Cairo Private Tour: Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, Memphis, Camel, Lunch

Discover Egypt’s Ancient Wonders with a Private Cairo Day Tour

If you’re craving a day packed with iconic sights, insightful guides, and authentic experiences, this private tour covering the Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, and Memphis offers exactly that. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the must-see monuments without the hassle of planning, all while enjoying personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide.

What we love about this experience: First, the flexibility and comfort of a private tour mean you set the pace. Second, the detailed visits to the pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, allow for a close-up look that’s hard to match. And third, the inclusion of a camel ride and a well-rounded local lunch adds a fun, immersive touch.

One thing to bear in mind is that inside the pyramids, visitors typically pay an extra fee (around $10), which isn’t included in the initial price. This tour is best suited for those eager to experience Egypt’s ancient sites with expert guidance without the crowds, especially if you value comfort and personalized service.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private tour means more flexibility and direct interaction with your Egyptologist guide.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covering the Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, and Memphis in one day offers great value.
• Authentic Encounters: Camel riding and local lunch make this more than just a sightseeing trip.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides enhance understanding and appreciation of ancient sites.
• Cost-Effective: At $160 per person, the tour includes entry fees, transportation, and some unique experiences.
• Ideal for Curious Travelers: Perfect for history buffs and first-timers eager for a well-rounded introduction to Egypt.

A Full Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Giza Pyramids: The Heart of the Tour

Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel, easing the journey straight into the heart of Egypt’s most famous monuments. The Giza Plateau is where you’ll stand before the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Menkaure—each with its own story and architectural marvels. Our guide shared that the Great Pyramid of Khufu remains the only surviving wonder of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which still inspires awe today.

Expect around two hours here, with included admission tickets allowing you to explore freely. You’ll see the Valley Temple, where priests once mummified kings, and get a close-up view of the Sphinx—the lion-bodied guardian with a mysterious smile. Reviewers mention the close-up look at the Sphinx as a definite highlight, with travelers noting how “impressive and beautiful” the views are.

The Complex of Saqqara: Egypt’s First Pyramid

Next, your journey takes you to Saqqara, just 27 km southwest of Cairo. The highlight here is King Zoser’s Step Pyramid, a true pioneer in pyramid construction and the earliest form of such structures. Visitors often comment on the significance of Saqqara as the first rock-cut building in history and how this site illustrates the evolution of Egyptian tomb architecture.

The visit lasts about two hours, including time to marvel at the innovative design of this 4,700-year-old masterpiece. Our guide explained how Saqqara marked a pivotal moment in Egyptian history, making it a must-see for those interested in the development of ancient Egyptian engineering.

Memphis: The Ancient Capital

From Saqqara, you head to Memphis, Egypt’s capital until around 2200 BC. Here, you’ll find colossal statues of Ramses II and the great Alabaster Sphinx, which emphasize Memphis’s importance as a cult center for the god Ptah.

The two-hour visit offers insights into the city’s role as an artistic and political hub of ancient Egypt. Reviewers mention that the memories of Memphis’ grandeur are still palpable, especially when seeing the massive statues. It’s a fantastic place to understand how Egypt’s history was shaped by powerful rulers and religious devotion.

Unique Experiences: Camel Ride & Local Lunch

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute camel ride—a fun, memorable way to experience desert landscapes and traditional transportation. Reviews describe the camel ride as “very fun” and a highlight that offers a different perspective of the pyramids from a more relaxed, authentic vantage point.

Lunch is included and provides a taste of local Egyptian cuisine, offering a break from sightseeing to enjoy regional flavors. The inclusion of a private guide means your meal is tailored to your pace and preferences, making the experience more personal.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, with transportation provided from and back to your hotel. The group size is limited to your private party, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility. The cost of $160 per person covers all entry fees, guide services, transportation, and the camel ride, providing good value for a comprehensive day.

Keep in mind that inside the pyramids, there’s an additional fee of about $10 if you wish to enter, which is not included in the package. Also, the tour is suitable for most travelers, as it’s designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.

Guides and Reviews: Making the Experience Special

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life. One reviewer remarked that their guide made the trip “extremely beautiful and fantastic beyond expectations,” highlighting the value of expert commentary.

Reviewers also appreciated the stunning views and close-up encounters with monuments, describing the experience as “absolutely wonderful” and “unforgettable.” The guides’ attentiveness and insights transformed the visit from just sightseeing into a meaningful exploration of Egypt’s past.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This private tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see Egypt’s most famous sites. It’s perfect if you prefer a personalized experience over crowded group tours and want to learn from knowledgeable guides.

It suits history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and those who enjoy authentic, immersive activities like camel riding. The inclusion of authentic lunch and a relaxed pace makes it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a well-rounded day.

While it offers great value, those interested in inside pyramid visits should be prepared for an extra fee. If you’re eager to explore Egypt’s ancient marvels comfortably and learn about their stories, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Is a Solid Choice

This Cairo private tour delivers a well-organized, engaging way to connect with Egypt’s spectacular history. The combination of iconic monuments, expert guides, and authentic experiences like camel riding and local cuisine creates a memorable day that feels both educational and fun.

The fact that it’s private allows you to customize your pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy the sites without feeling rushed. The inclusion of key sites like Giza, Sakkara, and Memphis makes it excellent for those wanting a broad yet detailed overview of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

Overall, it offers good value considering the duration, inclusions, and quality of the guiding. It’s best suited for travelers who want an immersive, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide leading the way—perfect for making those bucket-list moments truly special.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making transportation seamless and stress-free.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts around 7 to 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each site without feeling rushed.

Are entry fees included?
Yes, the tour covers entry fees for the Giza Pyramids, Sakkara, Memphis, and the Sphinx, but inside the pyramids, there’s an additional fee of about $10 if you choose to go inside.

Can I ride a camel during the tour?
Yes, a 30-minute camel ride is included, providing a fun and authentic way to experience the desert surroundings.

Is food included?
A local lunch is part of the package, allowing you to enjoy regional flavors during your day.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and the pace is suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a comfortable, engaging day.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide is a professional Egyptologist, typically speaking English, and providing detailed explanations of each site.

This private Cairo tour really hits the sweet spot for an in-depth, comfortable, and memorable visit to Egypt’s most famous landmarks. Whether you’re obsessed with archaeology or just want an easy way to tick off the bucket list, it’s a solid option that combines history, culture, and fun in one day.