Memphis, Saqqara, Dahshur Pyramids & Tombs in a Private Day Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Saqqara Pyramid

   First, your tour guide will pick you up from your requested location to start your journey across the three ancient necropolises. The tour begins with a visit to the Saqqara necropolis and the Pyramid of Djoser. This pyramid is the world's earliest colossal stone building. This structure played a fundamental role in Egyptian history, as improvements to it formed the basis for other pyramids. The pyramids at Giza and elsewhere in the desert near Cairo form part of the legacy of an ancient city and civilisation that declined long before Cairo was founded. This civilisation named this area Memphis, the seat of power during the Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BC) of ancient Egypt and home to the pharaohs who built the pyramids.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Saqqara is one of several notable necropolis sites near Cairo that offer impressive sights and hold great archaeological significance. Saqqara may even hold more interest for archaeologists than Giza. The vast site contains burials dating from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom through to the Greek period of Egyptian history. The most famous structure at Saqqara by far is Djoser’s Step Pyramid. Dating from the 3rd Dynasty, it was the first stone structure of its kind ever built. It also displays an important architectural innovation that would be used in the construction of the Giza Pyramids and other pyramids built during the Fourth Dynasty and later. Djoser’s pyramid was the first to use multiple mastabas (rectangular tomb structures) stacked on top of one another to form a stepped pyramid, setting the stage for the smooth sides of the Giza pyramids and the smaller pyramids of the 5th and 6th dynasties found at Saqqara and other nearby sites, such as Dahshur and Abu Sir.

   45 minutes here

3. Step Pyramid of Djoser

   The oldest stone structure in the world is the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, which dates back to 2670 BC. The pyramid forms part of a huge complex comprising a colonnaded entrance, a Sed festival complex, an enclosure wall, north and south pavilions, a southern tomb and thousands of tombs. With your expert tour guide, you will learn a great deal more about King Djoser, his talented architect Imhotep, and the latest discoveries in Saqqara. (Please note that a special ticket is required to enter the pyramid or the southern tomb. Your guide will be happy to assist.)

   45 minutes here · Admission not included

4. Pyramids of Dahshour

   After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the pyramids of Dahshur, specifically the Red and Bent pyramids. These pyramids represent a significant development for the ancient Egyptians, as they marked the transition from building step-sided pyramids to smooth-sided ones. There are multiple pyramids at Dahshur, but the Red and Bent pyramids are the most famous and are among the oldest, largest and best preserved in Egypt. They were built between 2613 and 2589 BC. (The time spent at each place is flexible according to customer preference.)

   45 minutes here · Admission not included

5. Also known as the North Pyramid, it is considered to be the first classic pyramid built in ancient Egyptian history. We call it the Red Pyramid because of its reddish limestone, which was quarried from the Tura Mountains in Cairo. There is a possibility to enter the pyramid for free! A unique example of early pyramid development in Egypt, it was the second pyramid built by Sneferu and is considered the only pyramid in Egypt that still has its outer layer intact and is in good condition. You will have the chance to enter this pyramid as well; it is open inside now. (Please do not enter if you are claustrophobic or have any health problems, as it is very challenging and you must be fit.)

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

6. Bent Pyramid

   This is a unique example of early pyramid development in Egypt. It was the second pyramid built by Sneferu and is considered the only pyramid in Egypt that still has its outer layer and is in good condition. You will have the chance to enter this pyramid, which is now open inside. (Please do not enter if you are claustrophobic or have any health problems.) This pyramid is very challenging and you must be fit.

   45 minutes here · Admission not included

7. Memphis and Sakkara

   Then, the tour continues with a visit to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt. This city is home to the colossal statue of Ramses II, the Great Alabaster Sphinx, and numerous ruins. Memphis was the centre of power during the Old Kingdom (c. 2686 BC) of ancient Egypt and was home to the pharaohs who built the pyramids.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

8. Mit Rahina Museum

   A special museum for the famous statue of King Ramesses the Great, who ruled in 1279 BC. This huge limestone statue is in amazing condition. Ramesses the Great ruled the Egyptian Empire for around 67 years.

   30 minutes here · Admission not included

9. The Sphinx of Memphis

   The Sphinx of Memphis is a stone sphinx located near the remains of the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis. Made from Egyptian alabaster, the statue is still in very good condition and may represent the famous Queen Hatshepsut (1479 BC). Then you will start your journey back to your hotel.

   Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• Car + Guide + Tickets

  Private air-conditioned car: Egyptology-expert guide Entry fees: General tickets to Memphis, Saqqara, & Dahshur are INCLUDED A bottle of mineral water : for each traveller while your inside the vehicle. Pickup included

• Car+Prof. Guide+Local Lunch

  Private air-conditioned car Egyptology-expert guide. Lunch: A lunch meal will be served in an atmospheric restaurant. Beverages while having your lunch are ON YOU. A bottle of mineral water: for each traveller while you are in the vehicle. Entry fees are NOT included. Pickup included

• Car + Prof. Guide Only

  Private air-conditioned car Egyptology-expert guide Entry fees are NOT included A bottle of mineral water: for each traveller while you are in the vehicle. Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

ar, de, en, fr

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Egypt in Tours

Know before you go

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Photos

Traveler reviews

40 verified traveler reviews for Memphis, Saqqara, Dahshur Pyramids & Tombs in a Private Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.