Tour Facts
Travel through the history of ancient Egypt on a private Cairo day trip to Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur. See the Step Pyramid of Djoser, ancient Memphis and the Bent and Red Pyramids.
- Tour Name
- Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Private Cairo Day Trip
- Duration
- 1 day
- Tour Type
- History & Adventure
- Start Location
- Hotel
- End Location
- Hotel
- Guide Type
- English speaking Guide
- Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
- Accommodation Category
- See the accommodation details for each pricing option
- Price from
- 115 USD per person
Package starting prices
- Essentials
- 115 USD per person
- Signature
- 145 USD per person
- Luxury
- 195 USD per person
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Hotel
Hotel
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
History & Adventure
Private
Fully Guided
Best For
- Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
- History lovers & Archaeology enthusiasts
- Families, Couples & Photographers
- Architecture lovers & Students
- Travelers who want more than the standard Giza experience
- Visitors interested in the evolution of pyramid construction
Explore the Journey
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Itinerary stops
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Tour Highlights
Itinerary
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Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur — How the Pyramid Was Invented
Tour OverviewTravel south of Cairo into the ancient necropolis landscape surrounding the former capital of Memphis. Your private Egyptologist will guide you through three extraordinary archaeological destinations: Memphis → Saqqara → Dahshur Together, these sites tell the story of the development of ancient Egyptian architecture and royal power over several centuries.Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Cairo or Giza • Destinations: Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Pickup: Cairo or Giza hotel • Meals: Optional lunch • Return: Cairo or Giza hotel • Suitable For: Couples, families, history lovers, photographers and archaeology enthusiastsDetailed ItineraryMorning – Pickup from Cairo or Giza Your private driver and Egyptologist will meet you at your Cairo or Giza hotel. Depart in the morning for the ancient archaeological region south of Cairo. As you leave the modern city behind, your guide will introduce you to the history of ancient Memphis and explain how this region became one of the most important centers of Egyptian civilization. The tour begins at Memphis, followed by Saqqara and Dahshur.Memphis Discover Egypt's Ancient Capital Your first stop is Memphis, one of the most important cities in ancient Egyptian history. Memphis served as a major political and religious center for much of ancient Egypt and was closely associated with the god Ptah, an important creator deity and patron of craftsmen. The city's strategic position near the Nile and the entrance to the Nile Delta helped it become an important center of administration, trade and culture. Although much of ancient Memphis has disappeared or lies beneath the modern landscape, important monuments and statues remain at the archaeological site.Memphis Open-Air Museum Explore the open-air museum and archaeological remains of ancient Memphis. One of the site's most impressive attractions is the enormous colossal statue of Ramesses II. The statue depicts the powerful New Kingdom pharaoh lying on his back. Although the lower legs are missing, the enormous scale and craftsmanship of the monument provide an extraordinary impression of the artistic achievements of ancient Egyptian sculptors. Your Egyptologist will explain the significance of Ramesses II and his enormous building program throughout Egypt.Ramesses II at Memphis Meet One of Egypt's Greatest Pharaohs Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, ruled Egypt for more than six decades and became one of the most famous pharaohs in Egyptian history. He commissioned temples, statues and monuments throughout Egypt. His name appears on monuments from the Nile Delta to Nubia. At Memphis, you will have an opportunity to see one of the impressive colossal representations associated with his reign. Your guide will explain the difference between the historical Ramesses II and the image of the idealized divine king presented in ancient Egyptian art.The Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis Depending on current site access, explore the Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, another important surviving monument. The sphinx combines the body of a lion with a human head and reflects the ancient Egyptian tradition of representing royal strength and divine authority. Your Egyptologist will explain how sphinx imagery evolved throughout Egyptian history and how it was used to symbolize protection and kingship.Saqqara The Birthplace of the Step Pyramid Continue to Saqqara, one of Egypt's most important archaeological sites. Saqqara served as a vast necropolis for the ancient capital of Memphis. The area contains monuments and tombs dating across many periods of Egyptian history. The most famous monument at Saqqara is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the most revolutionary structures in the history of ancient architecture.Step Pyramid of Djoser A Revolution in Egyptian Architecture The Step Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Djoser during the 3rd Dynasty. It is generally considered the earliest large-scale stone pyramid in Egypt and represents a crucial stage in the development of pyramid architecture. Before the Step Pyramid, royal tombs were generally constructed as mastabas with flat roofs. The Step Pyramid transformed this concept by stacking several mastaba-like levels on top of one another. The result was one of the world's earliest monumental stone structures.Imhotep – The Master Architect The Step Pyramid is traditionally associated with Imhotep, an extraordinary figure who served as an important official and architect during Djoser's reign. Imhotep became famous not only as an architect but also in later Egyptian history as a figure associated with wisdom and medicine. Your Egyptologist will explain how the Step Pyramid complex reflects Imhotep's architectural innovation