Egypt Discovery
From per personOn Request
Excursion Cairo

Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis & Grand Egyptian Museum

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.

Best time to go

The most comfortable months are October through April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally milder and site visits are easier to manage. From May to September, heat can be intense, so early departures are preferable. During Ramadan and major public holidays, museum and site hours may be adjusted and traffic can be heavier.

02 Overview

A first look

Spend a day in Cairo visiting the Giza Plateau (Khufu Pyramid exterior), the Great Sphinx, Saqqara's Step Pyramid and the ruins of Memphis, finishing at the Grand Egyptian Museum. We collect from central Cairo hotels; site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.

Background

The facts

This private Cairo day excursion combines the main archaeological sites of the Memphis necropolis with the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum. The itinerary includes the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with hotel pickup and return in an air-conditioned vehicle. Standard site entrance fees are included, while access to pyramid interiors is not included unless requested separately.

At Giza, visitors typically see the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx. The Giza Pyramid Complex belongs to the Old Kingdom and is conventionally dated to the 4th Dynasty, around the 26th century BCE. Saqqara lies south of Cairo and is best known for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, generally dated to the 27th century BCE and often described as the earliest large-scale stone monument in Egypt.

Memphis, the ancient capital associated with the early dynastic period and the Old Kingdom, preserves open-air remains and the colossus of Ramses II. The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Giza Plateau and houses major collections of Egyptian antiquities, including material associated with Tutankhamun, subject to the museum’s opening and gallery access schedule. Because this is a private guided day, time at each stop can be adjusted based on interest and site conditions.

For travelers using Cairo as a base, the excursion is designed as a single-day archaeological circuit rather than a multi-day itinerary. The route links the museum with the Giza and Saqqara areas efficiently, making it suitable for visitors who want a structured overview of Egypt’s Old Kingdom monuments and major museum collections in one day.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This tour suits first-time visitors to Cairo, history enthusiasts, and travelers who want a private, flexible schedule with an Egyptologist guide. It is appropriate for adults and older children who are comfortable with moderate walking, uneven ground at archaeological sites, and time spent outdoors.

What lingers

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

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Included

  • Approximately 8 hours private guided excursion
  • Private Egyptologist guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off within Cairo
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for transfers and sightseeing
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • Standard site entrance fees

Not included

  • Optional Khufu pyramid interior ticket and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) unless requested
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses and additional beverages
  • Any museum or site temporary exhibition surcharges not part of standard fees

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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 Are entrance fees included for the Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis and the Grand Egyptian Museum?
    Standard site entrance fees are included unless the product explicitly states otherwise. Pyramid interior tickets (Khufu/Khafre), premium tombs and certain temporary exhibitions are normally excluded and charged separately. Gratuities and optional extras are not included unless your confirmation says so. We can arrange any additional tickets in advance as a licensed Egyptian tour operator to avoid queues, but those costs will appear as extras on your final invoice.
  2. 02 Can we go inside the Great Pyramid (Khufu) on this tour?
    Entry to the Khufu pyramid interior is not included by default and requires a separate, paid ticket. The interior passageways are narrow, low and physically demanding; children and anyone with claustrophobia or mobility issues should not attempt it. Tickets are limited and should be pre-booked; as a licensed Egyptian tour operator we can request these in advance but you must carry your original passport for the ticket.
  3. 03 How much walking and what is the terrain like on the tour?
    Expect multiple short walks on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and stepped surfaces at Giza, Saqqara and Memphis. There is limited shade, especially at midday, and some areas require climbing low steps or ramps; bring sturdy shoes. If you have reduced mobility we can advise which parts are feasible, but several sites are not suitable for wheelchairs without assistance.
  4. 04 What should I wear and bring for the day?
    Bring sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable closed shoes. Temples and mosques require modest dress (shoulders and knees covered); bring a light layer for indoor galleries and air-conditioned vehicles. Carry your original passport for certain ticketed entries (for example pyramid interiors), plus cash or card for optional purchases and gratuities.
  5. 05 Do you provide hotel pickup from Cairo hotels and the airport?
    Private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo is included when stated on your booking confirmation. Airport collection may incur a supplement and requires your flight details so we can meet you at arrivals. Allow extra time for travel through Cairo traffic; our drivers and Egyptologists plan the day to avoid the busiest periods where possible.
  6. 06 Is the Grand Egyptian Museum included on the itinerary and are there any restrictions?
    The itinerary includes the Grand Egyptian Museum when the museum is operating and accessible. The GEM operates timed-entry and enhanced security checks; large bags may be restricted and photography rules can change by gallery. Unlike Giza-only visits, including GEM adds substantial archaeological context to the Pyramids’ monuments; we secure timed tickets for groups whenever possible to reduce waiting.

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-763355

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