Review · ALL-INCLUSIVE TOURS

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis

5.0 · 3,164 reviews From $144 Operated by Let`s Explore Egypt · Bookable on Viator
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The pyramids are only the beginning. This private, 10-hour Cairo tour combines Giza’s famous monuments with Saqqara and Memphis, giving you a fuller view of ancient Egypt than a quick pyramid stop. I like the door-to-door service and the chance to travel with your own Egyptologist guide, rather than being tied to a large group. The camel ride and lunch overlooking the pyramids add a pleasant change of pace. The main caution is that the word all inclusive may cause confusion, especially over which areas and interior pyramid tickets are covered.

You pay about $144 per person, which is fair if your group values a private vehicle, guide, lunch, entry fees, and hotel transfers. I also like that the day reaches Saqqara and Memphis, where the crowds and scale can feel less overwhelming than at Giza. Still, Cairo traffic can stretch the day, and one stop may feel rushed if you want a slow look at every tomb and monument.

Key points at a glance

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Key points at a glance

  • Three major ancient sites in one day: Giza, Saqqara, and Memphis give you a broad picture of Egypt’s early royal history.
  • A private guide and car: You can set the pace, ask questions, and avoid sharing the day with a large group.
  • Thirty-minute camel ride: The ride takes place around the Giza Pyramids and includes time for photographs.
  • Lunch with a pyramid view: A quality restaurant lunch is included, with the setting adding something special to the meal.
  • Guide quality matters: Guides named in strong feedback include Sam, Gamal, Lydia, Haidy, Eman, Ali, and Ahmed Gaber.
  • Check ticket details before booking: Entry to the main sites is included, but access inside a pyramid and some Sphinx areas may cost extra or need clarification.

Why this private Cairo day works well

Giza is the headline, but this tour earns its price by adding Saqqara and Memphis. You see the famous monuments, then travel back to the earlier stages of pyramid building and the old capital at Mit Rahina.

I like the private format because it gives you room to ask questions and adjust the rhythm. If you want more time for photographs at the panoramic viewpoint, your guide can work around that. If you care more about tombs than shopping stops, you can say so early.

The tour lasts about 10 hours. That is a long day, but Cairo’s distances and traffic make the length understandable. The drive between Giza and Memphis can take about an hour each way, according to one detailed account, so you should expect some time in the car.

Your day begins with pickup from a Cairo or Giza hotel. The provider offers round-trip transfers, bottled water, and a private vehicle. Pickup from Cairo Airport or locations outside the normal service area costs extra, so confirm your address before paying.

The overall rating is 4.8 from more than 3,000 ratings, with 95 percent recommending the experience. That points to a strong operation overall, but the few poor ratings matter. One person reported no pickup and difficulty reaching support. I would save the provider’s contact details, confirm the pickup time the day before, and make sure the hotel location is recorded correctly.

Giza Pyramids: start with the biggest names

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Giza Pyramids: start with the biggest names

Your Egyptologist guide begins at the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the Pyramid of Chephren, and the Pyramid of Mycerinus. The Great Pyramid is the only surviving wonder of the ancient Seven Wonders, and its sheer size can make textbook descriptions feel rather small.

A guide adds real value here. The plateau offers limited explanation in some places, and the monuments can blur together if you do not know what you are looking at. A good guide helps you distinguish the three pyramids, explains their place in ancient Egypt, and points out the best angles for photographs.

The panoramic viewpoint is one of the most useful stops. From there, you can see all three pyramids together and take the classic wide photograph. This is also a good moment to pause, since the main pyramid area can feel noisy and crowded.

The practical reality is less polished than the photographs. Giza can be dusty, noisy, and crowded, with camels, horses, cars, and people offering souvenirs or services. That atmosphere is part of the modern site, but it can make the ancient setting feel chaotic. A private guide helps you move through it with less friction, though no tour can remove the crowds or the persistent sales pitches entirely.

One of the strongest parts of this experience is the guide service. Sam received especially warm praise for his timing, history explanations, photography, humor, and care for the group. Gamal was also praised for adding worthwhile stops beyond the basic plan. Other highly rated guides include Lydia, Haidy, Eman, Ali, and Ahmed Gaber.

You cannot guarantee a particular guide unless the company confirms one in advance. Still, you can request a preferred guide when booking, especially if a specific name is important to you.

Camel ride and lunch near the pyramids

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Camel ride and lunch near the pyramids

The camel ride lasts 30 minutes and takes place around the Giza Pyramids in the desert. It is enough time for photographs and a short taste of riding without turning the whole day into a camel excursion.

I see this as a light, scenic part of the day rather than a major cultural experience. You get the familiar pyramid-and-camel photograph, but the ride can also be bumpy and exposed to the sun. Wear closed shoes, bring water, and use sunscreen. The tour includes bottled water, but carrying extra water is sensible in Cairo’s heat.

The included lunch takes place at a quality restaurant overlooking the Giza Pyramids. That view gives the meal real value, particularly after several hours outdoors. Egyptian food is one of the pleasures of the day, and sitting down indoors provides a needed break from dust, sun, and sales activity.

The word VIP suggests a polished experience, but you should keep expectations practical. This is still a busy archaeological area in Cairo, not a quiet private desert camp. The private vehicle and restaurant view are the more useful comforts.

The Sphinx and Valley Temple

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - The Sphinx and Valley Temple

The Great Sphinx is included as part of the Giza visit, along with the Valley Temple. The Sphinx is easy to recognize from photographs, but seeing its scale and position beside the plateau changes your sense of it.

Your guide can explain the relationship between the Sphinx, the temple complex, and the nearby pyramids. The Valley Temple helps make the royal complex easier to understand because it shows that the pyramids were not isolated tombs. They formed part of a larger ceremonial area.

Here, I would ask your guide exactly where your ticket allows you to go. The tour information says entrance fees for Giza, Memphis, Saqqara, and the Sphinx are included. Yet one detailed account said the group could see the Sphinx from outside the wall and needed clarification about what counted as admission.

The same issue applies to entering a pyramid. Interior access is not clearly included, and one person bought a separate ticket for the Great Pyramid with help from the guide. If going inside matters to you, ask before the tour begins. Do not assume that access to the plateau includes every interior chamber or monument.

Saqqara and the first pyramid

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Saqqara and the first pyramid

Saqqara is where the day becomes more rewarding for anyone who wants more than the standard Cairo photograph. You visit the Step Pyramid, widely described as the first pyramid in Egyptian history, along with tombs belonging to nobles.

The Step Pyramid of Djoser is important because it shows an earlier stage of pyramid design. Its stepped form looks very different from the smooth-sided pyramids at Giza, making the development of royal tombs easier to grasp.

Saqqara also gives you a chance to see decorated tombs and learn about people beyond the pharaohs. The noble tombs offer a more personal view of ancient Egyptian life, though the exact tombs open during your visit can vary.

The scheduled Saqqara portion is about three hours, including travel within the site. That sounds generous, but the area covers a lot of ground. One person wanted more time to wander there, while another found the final Giza stop rushed after visiting Saqqara and Memphis.

I would tell your guide early that Saqqara is a priority. If you want time to look at inscriptions, tomb scenes, and architectural details, say so before the day fills up with photographs and shopping stops. The private format gives you a better chance of shaping the balance.

Memphis and the Mit Rahina Museum

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Memphis and the Mit Rahina Museum

The last major stop is Mit Rahina Museum, located at Memphis, the ancient capital that predates 3200 BC. Memphis is not as visually overwhelming as Giza, but it is historically important and gives the day a wider frame.

The museum’s large statue of Ramses II is one of the main attractions. You also see remains connected with the old capital, then return to your hotel after the visit.

This stop works best if you enjoy context. Giza gives you the grand monuments, Saqqara shows an earlier stage of pyramid building, and Memphis connects the royal centers to the larger story of Egypt’s early capitals.

