Egypt Discovery
From per person£129
ExcursionCairo

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis & Grand Egyptian Museum

Hotel pickup in Cairo, guided by our Egyptologist to the Giza Plateau, Saqqara, Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum, lunch included

At a glance

Departs
Daily

The short answer

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis and Grand Egyptian Museum Day Tour is a 1-day private guided excursion covering Giza, Saqqara, Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
  • Private
  • Small group
Best for

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration
Full Day (Approximately 8 hours)
Travel style
Private Guided Tour
Accommodation
N/A
Operated by
Discovery Tours Egypt
Destinations
Giza Plateau · Great Sphinx · Saqqara · Memphis · Grand Egyptian Museum
Includes
Private Egyptologist guide · Hotel pickup and drop-off within Cairo · Air-conditioned vehicle · Lunch at a local restaurant · Bottled water · Standard site entrance fees
Best for
First-time visitors to Cairo · History enthusiasts · Families with older children · Private travel seekers · Museum and archaeology travelers
Guide languages
English

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally cooler and walking around the outdoor sites is easier. May to September is hotter, with midday temperatures often above 35°C, so an early departure helps. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns can change, so site timing should be confirmed in advance.

  • Licensed Egyptian tour operator
  • Private Egyptologist guide for the full day
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Cairo
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers
  • Standard site entrance fees included
  • Flexible timing coordinated around site and museum schedules
  • On-the-ground support for itinerary changes and local logistics

02Overview

A first look

By early morning the limestone at Giza still feels cool underfoot and the scale of Khufu’s casing stones takes in the skyline before traffic and peak heat close in. We arrange to arrive while the light favours the pyramid faces, and our Egyptologists set the pace so questions and close-up observation are possible despite the crowds and limited shade.

We set aside 60–90 minutes at Saqqara rather than a brief walk-through so you can study the Step Pyramid and adjacent Old Kingdom reliefs at a measured pace. We also time the Grand Egyptian Museum visit to avoid the busiest slots, and hotel pickup and drop-off are arranged for every departure.

Note: Due to the duration of this tour, this tour is on request only and subject to attraction opening times at the date of planned travel.

Background

The facts

This full-day Cairo excursion combines the Giza Plateau, Saqqara, Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The Giza Plateau lies about 20 km southwest of central Cairo and includes the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, built during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty around 2600–2500 BCE. The Great Sphinx stands beside the plateau and is usually visited with the pyramid complex as part of the same site circuit.

Saqqara is approximately 30 km south of central Cairo and served as the necropolis of ancient Memphis for much of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. Its best-known monument is Djoser’s Step Pyramid, completed around 27th century BCE and widely regarded as the earliest large-scale stone pyramid complex in Egypt. The site also includes Old Kingdom tombs with wall reliefs and offering scenes, which are commonly visited with a guide to explain burial practices and royal administration.

Memphis, about 20 km south of Giza, was the ancient capital of Egypt and is now an open-air archaeological area. Visitors typically see the large limestone colossus of Ramses II and scattered remains from the ancient city. The Grand Egyptian Museum, located near the Giza pyramids, displays major collections from different periods of Egyptian history, including selected Tutankhamun objects when galleries are open according to the museum schedule.

A private day excursion usually starts with hotel pickup in Cairo, continues by air-conditioned vehicle between the sites, includes lunch at a local restaurant, and ends with return transfer to the hotel. Standard site entrance fees are included, while premium extras such as the Khufu pyramid interior ticket and certain special tomb admissions are excluded unless requested.

Named in this entry

Giza Plateau·Great Sphinx·Pyramid of Khufu·Pyramid of Khafre·Pyramid of Menkaure·Saqqara·Step Pyramid of Djoser·Memphis·Ramses II·Grand Egyptian Museum·Tutankhamun collection·Old Kingdom·Fourth Dynasty

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This excursion suits first-time visitors to Cairo, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want to cover the major Old Kingdom and museum sites in one day with an Egyptologist. It is also suitable for couples, solo travelers, and families who prefer a private schedule rather than a fixed group timetable.

What lingers

  • 01Private guided tour of the Giza Plateau: Khufu Pyramid exterior and the Great Sphinx, with our Egyptologist throughout.
  • 02Pre-booked Grand Egyptian Museum entry included; curated Tutankhamun galleries and archaeological displays explained by our Egyptologist.
  • 03See Djoser Step Pyramid at Saqqara – the 27th-century BCE mastaba-complex origin of large-scale stone architecture.
  • 04Visit ancient Memphis open-air museum: colossal statue remnants and the Alabaster Sphinx, adjacent to Saqqara.
  • 05Unlike large group buses, we use a private air-conditioned car, bottled water; Khufu interior excluded unless requested.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike standard group coach tours, this private excursion allows flexible time at each site and direct commentary from a dedicated Egyptologist. It also combines the Giza Plateau, Saqqara, Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum in one itinerary, which reduces the need to book separate visits. Compared with a museum-only or pyramids-only tour, it provides a broader historical sequence from Old Kingdom tombs to major museum collections.

Stop by stop

Detailed itinerary

06:30 AM

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

  5. 5

  6. 6

  7. 7

  8. 8

Bundled in

  • Hotel pickup
  • Private transfer
  • Private Egyptologist
  • All entry tickets

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Approximately 8-hour private guided excursion in and around Giza and Saqqara.
  • Private Egyptologist for the duration of the tour.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off inside Cairo city limits.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing.
  • Lunch served at a local Cairo restaurant.
  • Bottled drinking water provided during the day.
  • Standard site entrance fees for the listed locations.

