advance notice we can shorten walking routes, provide more frequent rests, and meet you as close to vehicle drop‑offs as site rules allow.
05 Can I enter any pyramid interiors on this half day tour?

Pyramid interior access is not included by default and often requires separate tickets and restrictions. We do not bundle interior visits as standard – the passages are narrow, low, and steep and many guests prefer to view externally. If you request an interior visit, we will check current openings, age/health restrictions, and the extra fee and add it to your booking where possible.
06 What should I bring and wear for Saqqara and Memphis?

Bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat), sturdy closed shoes, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle. Light, breathable layers work best for the heat; modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is recommended out of respect at religious sites. Carry small local cash for restroom tips, optional entrance upgrades, and guide gratuities; toilets are available at the visitor centres but can be basic.
07 Are Saqqara and Memphis open during Ramadan?

Sites generally remain open during Ramadan but hours and services can change. Museum cafés and some local shops may operate reduced hours and visitor numbers can shift to evenings; we recommend a morning visit to avoid late‑day crowds and heat. We monitor local schedules and will adjust pickup times and the itinerary if authorities change opening hours.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days: Full refund less a £50 admin fee
15–30 days: 50% refund
Within 14 days: No refund – date changes considered case by case

Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: EXC-CAI-103027

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