In addition to the impressiveness of the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara is one of several other notable necropolis sites near Cairo. In fact, Saqqara may hold more interest to archaeologists than Giza does. The huge site hosts burials dating from before the beginning of the Old Kingdom up to the Greek Period of Egyptian history.

Later, explore the open-air museum at Memphis, home to statues, sphinxes, and other remnants of what was Egypt’s oldest capital.

Tour Plan

Our tour-guide will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship.

1st stop – Saqqara:
Located south of Cairo, Saqqara was the vast necropolis of the Ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis, and is home to the nation’s oldest pyramid: the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
Aside from being home to Egypt’s oldest pyramid, Saqqara is the largest archaeological site in the country. Nobles were laid to rest here over a period of around 3500 years, particularly when nearby Memphis was the capital city. The enormous ancient burial ground is also littered with other smaller pyramids, tombs, and funerary complexes.

2nd stop – Memphis:
Founded around 3100 BCE, Memphis was the first capital of the unified kingdom of Upper and Lower Egypt. It was abandoned in the 7th century CE but remains an important archaeological site.
The open-air museum of Memphis still boasts a good number of ancient ruins, including several important statues. An enormous colossus of Ramses II – displayed lying on its back and giving unique viewing access to its intricate detail – and an immense alabaster sphinx monolith are two of the highlights.

Finally, your tour-guide will escort you back to your hotel or cruise ship.