Giza: Sakkara, Memphis & Dahshur (Pyramid & Felucca Options)

Visiting Egypt’s legendary pyramids and archaeological sites is often at the top of every traveler’s bucket list—and for good reason. This tour, offered by Egypt Excursions Online, promises a comprehensive exploration of Egypt’s early dynastic history, with options to customize your journey from a quick half-day to a full-day VIP experience. We’ve gathered insights from countless reviews and official descriptions to give you a clear, honest picture of what to expect.

What we love about this tour is its flexibility—whether you want to see just the Pyramids of Giza or dive into the lesser-visited sites like Dahshur and Sakkara, there’s an option for you. The knowledgeable guides are frequently praised for their storytelling and patience, making complex history accessible and engaging. Plus, the optional extras like Felucca rides and lunch mean you can tailor the experience to fit your style and budget.

A potential consideration is the duration—while the full VIP experience can take up to 8 hours, some travelers might find the pace a bit full-on, especially in the heat or if touring during peak hours. Still, the overall value for such a rich cultural day is hard to beat. This tour suits history buffs, curious travelers wanting authentic stories, and those looking for a well-organized, hassle-free way to explore these iconic sites.

Key Points

• Flexible Options: Choose from short Pyramids-only visits or full-day tours with multiple sites and a Felucca ride.
• Expert Guides: Highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling ability.
• Value for Money: Includes entry tickets, transportation, and guided narration at a competitive price.
• Customizable Experience: Private, shared, and VIP options, with optional add-ons like lunch and camel rides.
• Authentic Insights: Reviewers mention guides like Ammash, Karam, and Nader who make history come alive.
• Ideal for: Those seeking a personalized, informative, and culturally immersive day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction: Why This Tour Stands Out

If you’re considering a trip to Egypt and want to tick off the must-see pyramids and ancient sites, this tour is worth considering. It offers a well-rounded look at early Egyptian civilization, from the famous Giza plateau to lesser-crowded sites like Sakkara and Dahshur. What’s particularly appealing is the variety of options—whether you want a quick glance or a comprehensive exploration, there’s a package designed for you.

We love how this tour balances value and depth. The price point of around $31 per person is quite reasonable, especially given the inclusion of entry tickets, transportation, and a professional guide. It’s clear that the tour prioritizes authentic experiences over rushed sightseeing, with many reviewers commenting on the patience and knowledge of their guides.

One thing to keep in mind is that the full VIP experience, which includes multiple sites and a Felucca sail, can take up to 8 hours. This means a full day of sightseeing, which might be tiring in Egypt’s warm climate, but for history enthusiasts, the depth and variety make it worthwhile.

This tour is best suited for those who want to understand Egypt beyond just the Giza Pyramids, and for travelers who appreciate flexible, guided experiences that are rich in storytelling.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You’ll Visit and Why It Matters

The Pyramids of Giza: The Iconic Marvel

Starting at the Giza Plateau, you’ll encounter the Great Pyramid of Khufu, often called the Pyramid of Cheops, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It’s awe-inspiring and surprisingly accessible—many reviewers highlight how their guides, such as Mohammed Ammash or Mena, made the entry into the pyramids feel exclusive, avoiding the typical crush of travelers. You’ll also see the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, standing proudly amidst the desert sands.

The Great Sphinx stands guard nearby, offering that quintessential photo op. Many visitors mention how guides provide engaging stories about the Sphinx’s mysterious face and its connection to pharaohs’ divine power. The Giza site is often crowded, but with a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the pyramids’ purpose and construction nuances.

Memphis: Egypt’s First Capital

Next, the tour moves to Memphis, which was once Egypt’s political hub over 5,000 years ago. Here, the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx are key highlights. Reviewers often note how Memphis is less crowded, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for soaking in history. Guides like Karam excel at narrating the city’s significance and sharing lesser-known stories about royal life and ancient governance.

More Great Tours Nearby

Sakkara: The World’s First Pyramid

Sakkara is where the real architectural revolution happened. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of pyramid design. Reviewers like Joanne Montserrat appreciate the calm atmosphere here, contrasting it with the busy Giza sites. The surrounding tombs offer a peek into daily life, religious beliefs, and burial traditions—adding layers to your understanding of ancient Egypt.

Dahshur: Pyramids of Experimentation

Dahshur is often less visited but equally fascinating. Here, you’ll see the Bent Pyramid, with its unusual angles, and the towering Red Pyramid, known for its smooth sides. Many reviews highlight how exploring these sites offers a glimpse of pyramid-building experimentation, making it a must-visit for those interested in the structural advancements of early Egyptian architecture.

