Due to safety risks in parts of this area, travelers should review the latest guidance and information from government agencies.

Cairo to Memphis & Saqqara: Small‑Group History Adventure

Recommended by 100% of travelers

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Giza, Egypt

4 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Rewind to the Egypt of nearly 5,000 years ago on this half-day small-group tour to Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo. Traveling by air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide, head to Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt, to see the colossal statue of Ramses II and other relics. Then, continue to Saqqara to view the Step Pyramid of Zoser and learn why it was built.

Half-day tour of ancient Saqqara and Memphis from Cairo
Get fascinating insights into ancient Egypt from your guide
Includes entrance fees and round-trip transfers
Enjoy a more personal experience with a small group

What's Included

Travel comfortably from Cairo to Memphis and Saqqara
Explore ancient Memphis with a passionate local guide
Discover the colossal Ramses II statue up close
Wander through the Mit Rahina Museum’s open‑air ruins
Experience Saqqara and the iconic Step Pyramid of Djoser
Stroll through ancient tombs and lesser‑known pyramids
Enjoy a small‑group journey with a relaxed, personal vibe
Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Pharaohs Hotel
12 Lotfy Hassouna, St، Dokki, Giza Governorate 3753441, Egypt
Pharaohs Hotel, 12 Lotfy Hassouna, St, Dokki, Giza Governorate

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

Depart central Cairo by air-conditioned vehicle and journey south to the site of Memphis. Founded in around 2,900 BC, this ancient city is believed to have been purpose-built and was characterized by majestic temples and palaces. Visit the open-air museum that houses broken statues, carvings, and columns. Marvel at a huge, fallen statue of Ramses II and enjoy the crowd-free atmosphere.

Continue to Saqqara, home to the world’s oldest standing step pyramid. Learn how this desert site once served as the burial ground for Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt.

Marvel at the impressive Step Pyramid of Zoser as your guide explains how it was built in the 27th century BC. Discover the key features of this remarkable flat-topped structure and its significance as the world’s first large-scale stone monument.

Take in the sight of the surrounding smaller pyramids before returning to Cairo, where your tour concludes.

Cairo

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mit Rahina Museum

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Saqqara

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Step Pyramid of Djoser

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Cairo

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Child‑friendly experience: Children 6+ years old are welcome to join this tour.
This tour includes walking on uneven ground at ancient sites; comfortable shoes recommended.

Visitors should bring sun protection, a hat, and water, especially in warmer months.
Modest clothing is advised when visiting cultural or archaeological areas.
Safety notice: We recommend checking your government’s latest travel advice for Egypt and ensuring your travel insurance covers all locations on this itinerary.
All guests must follow local guidelines at Memphis, Saqqara, and museum sites.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0

based on 92 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Perfect Way to Start Exploring Ancient Egypt

BettinaBair_B, Dec 2024

This was a perfect introduction to the artifacts and architectural history of ancient Egypt. Marwa was a very knowledgeable and flexible guide who led us through the open air museum at Memphis and the extensive necropolis at Saqqara. Her stories and expert explanations were always clear and much appreciated. We were able to enter tombs and explore on our own as well.

Perfect half-day Saqqara tour

Ankita_C, Aug 2024

I had the best time on this tour. Marwa was amazing and super professional with her extensive knowledge of Egyptian history. Even though I was the only one for this 'group' tour, they were kind enough to take me on this tour by myself. It was super informative and fascinating and on the way back they even took me to some emporiums to shop local souvenirs. I would recommend this experience to everyone!

Five stars for Marwa the guide!

Claire_C, Oct 2022

Marwa was an incredible guide. She picked us up from a hotel and drove us straight to Memphis to start our tour. Along the way, she explained both ancient history and modern culture to us. We started with a tour of Memphis and the ancient ruins there. Marwa pointed out all of the big, well known things there and also talked about some of the smaller details. After that, we drove farther south to Saqqara. There, she walked us all around the area, explaining history of the buildings and different complexes and telling us all the details about how things were built and then how they were used. She was well known amongst others there, as she hugged other guides and greeted the guards. After the tour ended, she took us by a carpet school on the way out. It was a neat chance to learn about some of the different methods of making them that are still in use today. Five star review for Marwa! She was incredibly knowledgeable and a lovely person to spend an afternoon with.

I did this tour today and I am glad I...

leggylass, Jun 2016

I did this tour today and I am glad I did. My tour guide Ahmed was very polite and professional. He gave me good insight about the ancient Egypt. He spoke fairly good English. The driver named Ahmed also was very polite and professional. Even as a lone woman traveler I felt safe everywhere as there are police armed with guns at every tourist place and they keep checking on you to ensure your safety and security. I highly recommend this tour to everyone who is fascinated by ancient Egypt.

My tour guide Ahmed Abdelaziz is a...

Sydney L, Jan 2015

My tour guide Ahmed Abdelaziz is a very knowledgable and friendly person who made my visit to Saqqarra and Memphis very unforgettable. Apart from sharing me information about those sites, Ahmed also share with me information about Egypt like brief history, culture, customs and even some politics point of view, which is very interesting for me as a first time visit foreigner to get to know this brilliant country. Highly recommend mainly because of my great great guide.