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Tour to the sites of Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur

Overview

Egypt has so many ancient riches that most visitors are still unaware of many of its beauties.  We've organized a tour to the Memphis region and the pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur. These two complexes are worth a visit and are around 20 kilometers south of Cairo.

Everyone stands in awe of the historical monuments of Saqqara and Dahshur, and many questions come to mind: How were the pharaohs able to build such massive structures?? How have these monuments survived so long? How has their appearance remained unchanged? In tombs and temples, we learn about the life of the "ancient Egyptian genius."

The most notable historical sites in Saqqara and Dahshur are worth seeing if you're thinking about making a brief trip to Egypt.  Cairo Top Tours provides packages that cover lodging, transportation, and food if you choose to spend a few days there. You'll get to see up close many of the royal tombs decorated with unique inscriptions and the first pyramids, which were skillfully constructed even before the Pyramids of Giza were built. Participate in this intriguing historical period that saw the emergence of ancient funeral life. Why not pack your bags and get ready for your next trip to Saqqara and Dahshur?

Inclusion

  • All taxes and service fees are included.
  • Cairo shopping tours (based on your request).
  • knowledgeable tour guide who speaks English.
  • A delicious meal at a reputable neighborhood eatery.
  • A brand-new, air-conditioned car is used for all private transfers.
  • Soft beverages and mineral water in bottles on Egypt Day Tours.
  • All admission costs and tickets to Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis.
  • If time permits, have a soft drink at a neighborhood cafe while on an Egypt tour.
  • Daily transfers from any hotel in Cairo or Giza are included in Cairo Day Tours.

Exclusion

Itinerary

Our tour begins at 9:00 AM with your knowledgeable, licensed guide to educate you on the history of this period. The Step Pyramid, which you will see, was constructed in phases. A mastaba was built with a height of about 8.5 meters, then 9 meters on the eastern side, thus adding 11 wells belonging to the Djoser family to the body of the building. The building's height was then increased by 60 meters by adding four mastabas, one over the other, giving it a pyramidal form.  

The Saqqara area is full of other areas and monuments such as the Kagemni Tomb, the Imhotep Museum and many others. Enjoy all of this and more with us. Then we move to another area which is evidence of the development of the form of construction of the tombs of their dead.

King Sneferu's first pyramid was nearly destroyed and never finished. However, he did build a complete pyramid about a kilometer north of the first pyramid, called the Red Pyramid. Because of the reddish color of its stones, which come from nearby quarries, it is known as "the Red" and is the highest of the Dahshur pyramids. It was coated in a layer of white limestone that had been taken out of the Tura quarries, which are located south of present-day Cairo, and used again for building throughout the Middle Ages. The pyramid of King Senusret III is also there, encircled by the princesses Set-Hathor-Mont's graves. Learn more with our guide.

When mentioning the capitals of ancient Egypt throughout ancient Egyptian history, in the north, center, and south of the country, the capital of capitals, Memphis, comes to the forefront, crowning all the capitals. The city of cities witnessed the unification of the two regions of Egypt at the hands of its strong men from Upper Egypt, led by Scorpion II (one of the kings of the Zero Dynasty) and King Narmer (head of the First Dynasty). The location of this capital (circa 3200 BC) was chosen with great care to play a role in the story.

At the end, your guide will leave you, and your driver will take you to your desired destination.

Price

Number of Persons Prices
1 Person $140 Per Person
2 - 3 Persons $95 Per Person
4 - 6 Persons $80 Per Person
7 - 10 Persons $65 Per Person

Quick tips

Start from : $65

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Egypt is an important country with many exciting places to visit. To make sure you see all the best spots like Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur, it's a good idea to take a guided day tour. This way, you won't miss any of the amazing things this country has to offer.

 

 

 

Yes, guided tour services are commonly available for visitors touring Cairo's attractions and historical sites. Whether you choose a private tour or a group tour, having a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your experience by providing insights, historical context, and cultural information about the places you visit. Here's what you can expect from guided tour services in Cairo:

Professional Guides: Tour operators in Cairo typically employ professional guides who are knowledgeable about the history, culture, and significance of the attractions. These guides often speak multiple languages, including English, to accommodate international visitors.

Information and Commentary: Guides provide informative commentary throughout the tour, offering historical facts, anecdotes, and interesting stories related to the sites you visit. They can help you understand the context and significance of each attraction.

Navigation: Guides ensure that you navigate through complex sites like the Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, and historic neighborhoods with ease. They can help you avoid getting lost and maximize your time.

Answering Questions: Guides are available to answer your questions and engage in discussions about the sites, local culture, and history. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Cultural Insights: Guides can offer insights into local customs, traditions, and etiquette, helping you better appreciate and respect Egyptian culture.

Safety and Security: Guides can provide information on safety precautions and help ensure that your tour is conducted in a safe and organized manner.

Private vs. Group Tours: In private tours, you have the guide's full attention and can have a more personalized experience. In group tours, the guide manages a larger group of participants but still provides valuable information.

Optional Extras: Some guided tours may offer optional extras, such as access to additional attractions or experiences not included in the standardtour. These can be arranged through the tour operator.

