How to Plan Your Half Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour from Cairo

If you’re looking for a half day tour in Giza filled with ancient history, look no further than the Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour. This 4-hour tour takes you back almost 5000 years to explore the ancient capital of Lower Egypt and see the oldest complete stone structure in the world, the Step Pyramid of Zoser. Here’s how you can plan your own Half Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour from Cairo:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step in planning your tour is to book it. You can book the Half Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour from Cairo through Viator, a reputable online tour booking company. The cost of the tour includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, and entrance fees to the Saqqara complex and the outdoor museum of Memphis. Book the tour here

Step 2: Prepare for the tour

Once you’ve booked your tour, it’s time to prepare for it. The tour will run for approximately 4 hours, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Egypt is a Muslim country, so it’s recommended to dress modestly and consider wearing a hat or bringing an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. Also, make sure to bring along water to stay hydrated during the tour.

Step 3: Meet Your Tour Guide

The tour starts with your guide meeting you at your hotel lobby or a predetermined meeting place in Cairo. From there, you’ll board an air-conditioned vehicle and head to the Saqqara complex, which is approximately 30 km south of Cairo.

Step 4: Explore the Saqqara Complex

The Saqqara complex is home to the world’s oldest large-scale stone monument, the Step Pyramid of Zoser. Your guide will take you through the complex and explain the history behind the pyramid, including why it was built and how it was constructed. You’ll also have a chance to explore the other pyramids of Saqqara, once the burial ground of Memphis.

Step 5: Visit the Outdoor Museum of Memphis

After exploring the Saqqara complex, your guide will take you to the outdoor museum of Memphis. Here you’ll see some of the city’s treasures, including a colossal statue of Ramses II, a sphinx, and many other statues and pieces of artwork. Your guide will share fascinating insights into ancient Egypt and answer any questions you have.

Step 6: Return to Cairo

After the tour, your guide will return you back to your hotel or the meeting place in Cairo in the air-conditioned vehicle.

Conclusion

The Half Day Saqqara Pyramids and Memphis Tour from Cairo is an excellent way to explore ancient Egyptian history and learn about the rich culture and traditions of this fascinating country. By following these simple steps, you can easily plan and prepare for your own tour to Saqqara and Memphis. Book your tour today and join fellow travelers in exploring one of the most historic and exciting places on earth!

Everything You Need to Know About Giza

Introduction

Giza is a city situated in the western part of Cairo in Egypt. It is a famous city known for its historic monuments, especially the Pyramids of Giza. The city attracts millions of tourists annually, making it a popular destination in Egypt. If you are planning to visit Giza, you might have several questions about the city. In this post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Giza, Egypt.

1. What is Giza famous for?

Giza is famous for its historic monuments, especially the pyramids. The most well-known of these is the Great Pyramid of Giza. It was built more than 4,500 years ago during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu. Giza is also popular for the iconic Sphinx, a mystical statue representing the mythical creature with a lion’s body and human’s head. The city is also known for its beautiful gardens, including the Al-Azhar Park and the Orman Garden.

2. What is the best time to visit Giza?

The best time to visit Giza is from November to April. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it ideal for outdoor activities. During the summer months, Giza can get extremely hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F). This can make outdoor activities unpleasant and even dangerous, so it is best to avoid visiting during the summer if possible.

3. How do I get to Giza?

The easiest way to get to Giza is to fly into Cairo International Airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an Uber to get to Giza. Alternatively, you can take the Cairo Metro, which connects to Giza. Once you are in Giza, you can take a taxi or a bus to get around the city.

4. What are the top tourist attractions in Giza?

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are the main attractions in Giza. Other popular attractions include the Solar Boat Museum, which houses the reconstructed solar boat used in the Great Pyramid of Giza, and the Sound and Light show, which showcases the history and legends of the Pyramids of Giza. You can also visit the Mena House Hotel, which was once a hunting lodge for the Khedive Isma’il Pasha and later a royal palace.

5. Is it safe to visit Giza?

Giza is generally a safe city to visit. However, like any other city in the world, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. It is best to avoid walking alone at night and to stay in well-lit areas. You should also be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.

