Magpie
5.0(3 reviews)

Cairo Layover Tour: Pyramids & Sphinx

From$25
6 hours
Cairo, Egypt

About this activity

Maximize your Cairo layover with a guided tour of the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis City, and Saqqara Pyramid, all within 6 hours.

Highlights

  • Explore the Great Pyramid of Giza
  • Marvel at the Sphinx's ancient grandeur
  • Discover Memphis City’s historical treasures
  • Visit the Step Pyramid of Saqqara
  • Experience Egypt's rich ancient history

Full description

Transform your brief Cairo layover into an unforgettable adventure! This 6-hour guided tour immerses you in Egypt's ancient wonders. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramid of Giza, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Gaze upon the enigmatic Sphinx, guarding the pyramids for millennia. Wander through Memphis City, the first capital of ancient Egypt, and explore the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, the world's oldest stone structure. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this excursion offers a seamless blend of history and culture, ensuring you make the most of your time in Cairo.

Included / Excluded

  • Guided tour of Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Visit to Memphis City and Saqqara Pyramid
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

The Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Khufu or the Pyramid of Cheops) is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids in the Giza pyramid complex bordering present-day Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. It is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact. The pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are among the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and indeed already were even in Roman times. Each of these spectacular structures served as the final resting place of a king of the 4th Dynasty (c.2613–2494 BC). The Great Pyramid of Giza was built for king Khufu (c.2589–2566 BC), and the other two for Khafre and Menkaure, his son and grandson. Khufu’s pyramid is both the oldest and largest of the three, and the first building to exceed it in height would not be built for another 3,800 years!

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

Khufu's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, now buried beneath the village of Nazlet el-Samman; diabase paving and nummulitic limestone walls have been found but the site has not been excavated.[5][6] The valley temple was connected to a causeway which was largely destroyed when the village was constructed. The causeway led to the Mortuary Temple of Khufu. Of this temple, the basalt pavement is the only thing that remains. The mortuary temple was connected to the king's pyramid. The king's pyramid, completed in 2560 BC,

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
3

Khafre's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, the Sphinx temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple and the king's pyramid. The valley temple yielded several statues of Khafre. Several were found in a well in the floor of the temple by Mariette in 1860.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
4

Menkaure's pyramid complex consists of a valley temple, a causeway, a mortuary temple, and the king's pyramid. The valley temple once contained several statues of Menkaure. During the 5th Dynasty, a smaller ante-temple was added on to the valley temple

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
5

The Sphinx dates from the reign of king Khafre.[10] During the New Kingdom, Amenhotep II dedicated a new temple to Hauron-Haremakhet and this structure was added onto by later ruler

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
6

Saqqara (Arabic: سقارة‎, Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [sɑʔˈʔɑːɾɑ]), also spelled Sakkara or Saccara in English /səˈkɑːrə/, is an Egyptian village in Giza Governorate, that's known for its vast, ancient burial ground of Egyptian pharaohs (kings) and royals, serving as the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis.[1] Saqqara contains numerous pyramids, including the world-famous Step pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb, and a number of mastaba tombs. Located some 30 km (19 mi) south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of around 7 by 1.5 km

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO
7

The Pyramid of Teti, located in Saqqara, Egypt, is a captivating ancient structure built as the final resting place for Pharaoh Teti. Standing as a testament to the ingenuity and architectural prowess of the Old Kingdom, this pyramid attracts visitors from around the world with its impressive size and historical significance. Explore the chambers and corridors of this pyramid to uncover the mysteries of ancient Egypt and immerse yourself in the rich history of this iconic landmark.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: YES
8

Pyramid of Djoser (or Djeser and Zoser), or Step Pyramid, is an archaeological site in the Saqqara necropolis, Egypt, northwest of the city of Memphis

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
9

Enhance your home decor with the magnificent Pyramid of Unas replica. This stunning piece features intricate detailing and a striking design that will add a touch of ancient Egyptian elegance to any room. Crafted with quality materials, this pyramid is a perfect addition to any collector's display or history enthusiast's collection. Bring a piece of ancient history into your home with the Pyramid of Unas.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
10

The Mastaba of Ti is one of the most important archaeological sites of Saqqara. The mastaba was discovered by Auguste Mariette. The mastaba contains two serdabs. The walls of the tomb show various scenes of everyday life.

Duration: 30 minAdmission: NO
11

Memphis or Menefer (Arabic: مَنْف‎ Manf pronounced [mænf]; Bohairic Coptic: ⲙⲉⲙϥⲓ; Greek: Μέμφις) was the ancient capital of Inebu-hedj, the first nome of Lower Egypt that was known as mḥw ("north").[3] Its ruins are located near the modern town of Mit Rahina, 20 km (12 mi) south of Giza in Greater Cairo, Egypt. After the tour ends you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NO

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour duration is approximately 6 hours, including travel time.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; please provide your hotel details upon booking.
  • This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for warm weather.
  • Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun.
  • Carry a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Easy Public Transport
  • Infant Seats Available

Good to know

  • Entry fees includes basic area only
  • Entrance fees -Depending on the Tour Options Chosen
  • Enjoy tour with 20-minute stops at each location: explore natural oils and soft Egyptian cotton at Paradise Perfumes & Flower Cotton, watch papyrus making and view traditional artwork at Key of Life Papyrus, and see skilled artisans hand-weaving rugs at local school Handmade Carpets. enjoy government stops where to find high quality souvenirs granteed by Egyptian government

Traveler reviews

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Amazing experience !!

This is the first tour I took in a while. After Emo Tours Egypt was recommended to me, my friend and I booked this full day tour at the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara and Memphis. We promptly received confirmation and itinerary via email and both the guide and the driver promptly waited for us at our hotel at 8am the next day. It was just Ahmed Elsayed, our guide, Ibrahim, our driver, my friend and I. It was literally a private tour and could not have felt more exclusive nor offered better value! Ahmed was amazing. SO friendly and informative. We struck up conversations about all manner of things including Ancient Egypt of course but he also gave us great insight into life in Cairo. His company was very appreciated. Ahmed waited for us every time we would stop to take pictures, making us feel really comfortable, and even helped us snap one with the camels! Our driver Ibrahim was also very polite and efficient. I have to say we never waited for the car at any stop we departed from. A highly recommended way to experience the great Pyramids and to visit Saqqara and Memphis!

m_jaziaMay 5, 2021TRIPADVISOR

Fantastic day trip with skilled guide and driver

We had a pleasant day with our academically skilled guide, Sheriff and a driver who did well in the traffic in Cairo. Our boy had his birthday and they bought him a cake. They were nice and gave us a good experience. Recommended!

Lupe715Feb 24, 2020TRIPADVISOR

Mo Salah

Excellent guide...very knowledgable about the history of Egypt...took me to corners of the sites that few vistas. Thanks.

Not2Old4TechFeb 15, 2019TRIPADVISOR

Additional information

Entry fees includes basic area only Entrance fees -Depending on the Tour Options Chosen Enjoy tour with 20-minute stops at each location: explore natural oils and soft Egyptian cotton at Paradise Perfumes & Flower Cotton, watch papyrus making and view traditional artwork at Key of Life Papyrus, and see skilled artisans hand-weaving rugs at local school Handmade Carpets. enjoy government stops where to find high quality souvenirs granteed by Egyptian government
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