Private Tour Sakkara Step Pyramid Alabaster sphinx Memphis City

Discover the Magic of Egypt’s Ancient Sites with a Private Tour of Saqqara, Memphis, and the Alabaster Sphinx

This private tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Egypt’s storied past, focusing on some of its most iconic highlights: the Saqqara Step Pyramid, the alabaster Sphinx of Memphis, and the ancient city ruins. For travelers eager to see these extraordinary monuments without the hassle of large groups, this customized experience promises both intimacy and expert guidance.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the knowledgeable Egyptologist guide ensures you gain insights that go beyond surface-level facts. Second, the flexible private arrangement allows you to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for those who want a more personalized encounter. Third, the affordable price of $19 per person for a four-hour private experience packs incredible value—especially when paired with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and hotel pickup.

A potential consideration? The admission tickets to the sites are not included, which means you’ll need to budget extra for entrance fees, but these are quite affordable (around 80-180 LE). This tour is a fantastic choice for history buffs, first-time visitors wanting a condensed yet meaningful experience, or anyone interested in Egypt’s ancient royal tombs and pyramids.

Key Points

• Expert guiding: Knowledgeable Egyptologist guides bring history alive with stories and insights.
• Flexibility and privacy: The private tour setup means you can customize the pace and focus.
• Affordable value: At just $19, it offers access to some of Egypt’s most famous sites without breaking the bank.
• Comprehensive itinerary: Combines Saqqara’s pyramids, Memphis ruins, and the alabaster Sphinx in a manageable half-day.
• Site specifics: Includes detailed visits to Egypt’s earliest stone pyramid and ancient city ruins.
• Extra costs: Entrance fees are not included but are reasonably priced; plan accordingly.

A Closer Look at the Tour Itinerary

Pickup and Introduction

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cairo, which sets a convenient tone. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll be driven directly to Saqqara. This logistical ease is a real plus, especially after a potentially early morning start. The private guide, Hesham, is praised for his wealth of knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the journey both informative and enjoyable.

Saqqara’s Pyramids and Tombs

Your first stop is the Saqqara necropolis, an area teeming with ancient royal burial sites. Although admission costs are extra, you’ll get a solid 30-minute overview of the area, which was once the burial ground for Egypt’s capital, Memphis. Walking around the site, you’ll see the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, an architectural marvel built in the 27th century BC.

This pyramid is the earliest large-scale stone construction in Egypt, and it’s considered a trailblazer in pyramid design. The six-tiered, four-sided monument is surrounded by tombs and smaller pyramids, all stressing the grandeur of Egyptian funeral architecture. One reviewer, Paul_G, mentions that the guide’s expertise made the experience especially memorable, emphasizing the importance of a knowledgeable guide to truly appreciate the site’s significance.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser

Spending about an hour here, you’ll learn about the pyramid’s innovative architectural features and its role in royal burial practices. The site allows close-up views of the pyramid’s structure, offering a tangible connection to how ancient Egyptians constructed monumental tombs with such precision.

Memphis and the Alabaster Sphinx

Next, the tour moves to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt’s first nome. Located about 20 km south of Cairo, Memphis is a sprawling archaeological site with ruins and artifacts that give a sense of the city’s former grandeur. The highlight here is the alabaster Sphinx, a smaller yet beautifully crafted statue that captures the grandeur of Egypt’s sculptural artistry.

The Memphis visit lasts around 45 minutes, giving enough time to wander among the ruins and take photos. Entry fees to Memphis are also extra, but the overall experience is appreciated for its authenticity. A visitor review highlights how the guide’s knowledge helped illuminate the stories behind these ruins, making the visit much more engaging.

Return and Drop-off

After exploring Memphis, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, concluding your approximately four-hour adventure. The convenience of private transport means you can relax and reflect on the sites without the rush or crowds often found in group tours.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

At just $19 per person, this tour offers an accessible way to explore Egypt’s ancient sites in a private, guided setting. While entrance fees are not included, they are relatively inexpensive—around 80 LE for Saqqara and 180 LE for Memphis. This allows you the flexibility to choose which sites to visit and how much to spend on entry.

The inclusion of bottled water, hotel pickup, and drop-off makes your day smooth and hassle-free. The private guide, Hesham, consistently receives praise for his knowledge, making what might otherwise be a simple sightseeing trip into a meaningful educational experience.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Cairo who want a quick yet rich overview of Egypt’s ancient monuments. It’s perfect for travelers who value personalized attention and expert storytelling, especially if you’re keen to understand the historical context of these incredible structures.

It’s also suitable for those on a budget, given the affordable price point, and for anyone short on time but eager to see the essentials of Egypt’s early pyramid-building and city history.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a practical, engaging introduction to some of Egypt’s most significant archaeological sites. The combination of expert guidance, a flexible private setup, and access to iconic landmarks makes it an excellent choice for travelers looking to maximize their limited time in Cairo.

While you’ll need to budget for entrance fees separately, the overall experience delivers excellent value, especially considering the personalized service and local insights you gain. It’s well-suited for history aficionados, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to get a taste of Egypt’s royal past without the crowds.

If you’re after a straightforward, informative, and relatively inexpensive way to see Saqqara, Memphis, and the alabaster Sphinx, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Cairo hotel, making planning easy and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately four hours, including travel time, site visits, and guide commentary.

Do I need to buy the entrance tickets separately?
Yes, admission to Saqqara and Memphis is not included, but these are reasonably priced and straightforward to purchase on site.

Is this a group or private tour?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate, allowing for a more personalized experience.

Who is the guide?
The guide is Hesham, a knowledgeable Egyptologist known for his friendly approach and deep understanding of Egypt’s history.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at the sites.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and bottled water. Entrance fees are paid separately, so bring cash or card.

Can I customize this tour?
Since it’s private, you can request to spend more or less time at specific sites, subject to your guide’s schedule.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Morning tours are recommended to avoid midday heat and crowds, especially during the hotter months.

This private Egypt tour combines authenticity, expert guidance, and affordability—ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past with minimal fuss.