and why the monument represents such an important turning point in ancient Egyptian construction.The Step Pyramid Complex The Step Pyramid was not simply a pyramid. It formed the centerpiece of a much larger ceremonial complex containing: • Courtyards • Chapels • Ceremonial structures • Temples • Processional areas • Underground chambers Your guide will explain how the complex was designed to support royal rituals and the king's transition into the afterlife.Saqqara's Ancient Tombs Saqqara contains numerous private tombs decorated with scenes showing daily life in ancient Egypt. Depending on current access and your selected entrance tickets, additional tombs may be visited. These tombs provide a different perspective from the monumental pyramids. Instead of focusing only on kings and pharaohs, their walls show agricultural activities, fishing, hunting, food preparation, crafts, musicians and other aspects of everyday Egyptian life.Ancient Egyptian Daily Life One of the most fascinating aspects of Saqqara is the opportunity to see how ancient Egyptians represented ordinary activities. Your Egyptologist can explain scenes depicting: • Farming • Harvesting • Fishing • Hunting • Food production • Animal husbandry • Music • Dancing • Crafts • Religious rituals These scenes help demonstrate that Egyptian tombs were not only places of burial but also carefully designed environments intended to support the deceased in the afterlife.Dahshur Discover the Evolution of the Pyramid Continue to Dahshur, a remarkable royal necropolis south of Saqqara. Dahshur is especially important because its pyramids demonstrate the evolution of pyramid construction. Two of the most famous pyramids here are: • The Bent Pyramid • The Red Pyramid Together, they provide an extraordinary insight into the architectural experiments that eventually led to the Great Pyramid of Giza.Bent Pyramid A Unique Royal Monument The Bent Pyramid was built for Pharaoh Sneferu, an important ruler of Egypt's 4th Dynasty. The pyramid gets its name from its unusual change in angle. The lower section has a steeper angle, while the upper section becomes noticeably shallower. The change appears to reflect an adjustment made during construction. Your Egyptologist will explain the theories surrounding the pyramid's unusual shape and why it is so important to understanding the development of pyramid construction.Why Is the Bent Pyramid Bent?The unusual shape of the pyramid has fascinated archaeologists for generations. One widely discussed explanation is that the builders changed the angle during construction because of structural concerns. By reducing the angle, they may have helped stabilize the monument and reduce the pressure on its internal structure. The exact reasons remain a subject of archaeological discussion. This makes the Bent Pyramid particularly interesting because it provides evidence of ancient Egyptian architects experimenting with monumental construction techniques.Red Pyramid The First True Smooth-Sided Pyramid Continue to the impressive Red Pyramid, also built for Pharaoh Sneferu. The Red Pyramid is generally regarded as one of the earliest successful true smooth-sided pyramids. Its name comes from the reddish color of the limestone used in its construction. The pyramid represents a major development in Egyptian architecture and provides an important link between the earlier experiments at Dahshur and the monumental pyramids later constructed at Giza.Entering the Red Pyramid Subject to current site regulations and ticket availability, visitors may be able to enter the Red Pyramid. The interior involves descending and ascending narrow passages and corridors. The experience provides a fascinating opportunity to see the internal architecture of an ancient pyramid. Visitors should be comfortable with enclosed spaces and some physical activity if they choose to enter.From Saqqara to Dahshur to GizaUnderstanding the Evolution of the Pyramid One of the most valuable aspects of this tour is seeing the development of pyramid architecture in chronological context. Step Pyramid of Djoser An early monumental experiment with stacking levels to create a pyramid-shaped structure. Bent Pyramid A major architectural experiment showing a change in the pyramid's angle during construction. Red Pyramid An important example of a successful true smooth-sided pyramid. Pyramids of Giza The culmination of many generations of architectural experimentation. Your Egyptologist will connect these monuments together so that you can understand how ancient Egyptian architects gradually developed the techniques that made the pyramids of Giza possible.Optional Lunch After exploring Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur, enjoy an optional lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant. Choose from traditional Egyptian, oriental, international or vegetarian dishes. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences.Optional ServicesEnhance your Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur experience with: • Entrance inside the Red Pyramid • Additional Saqqara tombs • Serapeum entrance • Traditional Egyptian lunch • Guide in another language • Private vehicle upgrade • Professional photography assistance • Additional archaeological sites • Giza Pyramids extensionReturn to Cairo or Giza After completing your sightseeing, relax in your private air-conditioned vehicle while returning to Cairo or Giza. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or another agreed location.Why Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Are ImportantThe Giza Pyramids are undoubtedly Egypt's most famous monuments, but the story of pyramid construction did not begin at Giza. Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur allow you to explore the centuries of experimentation that preceded the Great Pyramid. The sites reveal the evolution of: • Royal architecture • Stone construction • Pyramid design • Funerary traditions • Religious symbolism • Royal power For travelers interested in understanding how the pyramids were developed, this tour provides essential historical context.Suggested Tour ScheduleA typical schedule may look like: 07:30 — Hotel pickup 08:15 — Saqqara: the Step Pyramid of Djoser 09:45 — The Serapeum of Saqqara 10:30 — Mastaba tombs: Mereruka, Ti, Kagemni 11:15 — Imhotep Museum 12:00 — Dahshur: the Bent Pyramid 13:00 — The Red Pyramid 14:00 — Lunch 15:15 — Memphis (Mit Rahina open-air museum) 16:15 — Return to Cairo- Overnight:
- Your Hotel-Nile Cruise
- Meals:
- Optional Lunch
- Visit:
- Memphis Saqqara Dahshur
- Entrance Fees:
- $40
Arrival flight for Day 1
Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.
→ CAI · pick your date
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
Your Daily Details
Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur Private Cairo Day Trip, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.
Pricing
Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.
Essentials
$115 / per person
$75 per child
- Group departure
Signature
$145 / per person
$95 per child
- Small group (max 8)
Luxury
$195 / per person
$130 per child
- Private Guide & Driver
How much pay for Entrance Fees
Cost & Entrance Fees
- Saqqara PyramidsEGP600US$12
- Saqqara ComplexEGP1000US$21
- Pyramid interiorEGP280US$6
- SerapeumEGP340US$7
- South TombsEGP300US$6
- Dahshur siteEGP200US$4
- MemphisEGP200US$4
Guest Brief
Important Entrance Fee Information
Prices and update date
Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.
Visitor categories
Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.
Student discounts
Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.
Optional tombs and attractions
Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.
What the fee covers
Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.
Payment and currency
Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.
USD conversions
Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.
Opening hours and access
Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.
Best Time to Visit
Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.
Cairo & Giza
Best: October to AprilTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24°C (75°F) | 3.4 |
Averages across the recommended months for each place.
Before You Travel to Egypt
A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.
Choose the season that suits you
October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.
Check entry rules before you fly
Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.
Carry Egyptian Pounds
Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.
Use sealed bottled water
Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.
Dress for heat and local customs
Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.
Know when to bargain
Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.
Distances from Cairo
How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Cairo | 0 km / 0 mi |
| Giza Pyramids | 25 km / 16 mi |
Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.
Select a city
Cairo
Cairo is the starting point for these distances.
Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.
Visa Requirements for Egypt
Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.
No visa needed (7)
Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau
e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)
Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.
United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania
Special rules (1)
Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.
UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.
Israel
Embassy visa required (17)
Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.
Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam
How to apply for an e-Visa
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.
Daily Budget
Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 EGP |
Tips for saving money
- Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
- Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
- Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
- Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
- Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
- Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
- Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.
Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.
Nights You Will Stay
Meals
Included
- Lunch: Optional as reques
Why Choose This Tour?
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What's included & what's not
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Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
A Nile River dinner cruise
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
Why visit Saqqara after the Giza Pyramids?+
What is special about Dahshur?+
What can I see at Memphis?+
Can I enter a pyramid at Dahshur or Saqqara?+
How long is the Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur tour?+
Is this tour good for archaeology lovers?+
What does this Memphis & Saqqara tour include?+
What makes this different from other full-day tours from Cairo?+
What sites or experiences does this tour cover?+
How long is this tour and when does it start?+
What should I wear when visiting the pyramids and Saqqara?+
Are entrance fees included? +
What is the best time of year for this tour?+
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Book Now — Pay Now
Signature package
$145 / per person · $95 / Children Under 12
$145 per adult
Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.
Secure payment via PayPal
$145 / adults · $95 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
About this tour
Additional information
Confirmation
You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.
Documents
A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.
Pick-up
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.
Group size
Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.
Accessibility
Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.
Children
Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.
Insurance
Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.
Cancellation & refund policy
30 days or more before departure
100% refund
15 – 29 days before departure
50% refund
14 days or less before departure
No refund
- • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
- • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
- • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
- • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
- • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.
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