Optional Extras: Camel Rides, Lunch, and Felucca

Depending on your package, you can add camel or horse rides near the pyramids, enhancing the experience of connecting with desert life. Lunch at a local restaurant is available in private and VIP options, often praised for its authenticity and delicious flavors.

The Felucca ride is the pièce de résistance in the VIP package. Many reviewers rave about the peaceful sail on the Nile, a perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. It offers a different perspective of Cairo’s skyline and the river’s tranquility.

What to Expect: From Entry to Departure

Transportation and Timing

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, with hotel pickup and drop-off services. This is a significant advantage, especially when navigating Cairo’s traffic or finding your way to remote sites. The duration varies from 3 hours for a short Pyramids-only experience to 8 hours for the full VIP tour, including all sites and a Felucca sail.

Guides operate in English for shared tours, but private options are available in multiple languages, ensuring personalized narration. Many reviews mention how guides like Nader, Ammash, or Manal go beyond dates and facts—sharing stories, answering questions, and making the history feel relevant.

Group Size and Tour Atmosphere

Small-group tours, typically with just four people, are common—and appreciated. This setup allows for more interaction and less rushing. Reviewers consistently praise guides for their patience and attention, often mentioning how guides tailored their explanations to the group’s interests and pace.

Optional Add-Ons and Extras

You can customize your tour with features such as visiting additional mosques, museums, or markets, or taking part in activities like shopping or photography. These options are available upon request, and many travelers find them to enhance their overall experience.

Entrance Tickets and Additional Costs

Entry tickets are included in the tour price, but extras like lunch, Felucca rides, or special access areas may cost extra. Many reviewers note that the tour offers good value for money, especially given the detailed guided narration and the convenience of transportation.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the quality of guides, describing them as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate. For instance, Ammash is praised for sharing his love for Egypt, while Nader’s storytelling made Memphis come alive. Some mention guides who went above and beyond, even helping with additional requests like participating in a church service.

The small group size creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing for questions and personalized attention—something many travelers value highly. Several reviews detail how guides avoided unnecessary shopping stops, focusing instead on the sites, making the experience more authentic and meaningful.

Many reviewers also comment on the delicious food options included in the private and VIP packages, which break up the day nicely and offer a taste of local cuisine. The Felucca sail, when included, is described as a peaceful and scenic finale to a busy day, giving a well-rounded, tranquil conclusion.

The Practical Side: From Booking to Day of Tour

Booking is straightforward, with options to reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility. The tour’s process includes hotel pickup, often confirmed via WhatsApp, and a clear communication line for any questions.

The duration can be tailored to your needs, and the tour operates in multiple languages for private bookings. If your hotel isn’t directly accessible, pickup will be coordinated from the nearest available point—reviewers mention this was handled smoothly.

For travelers with concerns about mobility, the guide’s descriptions suggest some sites require physical effort, such as entering small pyramids or climbing narrow tunnels. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour offers a comprehensive, flexible, and well-organized way to explore Egypt’s early capitals and pyramids. With knowledgeable guides, good value, and options to tailor the experience, it appeals to history lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a smooth, hassle-free day.

The inclusion of entry tickets, transportation, and personal guides means you won’t get lost in logistics—only in awe of Egypt’s ancient marvels. Whether you prefer a shorter visit or a full-day adventure culminating in a Felucca ride, this tour caters to a range of preferences and budgets.

If you’re eager to learn about Egypt beyond Giza’s crowds, appreciate stories and history told with passion, and want a day that balances adventure with comfort, this tour is a strong contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose which sites I visit?
Yes, the tour offers different options—from just the Pyramids of Giza to combined visits of Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur, or the full VIP experience.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, the basic packages include entry to the sites, but extras like lunch, Felucca rides, or special access areas might cost extra.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for travelers without mobility impairments, as some sites involve walking or climbing narrow spaces. It’s not recommended for wheelchair users.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from approximately 3 hours for a quick Pyramids-only visit to 8 hours for the full experience with all sites and a Felucca sail.

Can I customize the tour with additional activities?
Yes, optional add-ons like visits to mosques, museums, shopping stops, or riding camels are available upon request.

What language is the guide in?
Shared tours operate in English, but private options are available in multiple languages, including French, German, Italian, Spanish, and more.

In summary, this tour offers an insightful, flexible, and value-packed way to explore Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites. Perfect for history enthusiasts, those seeking a personalized experience, and travelers wanting to combine cultural discovery with serene Nile views.

You can check availability for your dates here: