Day Trip to Giza Pyramids Memphis Sakkara from Cairo

Start your day with a private tour to some of the most iconic ancient sites near Cairo. Your expert Egyptologist guide will pick you up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza at 8:00 AM, and you’ll set off on an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt.

Your first stop will be the Great Pyramid of Giza, also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or Cheops. As the oldest and largest pyramid in the Giza Pyramid Complex, it is the last remaining ancient wonder of the world. Built for the Fourth Dynasty Pharaoh Khufu, this colossal structure originally stood at 146.5 meters (481 feet) tall and was the tallest man-made structure on Earth for over 3,800 years. Learn about the fascinating construction techniques and how it was built to serve as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu.

You’ll have the opportunity to visit the burial chamber of the Great Pyramid for an additional cost of 400 EGP (around $25 USD), where you can see the inner sanctum where the pharaoh’s body was laid to rest. If you’re up for more exploration, you can also choose to enter the Queen’s Chamber or explore the internal passages of the pyramid.

Next, visit the Pyramid of Khafre (Chephren), the second-largest pyramid at Giza and the tomb of Pharaoh Khafre, who ruled Egypt from 2558 to 2532 BC. While slightly smaller than the Great Pyramid, it appears taller due to its location on a higher plateau. It is best known for its complex that includes the Valley Temple and the Great Sphinx.

You’ll learn about the role of the pyramid in ancient Egyptian funerary practices and the fascinating symbolism behind its architecture. Your guide will also share the history of the Sphinx, the monumental stone statue with the body of a lion and the head of Pharaoh Khafre, which has stood guard over the pyramids for millennia. If you’re interested in exploring further, you can also visit the burial chamber of Khafre for an additional 100 EGP ($7 USD) per person.

After visiting the pyramids, you’ll have the chance to stop at a panoramic viewpoint to capture breathtaking photos of the three great pyramids of Giza – the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Mykerinus. The view is perfect for photographs, offering a sweeping vista of the desert and the pyramids in the background.

No visit to the Pyramids of Giza is complete without experiencing the desert on a camel ride. Enjoy a leisurely ride around the pyramids, where you can take in the desert landscape and enjoy the unique perspective of the pyramids from the back of a camel.

After exploring the Pyramids of Giza, you’ll head to Sakkara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest major stone structure in the world. Built during the Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser, the Step Pyramid marks a significant evolution in ancient Egyptian architecture. Your guide will explain how this pyramid paved the way for the later, more iconic smooth-sided pyramids, like those at Giza. The complex at Sakkara includes the Pyramid of Djoser, funerary temples, and tombs of the nobility, making it one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt.

After visiting Sakkara, you’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor classic dishes like koshari, molokhia, and grilled kebabs. This will be a great opportunity to relax and recharge before the next part of your tour.

Next, you’ll travel to Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt, founded by Pharaoh Menes around 3,100 BC. Memphis was a major center of ancient Egyptian culture, and its ruins tell the story of the kingdom’s first major political and religious center. Here, you’ll visit the famous Statue of Ramses II, a massive limestone statue that once stood in the great temple of Ramses in Memphis. The statue is one of the largest of Ramses II in existence and gives a glimpse into the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient rulers.

You will also visit the Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, a smaller but equally impressive monument that served as a protector of the ancient city. Your guide will walk you through the significance of these monuments and how Memphis played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.

After exploring Memphis, your guide will take you back to your hotel in Cairo or Giza, where your private tour concludes. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Egypt’s rich and fascinating history.