 
 
 
 
 

Dahshur is an archaeological site located in the Giza Governorate of Egypt, not far from Cairo. It holds significant historical and archaeological importance due to its association with ancient Egyptian pyramids and the development of pyramid construction techniques. The significance of Dahshur lies in the following aspects:

Pyramid Development: Dahshur is home to two particularly important pyramids, the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. These pyramids mark a transition in pyramid construction techniques during the Old Kingdom of Egypt. They provide insights into the evolution of pyramid design and engineering.

Bent Pyramid: The Bent Pyramid, built during the reign of Pharaoh Sneferu, is called "bent" because it has two different angles of inclination. It was originally constructed with a steep angle, which was later modified to a shallower angle. This change in design is believed to be an attempt to correct structural issues during construction. It's one of the earliest examples of pyramid experimentation.

Red Pyramid: The Red Pyramid at Dahshur, also built by Pharaoh Sneferu, is known for its distinctive red limestone casing, which has largely eroded over time. It is the third-largest pyramid in Egypt and one of the earliest successful attempts at constructing a smooth-sided, true pyramid.

Engineering Advances: The construction of the pyramids at Dahshur reflects the advancement of architectural and engineering knowledge in ancient Egypt. These early pyramids served as testing grounds for innovative techniques that were later perfected in the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Historical Significance: Dahshur's pyramids are significant for their historical context, as they were built during the Old Kingdom period (approximately 27th to 22nd centuries BCE), a time of great pyramid construction in Egypt.

Archaeological Exploration: Archaeological excavations and studies at Dahshur have provided valuable information about ancient Egyptian building methods, workforce organization, and the logistics of pyramid construction.

Tourism: Dahshur is accessible to tourists, offering a quieter and less crowded alternative to the more famous Giza Plateau. Visitors can explore the pyramids, learn about their history, and appreciate the architectural achievements of ancient Egypt.

Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur are ancient Egyptian archaeological sites located near Cairo. Each of these sites is rich in history and home to some of Egypt's most famous and historically significant monuments. Here are the famous sites at each location:

Saqqara:

Step Pyramid of Djoser (Pyramid of Zoser): This is one of the most iconic structures at Saqqara and is considered the world's oldest monumental stone structure. Designed by the architect Imhotep, it marked a significant evolution in pyramid construction, representing an early form of a pyramid.

Mastaba Tombs: Saqqara is home to numerous mastaba tombs, rectangular-shaped structures that served as tombs for the elite of ancient Egypt. They are known for their beautiful reliefs and inscriptions.

Teti Pyramid: This pyramid is associated with Pharaoh Teti and is known for its well-preserved pyramid texts, a collection of ancient Egyptian religious texts.

Unas Pyramid: The pyramid of Pharaoh Unas is known for its pyramid texts, some of the earliest religious writings in ancient Egypt.

Serapeum of Saqqara: an underground burial complex that housed the mummified remains of sacred Apis bulls, considered divine creatures in ancient Egypt.

Memphis:

Memphis Open-Air Museum: Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, features an open-air museum with an impressive colossus of Ramses II, as well as statues, sphinxes, and other relics from the city's past.

Alabaster Sphinx: The colossal alabaster sphinx of Ramses II is a prominent attraction in the museum. It is well-preserved and intricately carved.

Dahshur:

Bent Pyramid: The Bent Pyramid is an unusual structure due to its bent appearance, which is the result of design modifications made during its construction. It is one of the earliest examples of a true smooth-sided pyramid.

Red Pyramid: Known for its distinctive red limestone casing, the Red Pyramid is one of the largest pyramids in Egypt. It's famous for being one of the earliest true pyramids, with smooth sides from the base to the top.

You should be aware that visiting a mosque is only permitted between prayers, and non-Muslims are still required to dress conservatively. Visitors must wear long gowns and no shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, or other footwear, as this is considered exceedingly disrespectful. Always remove your shoes before entering the mosque (a place of prayer), as they carry dirt from the street. You can, however, keep your socks on. Women must be protected. No loud voice is allowed inside the mosque, as it is not allowed to interrupt praying Muslims, especially by taking photos for them.

The best time for a day tour in Cairo is usually during the cooler months, from October to April, to avoid the extreme summer heat. Mornings are generally less crowded at popular sites.

Egypt offers a multitude of fascinating day trips and excursions from its major cities, providing opportunities to explore diverse historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Here are some options for day trips from major Egyptian cities:

From Cairo:

  • Giza Pyramids and Sphinx
  • Memphis and Saqqara.
  •     Coptic Cairo.
  • Nile River Cruises

From Luxor:

  • Valley of the Kings and Queens
  • Karnak and Luxor Temples
        Hatshepsut Temple.
  • hot air balloon rides.

From Aswan:

  •     Philae Temple.
  • Abu Simbel Temples
  • Felucca sails on the Nile.
  •     Nubian Villages.

The tour typically includes the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, the open-air museum of Memphis, and the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid in Dahshur.

Saqqara is an archaeological site located near Cairo, Egypt. It is renowned for its ancient burial grounds and the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is considered one of the earliest colossal stone buildings and the first pyramid ever constructed. Saqqara served as a necropolis for the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis and contains numerous tombs, pyramids, and ancient structures.

Bent Pyramid: Known for its unusual design, this pyramid has a lower inclination that shifts halfway up.
The Red Pyramid is regarded as the first instance of a properly constructed pyramid with smooth sides. In addition, it is Egypt's third-largest pyramid.
 

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