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

Traveling to Egypt often means standing in awe of the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, but there’s so much more beneath the sands beyond Giza. This tour, offered by Egypt Excursions Online, opens the door to Sakkara, Memphis, and Dahshur, offering a layered look into Egypt’s early dynasties and architectural innovations. Whether you’re a history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or someone seeking authentic experiences at a reasonable price, this tour has a lot to offer.

What makes this experience stand out are the customizable options — from a quick “Pyramids Only” outing to a full-day exploration capped with a Felucca sail on the Nile. We love the flexibility and the opportunity to tailor the day to your interests. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, turning what could be a rushed group tour into a more intimate, engaging experience. Still, it’s worth noting that some options, especially the VIP, involve a longer day, which might be tiring for some travelers.

One possible consideration is that private tours tend to include lunch and additional in-depth options like visits to mosques or museums, which might not suit everyone’s pace or budget. Also, if you’re not keen on large crowds, opting for the quieter sites like Sakkara and Dahshur rather than Giza can be a real plus. This tour seems ideal for travelers craving a cost-effective, informative, and customizable glimpse into Egypt’s ancient world.

Key Points

• Flexible itineraries allow you to choose from single-site visits or a full package, including a Felucca ride.
• Guides are highly praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and engagement.
• The tour offers value for money, especially with options that include lunch, private guides, and additional sites.
• Transportation is comfortable, air-conditioned, and included in the price.
• The smaller group sizes (especially on private tours) provide a more personal experience.
• Sites visited range from the world-famous pyramids to lesser-crowded, historically significant places like Sakkara and Dahshur.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Starting Point: Giza’s Pyramids and Sphinx

Most travelers will recognize the Giza site as the crown jewel of Egyptian monuments. Standing before the Great Pyramid of Khufu, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the scale and mystery of these ancient structures. The tour typically includes entry tickets, so you get direct access to explore inside the pyramids if you choose.

Many reviews highlight how guides like Ammash or Mohammed Ammash or Manal make a difference, offering fascinating stories that bring the stones to life. One reviewer noted, “Aladdin did a great job in telling us everything about each pyramid before we went inside,” which underscores how good guides help maximize the experience. You’ll also see the Great Sphinx, which adds an iconic touch to your visit and offers photo opportunities with a story of guardianship and mystery.

Memphis: The First Capital

Just a short drive from Giza, Memphis showcases Egypt’s very first capital, founded over 5,000 years ago. The site is now an open-air museum with impressive remnants like the colossal statue of Ramses II and the alabaster Sphinx. Visitors often find Memphis to be a quieter alternative to Giza, which can be crowded and noisy. Multiple reviewers appreciated the less busy atmosphere and found the statues and ruins very engaging.

Sakkara: The World’s First Pyramid

A highlight for many is the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Sakkara, acknowledged as the world’s first pyramid and a major architectural breakthrough. Its distinctive layered design represents a significant leap in tomb construction. Surrounding tombs and hieroglyphs offer a tapestry of ancient religious and cultural practices. Several visitors mention the calm atmosphere at Sakkara, contrasting with the hustle of Giza, making it ideal for those who want a more relaxed experience. One reviewer noted, “It felt much calmer compared to the busy Giza pyramids,” emphasizing its appeal.

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Dahshur: Pyramids of Experimentation and Innovation

Further south, Dahshur reveals Egypt’s experimentation with pyramid construction. The Bent Pyramid is particularly striking because of its unusual angled design, while the Red Pyramid is notable as one of the earliest true pyramids. Visitors can go inside the Bent Pyramid, although this involves some effort and energy, which some reviews describe as “extremely exhausted lol,” but definitely worth the adventure.

Customizable Options and Extra Activities

The tour offers multiple pathways. The Pyramids Only option is perfect for those with limited time or wanting a quick overview. For a fuller experience, adding Memphis and Sakkara offers a broader understanding of Egypt’s early civilization. The full-day VIP tour even culminates with a Felucca sail on the Nile, providing a peaceful escape after a busy morning.

