Reviewed · PYRAMIDS OF GIZA

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur

5.0 · 47 reviews From $19 per person Operated by Hesham Egypt tour guide · Bookable on Viator
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What makes this VIP private day interesting is the door-to-door format. You get a private driver to stitch together three desert sites without the usual Cairo stress of waiting, bargaining, or sharing the ride. I especially like that the tour includes koshary lunch, so you do not have to plan food in between pyramids.

I also like the way the day is structured for real pacing: Memphis first, then Saqqara for the Step Pyramid area, then Dahshur for the Bent and Red Pyramids. One drawback to plan for is that the time at each stop is capped, with entry tickets not included at several key sites, so you should choose the right package (transport-only versus transport plus guide versus adding entrance fees) and expect a “see it, understand it, move on” day.

Key highlights to know before you go

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza with private 2-way transfers, no extra traveler stops
  • Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur in about 5 hours, with short, efficient visits at each site
  • Koshary lunch included, a practical win when your itinerary is all monuments
  • Optional guide and entrance-fee packages, so you can match your comfort level and budget
  • Low-crowd feel at lesser-visited pyramids, including time around the Red Pyramid area when open

Memphis and the Sphinx of Memphis, faster than you expect

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Memphis and the Sphinx of Memphis, faster than you expect
Your day starts with pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, then a drive south toward the Memphis area near Mit Rahina. Memphis, also called Men-nefer, was the ancient capital connected with the first nome of Lower Egypt. Even if you only catch the ruins from the outside at first, the setting helps you understand why the kings and workers built here in the first place.

This stop is scheduled for about 45 minutes, and that time matters. Memphis is spread out enough that you will want a clear plan, even on a private tour. If you chose the package with a guide, this is where a good guide earns their fee fast, by explaining what you are seeing and what you are not.

Right after that, you move to a nearby landmark that many people miss when they only focus on Giza. The Sphinx of Memphis is a stone sphinx associated with the 18th Dynasty timeframe. The carving period is often discussed around 1700 to 1400 BC, but what grabs you is the uncertainty: there are no inscriptions telling you exactly which pharaoh is being honored. The facial features have been linked in discussion to Hatshepsut or Amenhotep II, which makes the whole stop feel like Egyptology as a detective story.

You are allotted about 15 minutes for this area. That is not long, but it is enough for photos and a basic read of the monument before you head to Saqqara.

More of Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis:

What to watch for here

  • If you are taking lots of photos, keep an eye on the clock. The schedule is tight by design.
  • If you care about inscriptions and provenance, pick the package with a guide. The difference between seeing stone and understanding stone is huge.

Saqqara in motion, Step Pyramid first, then Teti

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Saqqara in motion, Step Pyramid first, then Teti
After Memphis, the tour moves into the Saqqara region. Saqqara itself is described as an Egyptian village area that also contains royal burial grounds and served as the necropolis for the Memphis capital. This is one of those places where the “ruins” feeling is part of the charm. It is not the polished, ticketed mega-site vibe. You feel like you are stepping into a huge archaeological zone.

Your schedule gives you about 30 minutes in Saqqara for the initial area, and the admission ticket for that part is listed as free. That means you can get your bearings without immediately dealing with ticket logistics.

Then comes the centerpiece: the Step Pyramid of Djoser. This is the 6-tier, 4-sided structure and often described as the earliest colossal stone building in Egypt. Built in the Third Dynasty for Pharaoh Djoser, it is one of those monuments that makes you rethink what a “pyramid” even means in early stone architecture.

You get about 30 minutes at this stop. The Step Pyramid complex can easily absorb an hour or two if you want to read everything slowly. Here, you are working with a half-day format, so a guide helps you choose what matters most and keep the visit meaningful instead of just “walking and snapping.”

Right after that, you pass through the pyramid field to see another pyramid site: the Pyramid of Teti. This one is described as a smooth-sided pyramid, and it is especially interesting because excavations revealed details such as a satellite pyramid, pyramids for queens, cult structures, and a funerary temple. You only have 15 minutes here, but it is long enough to understand where it sits and why it connects to the larger Saqqara story.

Saqqara drawback to plan for

Several major Saqqara entries in this itinerary show admission as not included. That means your package choice affects your stress level on the day. If you do not want to handle entrance fees yourself, select the option that includes entrance fees. If you are comfortable paying on site, the transport plus guide option can still work well.

Dahshur: Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid in one focused hour

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Dahshur: Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid in one focused hour
Once Saqqara is done, the tour heads to Dahshur. This is where the day really turns from “ancient capital and burial city” into “how the pyramid idea evolved.” Dahshur is tied to King Senefru and is noted as the area where the first true pyramid was built.

You are given about 1 hour here, and the sights listed are the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid.

The Bent Pyramid is called out as part of Dahshur’s defining story, and the Red Pyramid is often the one people remember later because it feels less crowded and more intimate. The schedule gives enough time to see both major pyramids without turning your visit into a long slog.

One specific bonus from the way this tour is set up: the itinerary is designed to put you in Dahshur after Saqqara, which can work in your favor if you want fewer people at the sites you care about most. Also, there is a strong hint in the tour feedback that entering inside places like the Red Pyramid can be easier here than at the most famous sites, and in some cases it might not cost extra if you choose the right moment or inclusion level.

Practical note on tickets at Dahshur

As with Saqqara, Dahshur’s listed stops show admission not included. Again, that makes your package selection important. If you hate surprises, choose the all-in package that covers entrance fees.

