Private Tour in Giza Pyramids, Memphis and Sakkara from Cairo

Discover the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt with a Private Tour in Giza, Memphis, and Sakkara

If you’re planning a trip to Cairo and want an efficient way to experience some of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites, this private tour offers a comprehensive package. It covers the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara, and Memphis, the first ancient capital of Egypt. While it’s not perfect, it does promise engaging guides, a good overview, and excellent value for those eager to explore Egypt’s history without the hassle of planning every detail.

What immediately stands out about this experience is the personalized attention you get through a private guide, the flexibility in customizing your itinerary, and the significant sites covered in just one day. We also appreciate that the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. However, some travelers have expressed concerns about the punctuality and enthusiasm of the guide, so managing expectations around the guide’s engagement is wise.

If you’re someone who loves history and wants a balanced, educational, and hassle-free visit to Egypt’s ancient sites, this tour could be just right. It’s especially suitable for first-timers who want a broad overview, or travelers with limited time but a strong desire to see the classics. Just keep in mind that the experience can be affected by the guide’s personality, as reviews have pointed out some inconsistencies.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Covers the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Sakkara’s Step Pyramid, and Memphis, giving a broad picture of ancient Egypt.
• Private Guide: A dedicated Egyptologist makes the experience more personal and informative, although guide enthusiasm may vary.
• Convenience: Hotel pickup and transportation are included, reducing stress and saving time.
• Good Value: At around $63.75 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to see multiple key sites, though some entrance fees are extra.
• Duration and Flexibility: The 9-hour schedule includes enough time at each site, with the option for a customized experience.
• Mixed Reviews: While most appreciate the sights and value, some mention late pickups and guide disinterest affecting the overall experience.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Visiting the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx

The tour begins around 8:00 am, with a prompt hotel pickup. You’ll spend roughly three hours at the Giza Plateau, marveling at the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, and the Great Sphinx. Our guide will likely take you to the Valley Temple, an important part of the pyramid complex, and share stories about the construction and purpose of these ancient structures.

However, it’s worth noting that admission tickets to the Pyramids are not included (costing around 240 EGP), so you should budget extra for entry. Some reviews indicated that the guide was somewhat disinterested during this part, with one review noting that the guide was constantly on his phone and only provided info when asked. Still, others found the guide knowledgeable when engaged, so your experience may depend on your guide’s enthusiasm.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Sakkara

Next, the tour moves to Sakkara, home to the world’s oldest pyramid—the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This site takes about three hours and is a highlight for history buffs. It was the first stone building in history, built with six stacked terraces reaching around 63 meters. You’ll see the pyramid’s unique architecture and surrounding mastabas, gaining insight into early pyramid development.

The entrance fee (~80 EGP) is usually an extra cost, and the tour doesn’t include the ticket, so plan accordingly. Reviewers mention that this site adds a different perspective, as it predates the Giza pyramids, showcasing Egypt’s evolving burial architecture.

Memphis and its Ancient Artifacts

The final stop is Memphis, the ancient capital founded by King Menes. Here, you’ll see the statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis. This site offers a glimpse into the administrative and artistic achievements of Old Kingdom Egypt. Expect a shorter visit—around two hours—and note that admission fees (around 80 EGP for the Sakkara and Memphis sites) are not included in the tour price.

While Memphis might not be as visually spectacular as the pyramids, it’s a crucial piece of Egypt’s history, and guides often provide context about the city’s role as a political and cultural hub for over 3,000 years.

Transportation and Convenience

The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation, which is a major plus considering Cairo’s busy streets. The pickup and drop-off service, along with bottled water, makes the journey comfortable and hassle-free. This is especially helpful if you’re unfamiliar with Cairo or want to maximize your sightseeing without navigating public transport.

The 9-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to see the highlights but not so overwhelming that fatigue sets in. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer a structured yet flexible day.

Guide Quality and Guest Experiences

Most reviews highlight the knowledge of the guides as a positive aspect; however, some mention inconsistent engagement. One guest, Bella, described a disappointing experience where the guide was late, uninterested, and distracted by his phone. On the other hand, many found the guides to be friendly and informative, capable of answering questions and providing useful insights.

This inconsistency underscores the importance of managing expectations. For a private tour, the guide can sometimes make or break the experience. A good guide can turn this into a memorable journey, while a less enthusiastic one might make it feel rushed or dull.

Pricing and Value

At $63.75 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering it combines several key sites with private transport and a guide. The admission tickets are paid separately (around 240 EGP for Giza and roughly 80 EGP for Sakkara and Memphis), so budget for those. For the price, you’re getting a well-organized day with a knowledgeable guide—if they’re engaged.

However, some travelers might find that the guide’s attitude impacts the overall value. If you’re eager for a lively, enthusiastic guide, you might want to clarify expectations beforehand or consider additional options.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Egypt’s ancient sites. It’s perfect for those who value convenience and private attention and are comfortable with some variability in guide enthusiasm. It also works well for travelers with limited time who want to maximize their sightseeing without the hassle of organizing individual visits.

If you’re looking for a deeply immersive or highly energetic guide, you might need to explore other options. But if your goal is to see Egypt’s classics in a single day, with the comfort of private transport, this tour delivers a good balance of content and convenience.

Final Thoughts

This private tour delivers a cost-effective opportunity to see Egypt’s most famous landmarks with a personal guide and comfortable transportation. The sites visited—Giza, Sakkara, and Memphis—are truly awe-inspiring and give a layered understanding of Egypt’s long history, from the pyramids’ construction to early dynastic Memphis.

While guide enthusiasm can vary, the overall value remains strong, especially if you’re keen to cover the highlights in one organized trip. The flexibility to customize and the inclusion of hotel pickup make it a practical choice, though travelers should be prepared for some extra costs for entrance fees.

Ideal for first-timers or those with limited time, this tour provides a worthwhile snapshot of Egypt’s ancient marvels. Just keep an eye on your guide’s engagement level, and you’ll likely find it a rewarding day.

FAQ

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes convenient pickup from your Cairo hotel and return at the end of the day, making logistics simple.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, giving enough time at each site without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees included?
No, the tour does not include entrance fees to the pyramids, Sakkara, or Memphis. Expect to pay around 240 EGP for Giza and 80 EGP for Sakkara and Memphis.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s recommended for those interested in Egypt’s ancient sites. However, guide enthusiasm can vary, so manage expectations accordingly.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is private and offer some flexibility, so you can discuss your preferences with your guide to better suit your interests.

What language does the guide speak?
The guide speaks all languages, ensuring a personalized experience regardless of your language preference.

This tour offers a practical and engaging way to experience Egypt’s iconic heritage sites, especially if you value private, guided attention and a well-organized itinerary.