Half-Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour from Cairo

Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids

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 private 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!