The included koshary lunch, why it actually helps

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - The included koshary lunch, why it actually helps
A big reason this tour feels like good value is that koshary lunch is included. On paper, that sounds like a small add-on. In real life, it prevents a time sink. Cairo monuments start early, end at set times, and the routes between sites are not short.

Koshary is a signature Egyptian comfort food, and even if you have had it before, it is a satisfying reset after hours of walking and looking at stone. Also, because the lunch is built into the tour timing, you are not left hunting for food while the clock ticks down on pyramid entry points.

If you have a sensitive stomach with spicy food, you might want to politely request the sauce level. The tour itself does not specify dietary options, so keep it simple and ask on the day.

Private transfers and time control, the real luxury

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Private transfers and time control, the real luxury
You are not just paying for comfort. You are paying for reduced friction.

This is a private tour, and the transfer is described as private 2-way hotel pickup and drop-off with no stops for other travelers. That means:

  • You leave when you are ready to leave, not when the last person appears.
  • You can spend a little extra at one site if the driver and guide can flex around your group.
  • You are less likely to feel rushed because someone else’s ride is late.

This matters most because the site times are short. Memphis gets about 45 minutes, then Saqqara segments arrive in 30-minute and 15-minute chunks, then Dahshur gets about an hour. When you only have so much time, a driver who understands pacing is worth a lot.

In the names that show up with this provider, you will see guide and driver mentions such as Kyrllos, Ahmed, and Hesham. Across the notes, the common thread is efficiency and accommodation, especially when people need their timing handled carefully.

Price and value: what $19 per person buys you

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Price and value: what $19 per person buys you
The headline price is $19 per person, and that number only makes sense when you understand the package structure. This day is offered in three options: transport-only, transport with a guide, and transport, guide, and entrance fees. All include the koshary lunch.

So the value equation is:

  • If you pick transport-only, you are mainly buying the private door-to-door driving and lunch, and you will likely handle entrances on your own at the sites that are not included.
  • If you add a guide, you are buying the ability to turn each quick stop into something you can actually remember and explain.
  • If you add entrance fees, you buy less friction, which is worth real money if you hate waiting at gates or want a smoother flow.

At this kind of price, the biggest value is not “five hours of unlimited sightseeing.” It is “five hours that gets you to the right places with less Cairo hassle.” If you already know the monuments and just want the route, transport-only can be fine. If you want meaning, guide time is the smart upgrade.

Who this tour fits best

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Who this tour fits best
This is a great match if:

  • You want Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur without doing the driving yourself.
  • You prefer private time over shared groups.
  • You like tight itineraries where you see a lot and move on.
  • You want lunch included, so the day stays predictable.

It is less ideal if:

  • You need long, slow museum-style visits at each site.
  • You dislike last-entry pressure. The itinerary is time-boxed, and the sites have schedules.

If you are traveling with older people or someone who tires quickly, tell the guide early. Private format makes it easier to keep things comfortable, but you still have the basic site time limits.

Your quick game plan for a smooth day

5-Hours VIP Private Day Memphis city ,Sakkara pyramids ,Dahshur - Your quick game plan for a smooth day
Here is how I would set yourself up for the best experience based on what this itinerary implies.

First, pick your package based on your tolerance for logistics. If you want a simple flow and less waiting, choose the option with entrance fees included. If you are okay paying for entry when you arrive, transport plus guide can still be a strong value.

Second, wear shoes that handle uneven ground. Saqqara and the surrounding necropolis zones can be dusty, uneven, and bright. You do not want soft soles or sandals.

Third, keep water and sun protection in mind. This is desert territory. Even with a car waiting for you, your walking time adds up fast across multiple pyramid areas.

Fourth, if you care about inside access or specific entry options, ask the guide how you can use your time at each site. The schedule is short enough that you want to use every minute well.

Finally, remember that this experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If you are flexible with your dates in Cairo, that helps.

Should you book this VIP Memphis, Saqqara and Dahshur day?

If you want an efficient, private way to hit three of Egypt’s most important pyramid-linked sites in one half-day, this booking is a strong choice. The combination of private transfers, koshary lunch, and the option to add a guide and entrance fees gives you control over how “easy” versus “interactive” you want the day to be.

I would book this tour if your goal is: get out of Cairo traffic headaches, see Memphis and Saqqara without stress, then finish with Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids before the day gets away from you.

I would think twice if you are the type who wants 2 hours at the Step Pyramid alone or who hates any chance of rushed pacing. In that case, you might prefer a longer, slower plan. But if you like focused sightseeing, this one is built for exactly that.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Memphis, Saqqara, and Dahshur tour?

The tour is approximately 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the tour uses private 2-way transfers.

Do I need to share the tour with other people?

No. This is a private tour, so only your group participates.

What does the tour include for food?

A koshary lunch is included.

Are entrance fees included?

It depends on the package you choose. Some parts are marked as free in the itinerary, while Step Pyramid, Pyramid of Teti, and the Dahshur pyramids are listed as not included. You can choose the package that includes entrance fees.

Does the tour offer a guide?

Yes, there are package options for transport-only, transport with a guide, or transport, guide, and entrance fees.

Where does pickup work in Cairo and where does it not?

Pickup is offered for hotels in Cairo or Giza. It is not included for 6th October city, New Cairo, Nasr city, New settlement, airport, and surrounding.

Is there a cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. This experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

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