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.
Highlights
Local English-speaking guide, entrance fees to Saqqara and Memphis, transportation
Food and drink, tips/gratuities for your guide
Pharaohs Hotel, 12 Lotfy Hassouna, St, Dokki, Giza Governorate
Pharaohs Hotel, 12 Lotfy Hassouna, St, Dokki, Giza Governorate
4 hours
If you have any issues on the day of your tour, please call +20 109 799 9534.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity
Time for a time warp and some sweet pyramids. Ready?!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. Following recent safety incidents we recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts.