Egypt Discovery
From per personOn Request
Excursion Cairo

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.

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.

02 Overview

A first look

See the three Giza pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), the Great Sphinx, Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser, and Memphis’s colossal Ramses II statue. Standard site entrances are included; interior pyramid tickets are not included.

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

  • 01 Visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Khafre Pyramid and the Sphinx on the Giza Plateau (two to three hours).
  • 02 Explore Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser; unlike rushed itineraries, we allow time for burial complexes and reliefs.
  • 03 Stop at ancient Memphis to view the colossi, including the seated Ramses II statue and alabaster pieces.
  • 04 All standard site entrance fees are included; Khufu pyramid interior and premium tombs are excluded and charged separately.
  • 05 We do not operate mass coach group trips to these sites; all tours are private and tailored.
  • 06 Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; private air-conditioned car, English-speaking Egyptologist and Cairo hotel pick-up included.

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

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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

  1. 01 How long is the Pyramids, Sphinx, Saqqara & Memphis Day Tour?
    The tour is a full-day outing, generally eight to nine hours door-to-door. Expect an early-morning start with return mid-to-late afternoon depending on Cairo traffic. Road transfers between sites take time; we build travel and visits so you do not rush each location.
  2. 02 Are entrance fees included in the price?
    Standard site entrance fees for Giza, Saqqara and Memphis are included in the tour price. Pyramid interior tickets (Khufu) and any optional extras are excluded and are payable separately at ticketing. Prices for tickets can change with Egyptian authorities, so we recommend booking interiors in advance through us.
  3. 03 Can I go inside the Great Pyramid (Khufu) on this tour?
    Entering the Khufu (Great) Pyramid is possible but requires an additional interior ticket and is subject to daily visitor limits. Access may be restricted for children or large backpacks and is sometimes suspended for conservation reasons. We can pre‑book the interior ticket for you; it is not part of the standard price.
  4. 04 Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?
    Sites include uneven stone, steps and sand; the tour is not fully wheelchair-accessible. We provide door-to-door private transfers and can shorten walking routes, but areas such as the Giza Plateau and Saqqara require stepping on rough ground and low steps. Tell us in advance so we can plan routes, shaded rests and minimise distances on foot.
  5. 05 What should I wear and bring for the day?
    Wear sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and conservative clothing for temple areas. Bring bottled water, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light scarf for dust or sun; summers are hot and shade is limited at midday. A small backpack and hand sanitiser are useful; charging ports are not available at the sites.
  6. 06 How much time will we spend at each site and what is the usual order?
    Typical routing is Giza Plateau (pyramids and Sphinx), then Saqqara (Djoser Step Pyramid), then Memphis; time on site varies. Expect roughly 1.5–2 hours at Giza, 60–90 minutes at Saqqara and 30–45 minutes at Memphis, depending on traffic and your interests. Unlike many short excursions that only visit Giza, we allocate time for Saqqara and Memphis for fuller archaeological context.

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-104545

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