I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid I felt like Egypt looked like some kind of fantasy planet. From the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the majestic Sphinx, all the way to the local culture and food, it seems unreal.
However, if you want to enjoy an authentic, immersive experience unlike any other, I recommend checking out a private sightseeing tour. I’ve handpicked the 5 best private sightseeing tours from Cairo, Egypt to ensure you have a fantastic time, too. Let’s jump right in!
Best Tours to the Pyramids in Egypt
| 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo | Private All Inclusive: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels | All Inclusive Private Trip Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel, VIP Lunch | |
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| Departure: | Hotel pickup and drop-off available | Hotel pickup and drop-off available | Hotel pickup and drop-off available |
| Start: | 8:00 AM | 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 AM | Between 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM |
| Duration: | 8 to 10 hours | 8 to 10 hours | 5 hours |
| Includes: | Entrance fees, lunch at a good-quality restaurant, 30-minute camel ride around Giza pyramids, Egyptologist guide, transport by air-conditioned vehicle | Egyptologist guide, private tour, bottled water, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, 30-minute camel ride, lunch in quality restaurant, entrance fees | Egyptologist guide, private tour, bottled water, 30-minute camel ride, VIP lunch in restaurant, entrance fees |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Egypt Pyramids Tours From Cairo For 2024
- 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo
- Private All Inclusive: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
- All Inclusive Private Trip Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel, VIP Lunch
- Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch
- Cairo, Giza: Sakkara Dahshur Pyramids & Memphis Private Tour
Best Egypt Pyramid Tour Reviews
1. 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Includes: Entrance fees, lunch at a good-quality restaurant, 30-minute camel ride around Giza pyramids, Egyptologist guide, transport by air-conditioned vehicle
It’s hard to put Egypt into words, but “breathtaking”, “riveting”, and “glorious” are all some of the first that came to mind when I first arrived in Cairo. I’ve learned my lesson thinking that going around and checking off each of the top sights in each city I visit is enough.
In fact, tours like the 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo are one of those adventures that will make anyone addicted to taking tours!
While we know the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are some of the most iconic sights in the world, this excursion will take you through all kinds of ancient sights with artifacts and stories to make these scenes come alive.
Starting out at 8:00 am, you’ll get picked up in an air-conditioned vehicle and will head straight over to the Pyramids of Giza first.
Once here, you’ll learn about the facts, myths, and everything in-between about these towering beauties. Stand right in front of the amazing Sphinx, then take a 30-minute camel ride around the pyramids before heading to a great local restaurant for lunch.
After refueling, you’ll get to experience The Egyptian Museum is vast but filled with expertly-curated artifacts dating from ancient times to present.
The exploration doesn’t end there, as you’ll venture into the bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar which features tons of traditional crafts like carpets, crystals, antiques, and much more. This renowned marketplace is one of the best places in the world for purchasing souvenirs. All in all, this was a 10 out of 10 experience that anyone will love!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Private All Inclusive: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00 AM
- Duration: 8 to 10 hours
- Includes: Egyptologist guide, private tour, bottled water, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, 30-minute camel ride, lunch in quality restaurant, entrance fees
One of the things that turns some people off from group tours, is the idea that they’re going to be herded around with dozens of other people without any personal touch to speak of. While that may be the case for many, that’s far from what you’ll get with our next tour.
The Private All Inclusive: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Saqqara, Lunch & Camels tour is a completely exclusive, exciting experience just for your party!
Start off by being conveniently picked up right from your hotel lobby by an air-conditioned vehicle with plenty of leg room, comfortable seats, and big windows. As you cruise along, your guide will be there to fill you in on what to expect, as well as a general history of Egypt before you arrive.
The guide is a qualified Egyptologist, so you can rest assured they know all the ins and outs on the subject! As you see the pyramids come into view, it’s sure to evoke something in you as it did to all of us!
Once you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy some incredible views of all of the pyramids and have plenty of time to take some photos. After, head over to see the world-famous Sphinx, check out the valley temple, and of course, get in a camel ride for half an hour!
You’re probably going to be a bit tired at this point, so take a lunch break in one of the best restaurants in the area before seeing the first pyramid in Sakkara and Tombs for Nobles. Then, explore the oldest capital before 3200 BC: Memphis. It also contains some of the most ancient, best-preserved sites in the world, so don’t miss out!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. All Inclusive Private Trip Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel, VIP Lunch
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: Between 8:00 AM & 12:00 PM
- Duration: 5 hours
- Includes: Egyptologist guide, private tour, bottled water, 30-minute camel ride, VIP lunch in restaurant, entrance fees
As one of the only Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to make it into our modern era, seeing the Giza Pyramids is something indescribable. Seeing it in a private tour setting is even more special, as you’ll have an expert Egyptologist there to enrich the experience.
With the All-Inclusive Private Trip Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Camel, VIP Lunch Tour, you’ll have all that and much more! Just like with the other tours, this one starts out with your guide picking you up right from your hotel in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle.
Set off at 9:00 am to avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day, making your way towards the pyramids of Giza. You’ll get to see the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus – all of which have a unique story.
One of the coolest parts of the tour was hopping on an adorable camel and riding them around for 25 minutes or so, with amazing views of the pyramids around us. The guide was kind enough to even take photos of us while we were on the camel – a great memento to have to look back on!
Venture forth towards the enigmatic Great Sphinx – the majestic icon of a pharaoh melded with the body of a lion. Standing an impressive 66 feet tall, the Sphinx is full of wonder, mystery, and was particularly interesting to me.