The drawback is the drive. Memphis lies well beyond the Giza Plateau, and the return journey can be tiring after a full day in the sun. If you have only one day in Cairo and want the broadest ancient Egypt overview, the drive is worth it. If you prefer a slow visit to Giza, you may find the schedule demanding.

Guide and driver quality make the difference

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Guide and driver quality make the difference

The strongest praise goes to the guides. People valued clear explanations, patience, humor, good photographs, and the ability to adjust the day to personal interests. Sam, Gamal, Lydia, Haidy, Eman, Ali, and Ahmed Gaber were singled out for these qualities in different accounts.

A private Egyptologist guide is especially useful at sites where signs are limited. Without interpretation, you can still admire the stone, but you may miss why the structures matter and how the sites relate to one another.

The driver also matters in Cairo. Traffic can be intense, and the day involves long transfers. Hassan received particular praise for safe, professional driving, while other comments described the vehicles as clean, comfortable, and on time.

There is one important balance point. A few people felt pressured around tips or optional purchases, even though major services were included. Egypt has a strong tipping culture, but you should feel free to ask what is included and what is optional. Keep small notes available if you choose to tip, and do not let an included camel ride turn into an unexpected payment dispute.

Some groups also stopped at a perfume or oil shop and enjoyed it. If shopping is not your priority, tell the guide. Your private format should make it easier to protect time for the monuments.

Is $144 good value?

VIP All inclusive Best of the best Giza Pyramids,Sakkara,Memphis - Is $144 good value?

At about $144 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the pyramids. It can still be good value if you want a private day with hotel pickup, a dedicated guide, a driver, a camel ride, lunch, bottled water, and entry fees for the listed sites.

The price makes less sense if you only want a quick look at Giza. A simpler half-day visit may suit you better. This tour is aimed at people who want three major archaeological areas in one organized day and do not want to arrange separate taxis, tickets, and explanations.

Group size changes the value. Because the activity is private, the cost can feel more reasonable when shared among several people. You also gain flexibility that a large coach group cannot offer.

I would confirm three points before booking:

  • Which Sphinx areas are included in the admission fee.
  • Whether any pyramid interior ticket is extra.
  • Whether lunch is at the stated restaurant with the pyramid view.

The cancellation policy is straightforward: you receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Who should book this day?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want the major ancient sites handled in one day. Families may appreciate the private car and the chance to move at their own pace, though children must be accompanied by an adult.

It also suits people who want explanation rather than simple transport. A guide can turn three visually impressive locations into a connected story about royal burial, pyramid design, temples, and early capitals.

You should think twice if you dislike long car rides, hot outdoor sites, or busy urban conditions. The day is full, and Cairo’s traffic can make the schedule feel longer than the advertised 10 hours.

Wear smart-casual clothing, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. The dress code is smart casual, but practical clothing matters more than style once you are walking around dusty archaeological sites.

My recommendation

I would book this tour if you want a private, wide-ranging introduction to ancient Egypt and you value a good guide. Giza alone is spectacular, but Saqqara and Memphis make the day more complete, while the camel ride and pyramid-view lunch break up the sightseeing.

I would not book it without first confirming the Sphinx access and pyramid interior fees. Those details created the only serious disappointment in the feedback. With that clarified, the private format, strong guide record, included meal, and door-to-door service make this a solid choice for a first Cairo visit.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 10 hours, including visits to Giza, Saqqara, Memphis, the camel ride, lunch, and hotel transfers.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from Cairo or Giza hotels. Pickup from Cairo Airport or locations outside the normal service area requires an additional charge.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates, with a private guide and private transportation.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. A 30-minute camel ride around the Giza Pyramids is included.

Are the entrance fees included?

The stated inclusions cover entrance fees for Giza Pyramids, Memphis, Saqqara, and the Sphinx. Confirm whether specific Sphinx areas or entry inside a pyramid require a separate ticket.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted and are not refunded.

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