Giza is only part of Egypt’s pyramid story. South of Cairo, three sites show how pyramid building began and developed. A Saqqara Memphis Dahshur tour is a quieter, more intimate day that suits travellers who want history without the crowds.
Below you will find what each stop offers and how to plan the day. Our day tour to Memphis, Saqqara, Imhotep Museum and Dahshur Pyramids covers them all with a private guide.
Saqqara: the first pyramid
Saqqara was the burial ground of Memphis, the ancient capital. Its star is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, built around 2670 BC and designed by the architect Imhotep. It is considered the first large stone building in the world, and it set the model for the pyramids that followed. The area also has painted tombs of officials with scenes of daily life, plus the nearby Imhotep Museum.
Memphis: the ancient capital
Memphis was Egypt’s capital for much of the Old Kingdom. Little of the city survives, but the open-air museum at Mit Rahina has a giant fallen statue of Ramesses II and an alabaster sphinx. It is a short stop that adds context to the monuments you see at Saqqara and Giza.
Dahshur: the Bent and Red pyramids
Dahshur is quieter than Giza. Here the pharaoh Sneferu built two experiments in pyramid design: the Bent Pyramid, whose angle changes halfway up, and the Red Pyramid, often described as the first true smooth-sided pyramid. In many cases you can enter the Red Pyramid, with a long passage down into the chambers. See the area’s heritage listing on UNESCO.
Sample itinerary
- Morning: pickup and drive to Memphis.
- Then: Saqqara and the Step Pyramid area.
- Lunch: a local restaurant.
- Afternoon: Dahshur, with time for the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid.
- Late afternoon: return to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
A day like this takes around seven to eight hours including lunch and the drive.
Best time to visit
October to April is ideal. These sites are open and exposed, so in summer we recommend an early start. Many travellers choose a quieter morning here after a busy day at Giza.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- Bring water. There is little shade at the sites.
- The interior of the Red Pyramid is narrow and warm, so skip it if you are claustrophobic.
- Ask your guide about ticket costs for extra interiors.
Plan the rest of your Cairo trip
Read our guide to the Giza Pyramids half-day tour and the Grand Egyptian Museum private tour. All of our Cairo day tours can be combined into a multi-day plan.
How these sites fit together
Together they show the evolution of pyramid building. Djoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara came first. Sneferu’s Meidum, Bent and Red pyramids followed as builders learned how to make smooth sides. His son Khufu then built the Great Pyramid at Giza. Seeing the sites in order helps the story make sense.
Who is this tour for?
It suits travellers who have already seen Giza, history lovers and photographers who prefer quieter places. If this is your first day in Egypt, it works well after the Pyramids half-day tour, when you want a deeper look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Saqqara and Giza?
Saqqara has the earliest pyramid, the Step Pyramid, and painted tombs. Giza has the largest and best-known pyramids.
Can we go inside the pyramids at Dahshur?
In many cases, yes, the Red Pyramid is open to visitors. Access can change, so your guide confirms it.
How long is the tour?
About seven to eight hours with lunch and driving.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, though the heat and walking can be tiring for very young children.
Is the price listed on the website?
Please message us for a quote on this tour. We reply with a clear price before you book.
Is this tour better than Giza?
It is different. Giza is more iconic, and Saqqara and Dahshur are quieter and show earlier stages of pyramid building.
Can I combine it with the Grand Egyptian Museum?
It is a long combination for one day, so we recommend splitting them across two days.
Book your Saqqara Memphis Dahshur tour with Ramses Egypt
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