Embarking on a day tour to Sakkara and Memphis is not just a journey through ancient history. It’s a gateway to inspiration and a testament to the resilience of human civilization. As you set foot on this expedition, let the whispers of the past echo within you. Igniting the fire of curiosity and the drive for discovery.
Saqqara is an Egyptian village in the markaz (county) of Badrashin in the Giza Governorate,[1] that contains ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty, serving as the necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital, Memphis.[2] Saqqara contains numerous pyramids, including the Pyramid of Djoser, sometimes referred to as the Step Tomb, and a number of mastaba tombs. Located some 30 km (19 mi) south of modern-day Cairo, Saqqara covers an area of around 7 by 1.5 km (4.3 by 0.9 mi).
You will go to the west district of Giza Governorate to explore the massive structures that belonging to the great pharaohs of the old , Middle and New kingdoms in Sakkara. And also explore first capital in Egypt “Memphis”
Saqqara, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Egypt, is a vast necropolis that served as the principal burial ground for Memphis, the first capital of ancient Egypt. Located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Cairo, Saqqara is best known for being home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest large-scale stone structure ever built. Constructed during the 27th century BCE for Pharaoh Djoser, this pyramid marks a turning point in Egyptian architecture, transitioning from traditional mastaba tombs to the more sophisticated pyramid design. Designed by the legendary architect Imhotep, the Step Pyramid was originally conceived as a simple mastaba but was later expanded into a six-tiered pyramid rising to 60 meters (197 feet). Surrounding the pyramid is a vast funerary complex, including temples, courtyards, and underground chambers that housed the pharaoh’s burial equipment and treasures. Saqqara was not only a royal burial site but also a sacred place for religious practices throughout Egypt’s history. The site is dotted with tombs of high officials, noblemen, and priests, whose elaborate mastabas feature beautifully preserved hieroglyphic inscriptions and intricate carvings depicting daily life, religious rituals, and offerings to the gods. Among the most remarkable discoveries at Saqqara is the Serapeum, a vast underground network of tunnels and burial chambers where massive stone sarcophagi housed the sacred Apis bulls, worshipped as earthly manifestations of the god Ptah. The site continued to be used for burials well into the Greco-Roman period, with the discovery of the Pyramid of Unas, which contains the oldest known pyramid texts—religious spells and inscriptions meant to guide the pharaoh’s soul into the afterlife. Even today, Saqqara remains an active excavation site, with new discoveries shedding light on the mysteries of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Memphis, the legendary city founded by Pharaoh Menes around 3100 BCE, was the first capital of a unified Egypt and remained a political, cultural, and religious center for centuries. Situated near the Nile Delta, Memphis was strategically located at the junction between Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolizing the unity of the two lands. The city was dedicated to the worship of Ptah, the creator god and patron deity of artisans, and was home to one of the most significant temples in ancient Egypt, the Great Temple of Ptah. Though much of the ancient city has been lost to time, its influence on Egyptian civilization was immense, with later capitals such as Thebes and Alexandria drawing inspiration from its grandeur. Memphis was known for its vast palaces, administrative buildings, and bustling markets, making it a hub of economic and political activity. The city played a crucial role in trade, connecting Egypt with the Mediterranean, Africa, and the Near East, bringing in valuable resources such as cedarwood from Lebanon, lapis lazuli from Afghanistan, and gold from Nubia. One of the most striking remnants of Memphis today is the colossal statue of Ramses II, a massive limestone sculpture measuring over 10 meters (33 feet) long, which once stood in front of the temple as a symbol of the pharaoh’s power and divine status. Also found in Memphis is the alabaster Sphinx, a smaller but equally impressive monument carved from a single block of stone, believed to date back to the 18th Dynasty. Despite the gradual decline of Memphis following the rise of Thebes and later Alexandria, the city remained an important religious center well into the Greco-Roman period. Today, the ruins of Memphis, preserved within an open-air museum, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Egypt’s first capital, a city that laid the foundations for one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
Moreover, this journey into the past is a reflection of the power of preservation. The preservation of these ancient sites stands as a testament to the importance of cherishing our history and learning from it. Paving the way for a brighter future.
As you conclude this enriching tour. You leave not only with memories but with a renewed vigor to conquer challenges, to dream big, and to build your own legacy. The trip to Sakkara and Memphis is not just about visiting ancient relics. It’s about embracing the invaluable lessons and inspiration they offer. Propelling us to create our own history and leave our mark on the world.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza by Ancient Egypt Tours representative. start visiting the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the world’s oldest major stone structure. It was built in the 3rd Dynasty (around 2630 BC) for King Djoser, the famous step pyramid of Sakkara is considered the first large-scale carved stone structure in the world. As its name suggests, it is a series of six levels of stones that decrease in size until they reach a height of 62 meters (200 feet). this structure predates them, and it is vital to archeologists’ understanding of the development of pyramid construction. the museum of Imnhotep, the tomb of a high official, the pyramid of king Titi, the pyramid of king Unas and Nobles Tombs The famous step pyramid of Sakkara is considered the first large-scale carved stone structure in the world. As its name suggests, it is a series of six levels of stones that decrease in size until they reach a height of 62 meters (200 feet). this structure predates them and it is vital to archeologists’ understanding of the development of pyramid construction.
After that transfer to Memphis, which was founded by King Menes, and was the capital of Old Egypt during the Old Kingdom, it was considered to be a center of rule and culture for over 3000 years the first capital of Egypt, the city reached a peak of prestige under the 6th dynasty as a center for the worship of Ptah, the god of creation and artworks. The alabaster sphinx that guards the Temple of Ptah serves as a memorial of the city’s former power and prestige. The Memphis triad, consisting of the creator god Ptah, his consort Sekhmet, and their son Nefertem, formed the main focus of worship in the city. Memphis declined briefly after the 18th dynasty with the rise of Thebes and the New Kingdom, and was revived under the Persians before falling firmly into second place following the foundation of Alexandria and see the Statue of Ramses-ii-16 meters high, the alabaster sphinx. And Back to Hotel in Cairo or Giza
| Adults Numbers | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single | 90 $ |
| 2 -3 | 50 $ |
| 4 – 6 | 40 $ |
| 7 – 10 | 35 $ |
| 11 – 15 | 30 $ |
Tour price currency is set to USD but you can pay in Euro or British pound. The prices quoted per person per tour all-inclusive of tax and prices are always updated to ensure you receive the lowest price possible. Once your tour is confirmed we guarantee the price will not be changed.
0 – 05.99 free of Charge.
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of tour price.
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 25% to secure your spaces on the tour including domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, making your booking a risk-free investment.
Ancient Egypt Tours does not charge a cancellation fee for tours and excursions canceled for ‘force measures reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control. If cancellation happens due to personal or business reasons and Ancient Egypt Tours has already incurred costs on your behalf, these costs will not be refunded to you.
To receive a full refund, travelers may cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time in the local time zone. No refunds will be given after that time period.
Flight & train tickets are nonrefundable
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