Many reviews praise the value for money, especially when guided by knowledgeable professionals like Mariam or Esraa. Clients frequently mention the small group sizes—sometimes just two or three people—which allows for a more personalized and flexible experience. Guided tours include entry tickets, hotel pickup, and bottled water, making logistics straightforward.

Transportation and Comfort

All tours include air-conditioned transportation, which is a relief when navigating Egypt’s heat. Reviewers mention that drivers are safe, courteous, and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. The ease of hotel pickup and drop-off means you can focus on soaking in the sights rather than worrying about logistics.

The Optional Felucca Ride

The VIP option features a serene Felucca sail along the Nile, a gentle way to conclude the day. Several travelers found this to be a highlight, appreciating the peacefulness after a busy morning of site-seeing. It’s a charming, authentic Egyptian experience that complements the historical exploration.

Food and Shopping

While lunch is not included in the basic options, VIP tours do include a buffet, often praised for its variety and quality. Optional visits to papyrus galleries, bazaar, or carpet schools are available, adding local flavor, but reviewers note that these can be skipped if you prefer more time at the sites.

This tour is a great choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see multiple early sites without feeling rushed. The guided format ensures you get the stories behind each monument, making the experience richer. The customizable options mean you can tailor your day to fit your interests—whether you want just the Pyramids of Giza or a full exploration that includes Memphis, Sakkara, and Dahshur.

The presence of knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and flexible timing are among the biggest selling points. Plus, the small group sizes or private options allow for more interaction and less waiting, which is especially appreciated by those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Who Will Love This Tour?

History lovers who want to explore beyond the Giza Plateau will find the less crowded, more atmospheric sites like Sakkara and Dahshur fascinating. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordable price with significant scope. Solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a personalized experience will enjoy the private and VIP options. If you have a day to spare and want a meaningful, well-organized introduction to Egypt’s early capitals and pyramids, this tour is a dependable choice.

This Giza, Sakkara, Memphis & Dahshur tour strikes a compelling balance between value, flexibility, and depth. It offers a chance to see Egypt’s most iconic monuments in a way that feels personalized and authentic, especially with guides celebrated for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The added bonus of optional activities like the Felucca sail or a traditional Egyptian lunch makes it a well-rounded day.

While Giza is often crowded and touristy, the lesser-known sites of Sakkara and Dahshur provide a quieter, more contemplative experience, perfect for travelers wanting to stretch out their Egyptian adventure. Whether you’re a quick visitor or a history enthusiast, this tour adapts well to different interests and schedules.

In short, for anyone eager to uncover Egypt’s early architectural achievements without breaking the bank or feeling rushed, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments—an authentic glimpse into a civilization that continues to fascinate the world.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but it involves walking and some climbing inside pyramids, which might be tiring for those with mobility issues or young children. It’s best for those able to handle a full day of site visits.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guides (shared in English or private in multiple languages), entry tickets to the sites, hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and optional visits like the papyrus gallery or bazaar.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, many options allow you to pick just the Pyramids, combine sites, or opt for a full-day VIP experience with a Felucca sail. Extras like lunch or additional site visits are also available.

How long does the tour last?
Tour durations range from 3 to 8 hours, depending on your chosen package. Full-day options with more sites or the Felucca ride tend to be longer, providing a more comprehensive experience.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Based on numerous reviews, guides are highly praised for their enthusiasm, clarity, and storytelling ability. Many have expert knowledge, and some are archaeologists or historians.

What about food and shopping?
Lunch is included in private and VIP options, often at local restaurants. Shopping stops at bazaars or carpet schools are optional and can be skipped if you prefer more time at the historical sites.

This tour offers a well-rounded, affordable, and flexible way to understand Egypt’s early dynastic achievements. Whether you prioritize the iconic Giza pyramids, the calmer Sakkara, or the innovative Dahshur pyramids, it’s designed to give an authentic glimpse of Egypt’s ancient wonders without overwhelming.

You can check availability for your dates here: