Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Day Trip
Overview
Uncover ancient Egypt's origins on a personalized day tour from Cairo Airport. Explore Saqqara's Step Pyramid, ancient Memphis, and Dahshur's…
This private day tour departs directly from Cairo Airport for Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur, three sites that together trace the earliest development of Egyptian pyramid building, with a private Egyptologist guide throughout. The first stop is Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid complex designed by the vizier Imhotep for Pharaoh Djoser around 2670 to 2650 BC, the world's earliest major stone structure.
The tour continues to Memphis, established around the 31st century BC as Egypt's first unified capital, where an open-air museum displays remnants including a colossal statue of Ramses II and an alabaster sphinx, before finishing at Dahshur, where King Sneferu's Bent Pyramid, dated to roughly 2613 to 2589 BC, sits alongside the Red Pyramid, considered Egypt's first true smooth-sided pyramid, from around 2575 to 2551 BC.
Meet-and-assist service at Cairo Airport, a private air-conditioned vehicle, a private Egyptologist guide, entry tickets to all three sites, an Egyptian lunch in Giza, and bottled water are included, leaving only guide and driver gratuities and personal expenses for travelers.
Together, the three sites trace roughly a century and a half of experimentation in pyramid design, from Djoser's stepped structure through Sneferu's two very different attempts at Dahshur, of particular interest to travelers curious how the classic pyramid shape came about.
- Saqqara's Step Pyramid, designed by Imhotep
- Memphis, Egypt's first unified capital
- Dahshur's Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid
- Meet-and-assist service direct from Cairo Airport
Trip at a Glance
Duration
1 Day
Price
From $105
Availability
Every day
Tour Type
Private
Tailor-Make Your Dream Egypt Holiday
Your dates, your pace, your must-see wonders — handcrafted into one private itinerary by our expert Egyptologists.
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Itinerary
Your private Egyptologist guide and comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle await your arrival at Cairo Airport. From there, we embark on a fascinating journey south to explore the pivotal sites that shaped early Egyptian civilization. Our first stop takes us to Saqqara, home to the revolutionary Step Pyramid complex, an ingenious design by the vizier Imhotep for Pharaoh Djoser. This site represents a giant leap in monumental architecture. Next, we travel to Memphis, the ancient unified capital of Egypt, where you'll discover colossal statues and sphinxes in its open-air museum. Concluding our historical expedition, we venture to Dahshur, an archaeological goldmine featuring the distinctive Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, testaments to the evolution of pyramid construction. A delicious lunch at a local Giza restaurant provides a respite before your convenient return to Cairo Airport.
- Saqqara Complex — Witness the groundbreaking Step Pyramid, the world's earliest major stone structure, conceived by Imhotep for King Djoser. This sprawling funerary complex marked a new era in royal burials and architecture, dating back to roughly 2670-2650 BC.
- Memphis, Ancient Capital — Explore the historical vestiges of Memphis, established around the 31st century BC as Egypt's first unified capital. Its open-air museum displays remarkable artifacts from the Old Kingdom, including a colossal statue of Ramses II and an alabaster sphinx.
- Dahshur Necropolis — Journey to Dahshur, a royal necropolis showcasing significant pyramid development. Here, you'll encounter King Sneferu's unique Bent Pyramid (circa 2613-2589 BC) and the impressive Red Pyramid, considered Egypt's first 'true' smooth-sided pyramid (circa 2575-2551 BC).
- Lunch in Giza — Savor a delightful Egyptian lunch at a handpicked local restaurant in Giza, recharging after your historical explorations.
Attractions on This Tour
Tap any landmark below to open its full visitor guide — tickets, history and what to see.
Highlights
Pioneering Pyramids
- Behold the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, the world's oldest monumental stone building
- Marvel at Dahshur's innovative pyramids, including the unique Bent Pyramid and the elegant Red Pyramid
Ancient Egyptian Capitals
- Wander through the remnants of Memphis, Egypt's venerable first capital, and its open-air museum
Seamless Travel & Expertise
- Benefit from personalized, private transportation directly from Cairo Airport
- Explore with the guidance of your own expert Egyptologist, bringing history to life
Included
- Seamless meet-and-assist services at Cairo Airport.
- All ground transfers in a private, air-conditioned luxury vehicle.
- Dedicated private expert Egyptologist guide throughout your tour.
- Entry tickets to all specified historical sites.
- Authentic Egyptian lunch at a quality local restaurant in Giza.
- Complimentary bottled mineral water provided in your vehicle.
- Comprehensive taxes and service charges for an effortless experience.
Excluded
- Gratuities for your guide and driver.
- Any personal expenses or unlisted optional activities.
Pricing & Packages
Choose your preferred accommodation level and season. Prices are quoted in USD per person.
Standard Accommodations
Pricing Information
Rates are quoted in US Dollars (USD) per person. Holiday surcharges apply during peak seasons, including Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Children's Policy
- Under 6 YearsComplimentary
- Ages 6 to 11 Years50% of the Adult Rate
- 12+ YearsFull Adult Rate
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ground.
- Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A camera to capture unforgettable moments.
- Light, breathable clothing, respectful of local customs.
- A small day bag for personal items.
- Any personal medications.
Why Choose Us
Expert Local Guides
Professional, English-speaking Egyptologists.
Private Transport
Modern air-conditioned vehicles.
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing and clear inclusions.
24/7 Support
We are always available via WhatsApp.
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Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know about this experience in Egypt.
Egyptologist Insights: Making the Most of Your Journey
Expert Tip: Navigating the Archeological Wonders
Every trip to Egypt is a journey through history. To get the most out of your holiday, check our comprehensive Egypt travel guide for packing lists, visa updates, and local customs. If you are looking for single-day activities, browse our list of recommended Egypt day tours or contact us to customize a private trip.