Saqqara, Dahshur & Memphis Day Tour

If you’re craving an authentic glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past without the hassle of navigating on your own, the Saqqara, Dahshur & Memphis Day Tour offered by Pretty Egypt Tours might just be perfect. This well-paced, insightful journey covers some of Egypt’s earliest pyramids, the first capital city, and the world’s largest statues — all in one day, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What we love about this tour is how it balances historical depth with a personal touch. The guides aren’t just talking heads—they bring stories to life, often sharing lesser-known details that turn a sightseeing day into a genuine experience. The air-conditioned vehicle makes the long drives comfortable, and the group size keeps things intimate enough for questions. Plus, the cost of $60 per person offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially considering the private tour setup.

That said, a quick consideration is that admission fees aren’t included, so budget for those separately. Also, since it’s a full-day trip, be prepared for some early starts and a fair bit of walking and exploring. This tour suits history buffs, curious first-timers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet manageable look at Egypt’s ancient sites—all with the convenience of a guided experience.

Key Points

• Authentic Sites: Visit Egypt’s oldest pyramids and the first capital city, avoiding overly commercialized options.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, passionate guides like Amr enhance the experience with engaging stories and insights.
• Comfort & Convenience: Air-conditioned transport and hotel pickup/drop-off make the day stress-free.
• Value for Money: At $60, it covers multiple significant sites with a private tour feel.
• Flexible & Private: Only your group participates, and free cancellation offers peace of mind.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees are not included, so plan for extra expenses.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with the Step Pyramid of Djoser

Your adventure kicks off at Saqqara, home to the world’s first pyramid, built in 2800 BC for Pharaoh Djoser. We loved the way our guide, Amr, brought this site alive. He explained that this step pyramid was a groundbreaking design at the time, transitioning from simple mastabas—flat-topped tombs—to the iconic pyramids we know today. Visitors often remark on how impressive it is to stand next to a structure that’s over 4,900 years old, with some saying, “He explained everything in a way that made it easy to understand the significance of the design shift.”

While entrance tickets aren’t included, the site itself is accessible and well-preserved, offering a tangible feel of prehistoric engineering ingenuity. You’ll get approximately an hour here, enough to soak in the atmosphere, snap photos, and appreciate the pioneering architecture.

The Ancient City of Memphis & Mit Rahina Museum

Next, your group heads to Memphis, Egypt’s first capital established around 2900 BC. Here, the highlights include the monumental statues and the remnants of the once-thriving city. The Mit Rahina Museum houses the colossal statue of King Ramses II, weighing around 70 tons, and the second-largest Sphinx—both impressive feats of ancient craftsmanship.

Reviewers have shared that Amr’s commentary brought this site to life, detailing how Memphis was the political and spiritual heart of ancient Egypt. The museum offers a chance to see these gigantic sculptures up close, with many travelers commenting on how these ancient relics make history feel surprisingly real. Expect around 45 minutes at this stop, giving enough time to appreciate the artistry and ponder what life was like in Egypt’s early days.

The Pyramids at Dahshur

The third major stop is Dahshur, home to the Red, Bent, and Black pyramids. These are some of the most significant yet lesser-visited pyramids, often praised for their remarkable preservation and the stories they tell about early pyramid construction. Our guide’s enthusiasm shone through as he explained that King Senfru built these pyramids, including the deeply intriguing Red and Bent pyramids—the deepest in Egypt—and the Queen Hetepheres’s pyramid, the earliest known queen’s tomb.

Reviewers love how Amr pointed out the unique features—like the Bent Pyramid’s unusual angle—and shared stories about the construction challenges faced by the ancient builders. It’s a site that feels more ‘raw’ than the tourist-heavy Giza, offering a sense of stepping into an earlier chapter of Egyptian history. Expect around an hour here, plenty of time for photos and exploring.

Practical Details & What You Can Expect

Transportation & Group Size

The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The private group setting ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the vehicle is a bonus for those who find long drives tiring — the journey between sites is smooth and shaded, making it easy to relax while still soaking up the scenery.

Guides & Insights

The qualified Egyptologist guide—like Amr—adds immense value. Their passion and storytelling turn what could be a dry history lesson into a lively, engaging experience. With their expertise, you’ll get context about the ancient sites that you might miss on your own, plus fun facts that make the ruins come alive.

Duration & Flexibility

The full-day tour runs around 8 hours, carefully designed to balance sightseeing and comfort. Starting early helps beat the crowds and the midday heat, especially at sites like Dahshur. Most travelers find this schedule manageable, and the free cancellation policy makes it flexible if your plans shift.

Cost & Additional Expenses

At $60 per person, this tour offers impressive value. Remember, admission fees aren’t included, so you’ll need to budget extra—likely a modest sum—depending on your interest in museums and pyramids. The reviews suggest that the tour’s value lies in expert guidance and exclusive access to sites that are less crowded than the grand Giza pyramids.

Authentic, Less Touristy Experiences

Unlike the busy Giza plateau, this tour takes you to sites that are often less crowded, allowing for a more intimate connection with history. Many travelers appreciated the chance to visit lesser-known pyramids where they could explore without throngs of travelers. The guide’s insider knowledge means you learn about the significance of each monument, not just its visual appeal.

What Reviewers Say

One reviewer mentions that Amr’s passion for Egyptian history made the experience unforgettable, highlighting how he managed to share not just facts but stories that brought the ruins to life. Others note that the less commercialized atmosphere of Dahshur offers a more authentic glimpse into Egypt’s early pyramid-building era.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive yet manageable snapshot of Egypt’s early history, especially if you prefer guided insights over self-exploration. It suits first-time visitors eager to see iconic sites with historical context, and seasoned travelers looking for a more authentic and less crowded experience. The private setup makes it perfect for families, small groups, or couples seeking a personalized touch.

The Sum Up

The Saqqara, Dahshur & Memphis Day Tour offers a well-rounded, value-packed introduction to Egypt’s ancient civilizations. The combination of expert guides, comfortable transportation, and visits to significant yet less touristy sites makes it a standout choice for travelers who want meaningful engagement with Egypt’s history without the hassle of organizing everything themselves.

While not including entrance fees, the overall package delivers a rich, educational experience that leaves you with memories—and photos—that truly capture the grandeur of ancient Egypt. If you’re curious about Egypt’s earliest pyramids and the roots of its civilization, this tour is a practical, insightful, and affordable way to explore.

FAQs

Are admission fees included in the tour price?
No, the tour price of $60 does not include entrance tickets. You’ll need to purchase those separately at each site.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the itinerary is manageable for a typical day. However, be prepared for walking and some uneven surfaces at the sites.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza are included, making logistics simple.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 8 hours, giving ample time to visit all three sites comfortably.

What makes this tour different from other Egypt pyramid tours?
It focuses on lesser-visited sites like Saqqara and Dahshur, offering more authentic experiences and insightful guides, rather than just the iconic Giza pyramids.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

This tour offers a balanced mix of historic discovery, guided storytelling, and comfort, making it a superb choice for those wanting a meaningful dive into Egypt’s early history without the crowds—and at a fair price.