Cairo Day Tour: Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to start your unforgettable day of exploration.
Giza Pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza are the only remaining wonder of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making them one of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments. You’ll visit the three main pyramids:
- Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops): The largest and most famous of the pyramids, it’s the only surviving wonder.
- Pyramid of Khafre: The second pyramid, known for its proximity to the Great Sphinx.
- Pyramid of Mykerinus: The smallest of the three main pyramids.
Queen Pyramids
Explore the smaller pyramids dedicated to the women of the pharaohs, along with workers' villages, temples, and tombs, which offer insight into life during the reign of the ancient Egyptians.
Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx of Giza, carved from limestone, is a giant statue with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, commonly thought to represent Khafre. Initially painted in red ocher, the Sphinx once featured a chin beard that has since eroded over time.
Khafre Valley Temple
Visit the Valley Temple of Khafre, which was used for the purification of the king's mummy and the embalming process before his burial.
Saqqara Pyramid
Next, we will take you to Saqqara, a vast burial ground that is part of the necropolis of ancient Memphis. Explore the Step Pyramid of Djoser, one of the first pyramids built and an important architectural development. Built around 2650 BC by the architect Imhotep, the step pyramid became a model for later pyramids, with its rectangular base rising 60 meters high.
Lunch
After visiting the Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara, we will stop for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine. Drinks are not included.
Ancient Memphis
We will then head to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt from around 3100 to 2040 BC. Memphis was the coronation site for many pharaohs, and you'll learn about its history and significance. See the monumental statue of Ramses II, discovered in the Great Temple of Ptah in 1820. This massive pink granite statue weighs over 80 tons and once stood in Cairo before being moved to Memphis for preservation.
Dahshur: Curved Pyramid & Red Pyramid
Continue to Dahshur, a quieter and less-visited site south of Giza. Here, you’ll explore two significant pyramids:
- The Curved Pyramid: Built by Sneferu, this pyramid is 90 meters tall and represents an early phase in pyramid construction.
- The Red Pyramid: Also built by Sneferu, it stands at 105 meters tall and marks the transition from the step pyramid design to the smooth-sided pyramid shape that we associate with the Great Pyramid of Giza.
After this enriching day, we will take you back to your hotel in Cairo, where you can relax and reflect on your amazing adventure through Egypt’s ancient wonders.