Not included

  • Optional interior ticket for the Khufu pyramid and entry to premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) unless specifically requested.
  • Gratuities for the Egyptologist and driver.
  • Personal expenses and any extra beverages beyond the included bottled water.
  • Any temporary museum or site surcharges not covered by standard entrance fees.

Tailor it

Make it yours

The itinerary can be adjusted as a private tour to spend more time at the pyramids, Saqqara, or the Grand Egyptian Museum depending on visitor interests. Optional add-ons may include the Khufu pyramid interior ticket or premium tomb entries if available and requested in advance. Lunch style, pacing, and pickup timing can also be tailored, and some travelers choose to shorten or expand museum time based on the day’s schedule.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Children & families

Strollers are practical inside the vehicle but are difficult to use on the Giza Plateau and at Saqqara because of sand and uneven surfaces. Local restaurants can usually provide a high chair on request; tell us at booking and we will arrange it where possible. Please advise ages of children when you book so we can plan pacing and seating.

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where
Hotel pickup — central Cairo hotelsMap

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

·In summary

This day tour includes hotel pickup in Cairo, private transport, an Egyptologist guide, lunch, bottled water, and standard entrance fees. The itinerary visits the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, subject to the museum schedule. Optional tickets such as the Khufu pyramid interior and premium tombs are not included unless requested.

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01How long is the Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis and Grand Egyptian Museum Day Tour?
    This private guided excursion typically lasts around 8 hours, from your hotel pickup in Cairo to your return drop-off. This duration includes travel time between the various sites and a dedicated lunch break.
  2. 02What is included in the price of this day tour?
    The tour price covers a private Egyptologist guide, hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, and standard entrance fees for all scheduled sites.
  3. 03What is not included in the tour price?
    Excluded items are optional tickets for entering the Khufu pyramid interior or premium tombs like Tutankhamun's, gratuities for your guide and driver, personal expenses, and any temporary exhibition surcharges at museums or sites.
  4. 04What should I wear for this day tour in Egypt?
    We recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses to protect from the sun. Light, breathable clothing is best, and modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for all religious and archaeological sites.
  5. 05Is this tour suitable for families with children?
    Yes, this private tour is generally suitable for children. Our Egyptologist can adjust the pace to accommodate younger travellers, though please note there is a fair amount of walking involved at the sites.
  6. 06What are the physical demands and accessibility considerations for this tour?
    The tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone and sand at the pyramid sites, plus some stairs. While many areas are accessible, certain sections may pose challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations.
  7. 07Can I go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu during the tour?
    Entering the interior of the Khufu pyramid is an optional add-on and is not included in the standard tour price. Your Egyptologist can help you purchase this additional ticket on site if you choose to enter.
  8. 08What is the best time of year to take this day tour?
    The cooler months from October to April are ideal for sightseeing in Egypt, offering more comfortable temperatures. During the hotter summer months, we typically arrange earlier starts to avoid the midday heat.
  9. 09Will I have enough time to see the highlights at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
    We allocate significant time to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Your private Egyptologist will expertly guide you through the key galleries and artefacts, ensuring you experience the museum's highlights, including the Tutankhamun collection.
  10. 10What is the photography policy at the sites we visit?
    Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites. However, inside some tombs or specific museum areas, restrictions may apply, and flash photography is usually prohibited. Your guide will advise on the rules at each location.

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

Editorial review

Discovery Tours

Product ID: EXC-CAI-763355

You Might Also Like

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan – Day TourAswan

Abu Simbel by Plane from Aswan – Day Tour

We arrange a private return flight from Aswan International Airport (ASW) to Abu Simbel Airport (ABS) for a day visit to the temples at Abu Simbel. Flight time is approximately 40–50 minutes each way. On arrival our English-speaking Egyptologist will guide you at the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Small Temple of Nefertari. The site forms part of the Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (UNESCO, 1979). We include standard site entrance fees, airport handling and domestic flight taxes, and private transfers to and from your Aswan hotel or Nile cruise. Practical notes and trade-offs: the tour requires an early start and is tightly scheduled according to domestic flight timetables; the on-site visit is usually brief (typically 1–2 hours) so you should expect a short, focused walk around the façades and interiors. There is limited shade at the site and much walking is on uneven ancient stone. Photography opportunities are best outside the temples; the solar alignment that illuminates the inner sanctuary of Ramesses II occurs around 22 February and 22 October each year. Flights use regional aircraft and luggage/weight limits set by the carrier apply. The tour is operated by our Egyptologists and ground team, licensed by the Egyptian Tourism Authority (ETAA).

From £374

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day TourAswan

1 Days

Abu Simbel by Road from Aswan Day Tour

A full-day road transfer from Aswan to the twin rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel, returning the same day. Walk among the four seated colossi of the Great Temple of Ramesses II and cross to the adjacent Temple of Nefertari, both moved above the original Nile shore during the 1960s resettlement. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can confirm local entrance arrangements and Egyptologist-guided visits. The road option lets you see Lake Nasser and the desert landscape between Aswan and Abu Simbel, rather than traveling by air.

From £72

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wad Natrun & Pompey's PillarCairo

Alexandria 2 Nights from Cairo – Wad Natrun & Pompey's Pillar

Two-night private itinerary from Cairo to Alexandria, visiting Wad Natrun monasteries, Pompey's Pillar, the Kom el-Shoqafa catacombs, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Roman Museum. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany key visits. Cairo to Alexandria is about 220 km (roughly 2.5–3 hours by car). Unlike rushed one-day coach excursions, this itinerary gives you two nights and a full day in Alexandria to see the main sites at a steady pace. Trade-offs: expect early starts, a long road transfer each way and limited shade at several outdoor sites.

From £179