After such a deep immersion in history, you’ll need a lunch fit for royalty, too! Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the best restaurants in the area and reminisce about everything you just experienced with your group!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 8:00, 8:30, 9:00 & 9:30 AM
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Includes: Egyptologist guide, private tour, bottled water, lunch, entrance fees
If you’re looking for one of the top tours to Giza but are on a tight budget or schedule, this is a perfect alternative. Strap in and get ready to unravel the secrets of the ancient world with an expert Egyptologist to lead the way.
The Private Tour to Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch is highly recommended if it’s your first day in Cairo! You’ll be picked up early in the morning, with your tour guide awaiting you in a comfortable vehicle.
I was nearly bursting out of my skin with excitement as we made our way to the legendary Giza plateau, which houses the breathtaking Giza Pyramids and mysterious Sphinx. Feast your eyes upon the grandeur of the Great Pyramids, where you’ll learn all about the secrets they guard.
What was really special for us, was that we actually got the rare privilege of interacting with the pyramids. I mean, we were actually able to not only take photos, but to touch them (sometimes you’re even able to explore a bit more!).
For me, the awe-inspiring Sphinx created to protect the pyramid of King Chefren was incredibly regal and truly created a magical moment for us all.
Next is the Valley Temple, which has witness sacred rituals of mummification and purification, and who knows what else! The spirits of the departed pharaohs seem to linger here, along with their secrets of their eternal transformation
Last but not least, pay a pilgrimage to the immaculate Egyptian Museum filled with over 250,000 genuine relics. Covering a whopping 5,000 years of ancient Egyptian artistry, I personally loved the Tutankhamen collection! Filled with glittering gold jewelry once shrouded in darkness for over 3 millennia, it’s certainly hard to wrap your mind around.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Cairo, Giza: Sakkara Dahshur Pyramids & Memphis Private Tour
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Includes: Private tour guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, traditional lunch (if option selected)
This tour could simply not be left off of this guide, taking you right into the heart of Ancient Egypt with a fantastic tour guide! I promise that whatever you’ve heard or learned about Egypt cannot compare with actually going there and seeing it with your own eyes.
The Cairo, Giza: Sakkara Dahshur Pyramids & Memphis Private Tour will not only take you to the important landmarks, but teach you the meaning behind them. As this is a private tour, you can count on not being rushed through or staying too long at places you aren’t quite as interested in.
The drivers and guides are super professional and give you all the time you like to look around, take pictures, and even go inside the pyramids! Just like with the others, you’ll be picked up right from your hotel and whisked away to your first stop of the day.
Head to the hallowed grounds of the Saqqara necropolis, where the oldest pyramid in Egypt awaits. The Pyramid of Djoser – also known as the Step Pyramid – will take your breath away as you tread through the footsteps of ancient pharaohs and admire this architectural marvel.
The painted walls tell tales of the long-lost civilization, offering insight into the intricacies of daily life in Ancient Egypt. Next, you’ll venture to the ancient capital of Memphis, which was established over 5,000 years ago.
Here, you’ll find the colossal statue of Ramses II, a titan of a pharaoh who actually immortalized himself in stone. The alabaster Sphinx and the statue of Ptah are also notable sights to behold. Take photos, videos, and overall rest easy taking your time as you learn the history of each structure.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting the Pyramids of Giza
Opening Hours
Winter (October to March): 8 AM to 4 PM
Summer (April to September): 7 AM to 7 PM
Best Time to Visit: Late autumn, early spring, and winter months (November to February) are ideal for comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Early mornings or late afternoons are recommended to avoid peak tourist times.
Ticket Information
General Entrance Fees:
- Non-Egyptians: 540 EGP
- Egyptian citizens: 60 EGP
- Students (non-Egyptians): 270 EGP; students (Egyptians): 30 EGP
Additional Fees for Inner Access:
- Great Pyramid (Khufu): 1500 EGP (students: 750 EGP)
- Khafre Pyramid: 220 EGP (students: 110 EGP)
- Menkaure Pyramid: Separate ticket required
Getting to the Pyramids
Taxi/Uber: Recommended for convenience; Uber is particularly useful as it avoids haggling with drivers.
Public Transport: Metro Line 1 to Giza station, followed by a minibus or taxi to the pyramids.
Entrance Points:
There are two main entrances:
Near the Great Pyramid
Near the Great Sphinx
What to Expect
Walking Requirements: Expect a lot of walking; the area covers about 3 km from the Sphinx to the Panoramic Point. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for climbing inside pyramids.
Accessibility: The inner chambers may not be accessible for visitors with limited mobility, but camel rides can provide access to viewpoints.
Activities and Attractions
- Must-See Sites
- The Great Pyramid of Khufu
- Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure
- The Great Sphinx
- Valley Temple of Khafre
Photography Tips
Photography is allowed outside but restricted inside pyramids. Use your phone without flash for pictures inside.
Guided Tours
Do You Need a Guide? While it’s not mandatory, hiring a guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context and navigating the site effectively. Consider your comfort level with self-exploration versus guided tours[1][4].
Local Tips
Avoiding Crowds: Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially on weekdays. Avoid weekends and public holidays when local tourists visit[1][4].
Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for bending and climbing, especially if you plan to enter any pyramids. Avoid short skirts or dresses[1].
Camel and Horse Riding: Available around the pyramids for a unique perspective; negotiate prices beforehand.
Safety and Regulations
Health Precautions: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and be mindful of heat exposure during summer months.
Prohibited Items: Large bags, tripods, and professional camera equipment may be restricted. Always check current regulations before your visit.
Sites Seen
Tour Guides
Value
We chose the 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo.
