Saqqara Dahshur Memphis TourPrivate Day Beyond Giza
The quieter pyramid fields south of Cairo, from the Step Pyramid of Saqqara to the Bent and Red Pyramids of Dahshur.
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Your party
- Private, 2-8 guests
- Starts
- Your hotel in Cairo
The Saqqara Dahshur Memphis Tour is for travellers who have seen Giza, or want to see where Giza came from, without the crowds.
At Memphis, the ancient capital, a colossal statue of Ramesses II rests in the open-air museum. At Saqqara, your Egyptologist takes you through the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser and the Imhotep Museum, then into the decorated tombs of the Old Kingdom nobles, where scenes of daily life still hold their colour.
The day ends at Dahshur, the royal field of King Sneferu, father of Khufu. Here you see how the pyramid shape was perfected: the Bent Pyramid, whose angle changes halfway up, and the Red Pyramid, the first true smooth-sided pyramid. Dahshur is often almost empty, and lunch is taken in the green countryside between the sites.
Memphis, Saqqara & Dahshur
Drive south from Cairo with your Egyptologist to Memphis and its open-air museum. Continue to Saqqara for the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the Imhotep Museum and a selection of Old Kingdom tombs. Enjoy lunch in the countryside among the palm groves. In the afternoon, visit Dahshur to see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid of King Sneferu, where you may step inside the Red Pyramid, before returning to your hotel.
- 1
Memphis Open-Air Museum
The ancient capital, with the fallen colossus of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx.
- 2
Step Pyramid of Djoser, Saqqara
The first monumental stone building in history, designed by Imhotep.
- 3
Imhotep Museum, Saqqara
Finds from the Saqqara necropolis, at the entrance to the site.
- 4
Red Pyramid, Dahshur
The first true smooth-sided pyramid, often almost empty of visitors.
- 5
Bent Pyramid, Dahshur
King Sneferu's pyramid, whose angle changes halfway up.
Included
- Private hotel pickup and return in Cairo or Giza
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance tickets to the sites in the itinerary
- Bottled water on board
- All taxes and service charges
- Lunch at a countryside restaurant
Not included
- Gratuities
- Drinks with meals
- Optional tickets not listed, such as inside the Great Pyramid
- Personal expenses
- The Serapeum and special Saqqara tombs with their own tickets (can be added)
Before you go
How is the Saqqara Dahshur Memphis Tour different from a Giza tour?
It visits the older and quieter pyramid fields south of Giza, showing how the pyramid shape developed before the Great Pyramid was built.
Can we go inside a pyramid on this tour?
Yes. The Red Pyramid at Dahshur can usually be entered. The descent is steep and low, so it suits travellers with good mobility.
Can the Serapeum be added?
Yes. The Serapeum at Saqqara needs its own ticket, which we can arrange when you book.
