About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, if you work in this industry long enough, you realize that some itineraries are just the bread and butter of the entire region’s tourism economy. This route is exactly that—it's the classic "Cairo Essential" that every DMC (Destination Management Company) fights to sell. And honestly? There is a reason for the high demand. While I usually roll my eyes at the standard "cattle run" tours, this one actually makes sense logistically. You cover the heavy hitters—Saqqara, Memphis, and the Giza Complex—without having to negotiate with five different taxi drivers who smell fresh meat. It’s a long day, sure, and the RevPAR for hotels in Giza basically depends on people booking these day trips, but it’s efficient. Just a heads up: the "free shopping time" is industry code for "commission shopping," so keep your wallet close and your negotiation skills sharp. It is definetely the most practical way to see 5,000 years of history before dinner.
About the Tour
This experience is designed to take the hassle out of navigating Greater Cairo, starting with a pickup directly from your hotel. The logistics are handled for you, which is a relief in a city this chaotic.
The Historical Heavyweights The day kicks off with a drive to the Step Pyramid of Zoser in Saqqara. Built in 2630 BC, this is effectively the prototype for all pyramids that followed—the oldest existing colossal stone building in Egypt. From there, the tour moves to Memphis. It was the first capital after the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt (way back in 3100 BC). The highlight here is the Colossal Statue of Ramesses II, which, even broken, is intimidatingly massive.
The Giza Plateau & Lunch After the morning leg, there's a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Once you've refueled, you head to the main event: the Great Pyramids of Giza. You’ll visit Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinus. Standing at the base of these things is a different ballgame than seeing them on Instagram.
The Sphinx & Valley Temple You can't leave without seeing the Great Sphinx, the limestone guardian with a Pharaoh’s head and a lion’s body. You will also explore the Valley Temple, a funerary complex connected to the Pyramids of Chefren. It’s incredible engineering that has stood the test of time better than most modern builds.
The "Local Experience" Towards the end, there is designated shopping time. The guide will likely take you to specific vendors (standard operating procedure in the region). You are free to discuss prices directly with the vendors, but remember that walking away is your best bargaining tool. After the shopping stop, the transport takes you back to your accomodation in Cairo or Giza.
Highlights
- Explore Cairo Pyramids Egypt’s iconic ancient wonders and history.
- Visit the Great Pyramid of Giza See the world’s last remaining ancient wonder.
- Tour the Sphinx and Uncover the mystery of Egypt’s legendary half-human statue.
- Witness the first Egyptian pyramid at Saqqara Step Pyramid
- Memphis Ancient Capital: Discover the ruins of Egypt’s historic capital city.
Know before you go
- If you select the add-on professional photographer on the shared tour, the photographer will take photos of you separately but will also take photos of the other members on the shared tour separately. You will not have exclusive use (unless nobody else books a photographer)
- Shopping time is provided where you can enjoy the experience on your own, discussing the price directly with the vendors.
- According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, travelers must purchase entrance tickets directly by paying with a card, cash is not accepted.
- It is recommended to have travel insurance.
- Pickup is available from your accommodation in Cairo or Giza. The long-range pickup service from Nasr City, Cairo Airport, Heliopolis City, Mirage City, Rehab City, Madinaty, New Cairo, New Capital hotels, or 6th of October City is available to book in the checkout process as an 'Add-on'.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
2 pickup location options:
Giza District, Cairo
Sakkara
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (1 hour)
Memphis, Egypt
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (45 minutes)
Giza Plateau
Photo stop, Guided tour, Camel ride, Sightseeing, Walk, Horse riding, Scenic views on the way (1.5 hours)
Sphinx
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (15 minutes)
Valley Temple of Khafre
Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing (30 minutes)
2 drop-off locations:
Giza District, Cairo