6. What is the currency used in Giza?

The currency used in Giza is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It is best to exchange your money at authorized banks or currency exchange offices to get a fair rate. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available in the city.

7. What is the dress code in Giza?

Egypt is a conservative country, and it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing or clothes that expose the shoulders or knees. Women should also cover their heads when visiting a mosque.

8. What is the food like in Giza?

Egyptian cuisine is known for its delicious and flavorful dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Giza include koshari, a vegetarian dish made from pasta, rice, lentils, and chickpeas, and ful medames, a dish made from fava beans. You can also try falafel, ta’ameya, and shawarma, which are popular street foods in Giza.

Conclusion

Giza is a fascinating city that offers a glimpse of the ancient world with its historic monuments and rich cultural heritage. The city is a must-visit destination in Egypt, and with the information provided in this post, you should be well-prepared for your trip to Giza. Remember to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety and to respect the local customs and traditions.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Giza

Giza, located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, is a city steeped in history and a world-renowned destination for travelers seeking to explore ancient sites and artifacts. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the Sphinx, there is no shortage of sights to behold in this culturally-rich city. In this post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Giza, ensuring that you make the most of your trip.

1. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

Your trip to Giza would not be complete without visiting the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The pyramids are located on the Giza plateau, around 12 kilometers southwest of central Cairo. There are three pyramids that you can visit – the Pyramid of Khufu (also known as the Great Pyramid), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.If you’re interested in history, you may want to take a guided tour to learn more about the Pyramids of Giza and the history behind them. There are many tour operators in the area that offer guided tours, and some even allow visitors to enter the pyramids to see the chambers inside. However, be warned that there are only a limited number of tickets available each day, and they tend to sell out quickly.

2. Explore the Sphinx

Next on your list should be exploring the Sphinx, the iconic statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion. Built by the ancient Egyptians, the Sphinx is believed to be over 4,500 years old and is surrounded by mystery and legends.Visitors can take a stroll around the Sphinx and view it from all angles. The statue is located close to the Pyramids of Giza, so you can see both sights in one visit. There are also guided tours available that will provide insights into the history and significance of the Sphinx.

3. Discover the History of the Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum is home to some of the world’s most important antiquities, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. The museum is located in downtown Cairo and contains over 120,000 artifacts, making it one of the largest museums in the world.Visitors can explore the various halls and exhibitions throughout the museum, including the Royal Mummy Room, which contains the mummies of some of ancient Egypt’s most famous kings and queens.If you’re a history buff, consider taking a guided tour of the museum. Tour operators offer tours in English, allowing visitors to learn more about the artifacts and their significance.

4. Visit Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur

If you have more time on your hands, consider venturing outside of Giza to explore Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur. These sites are located a short distance from Giza and are home to some of the oldest pyramids and ancient Egyptian settlements.Saqqara is home to the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest pyramid in Egypt. Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt and contains the ruins of the once-great city. Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid, two of the earliest pyramids in the country.Visitors can take guided tours to explore these sites while learning about their history and significance.

5. Take a Camel Ride

No trip to Giza would be complete without taking a camel ride. Visitors can travel through the desert along the Pyramids of Giza, enjoying the unique views and taking memorable photos.Make sure to haggle for the price with the camel drivers and choose a reputable provider to ensure that the camel is treated well.

6. Try the Local Cuisine

Egypt is home to some of the most delicious and unique cuisine in the world. Make sure to try the local dishes while you’re in Giza, including koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta), foul (a type of fava bean stew), and taamiya (Egyptian falafel).There are many restaurants in the area that offer authentic Egyptian cuisine. Consider trying Felfela, one of the oldest restaurants in Cairo, or Abou El Sid for a more upscale experience.

Conclusion

Giza is a city filled with historical and cultural significance, offering visitors an unforgettable experience. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Sphinx, exploring these ancient sites is a must-do for any tourist visiting Egypt.There are many unique experiences to be had in Giza, including trying local cuisine and taking a camel ride. With this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that you make the most of your trip and discover all that this incredible city has to offer.