Saqqara and Memphis

Highlights / General details

Saqqara and Memphis have a lot going for them: less tourists, less traffic, and some pretty impressive credentials. Join this Cairo tour to see the oldest stone pyramid in the world and the ancient capital of Lower Egypt. Explore the legendary pyramids of Saqqara, including the famous Step Pyramid. Immerse yourself in ridiculously ancient history with a visit to Memphis, the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Engage with your local guide to get a unique insight into Egypt’s history and customs.

Inclusion

Local English Speaking Guide; Entrance Fees to Saqqara and Memphis; Transportation.

Exclusion

Food and drink; Items of a personal nature; Tips and Gratuities for your guide.

Hours of operation

Available: Daily; Start time at 8:00am.

Duration

Approximately 4 hours.

Location Meeting point: King Hotel reception, 20 Abdel Rahim Sabry Street, Dokki, Cairo. Finish point: King Hotel.

Itinerary Located approximately 30 km south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt with the world's oldest standing step pyramid. It's the first stop on our day tour from Cairo, and certainly is an impressive way to start the day. Designed by Imhotep for King Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC), the Step Pyramid is the oldest complete stone-hewn building complex known in history, and is surrounded by other small pyramids dating back to the 5th and 6th Dynasties. Although Saqqara was eclipsed as the burial ground of royalty by Giza and the Valley of the Kings in Thebes (near Luxor), it remained an important complex for burials and cult ceremonies for more than 3,000 years. Next up, we're off to Memphis, which functioned as the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and of the Old Kingdom of Egypt from its foundation until around 2200 BC. The modern towns of Dahshur and Saqqara lie within the administrative borders of historical Memphis. Wander around, explore, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of some really, really old cities. Careful not to stand in place for too long - you might mummify! Just kidding. Shake off the dust of the past, bid farewell to these decidedly less touristy pyraminds, and conclude your Cairo pyramids tour by heading back to the big, modern city. It'll be a stark contrast to Saqqara and Memphis, but we're pretty sure you can handle it.

Participant restrictions

Children must be 6 years of age or older.

Location

Meeting point: King Hotel reception, 20 Abdel Rahim Sabry Street, Dokki, Cairo. Finish point: King Hotel.

Itinerary Located approximately 30 km south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt with the world's oldest standing step pyramid. It's the first stop on our day tour from Cairo, and certainly is an impressive way to start the day. Designed by Imhotep for King Djoser (c.2667-2648 BC), the Step Pyramid is the oldest complete stone-hewn building complex known in history, and is surrounded by other small pyramids dating back to the 5th and 6th Dynasties. Although Saqqara was eclipsed as the burial ground of royalty by Giza and the Valley of the Kings in Thebes (near Luxor), it remained an important complex for burials and cult ceremonies for more than 3,000 years. Next up, we're off to Memphis, which functioned as the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and of the Old Kingdom of Egypt from its foundation until around 2200 BC. The modern towns of Dahshur and Saqqara lie within the administrative borders of historical Memphis. Wander around, explore, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of some really, really old cities. Careful not to stand in place for too long - you might mummify! Just kidding. Shake off the dust of the past, bid farewell to these decidedly less touristy pyraminds, and conclude your Cairo pyramids tour by heading back to the big, modern city. It'll be a stark contrast to Saqqara and Memphis, but we're pretty sure you can handle it.

Participant restrictions Children must be 6 years of age or older.

Policies This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12. If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation