Cairo Highlights: Giza, Saqqara, Memphis & Khan el-Khalili (Day Trip)

This private day trip starts at the Giza Plateau, where you'll stand before the Great Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and get up close to the Great Sphinx, with your private guide on hand to explain the history and give you time to take it all in at your own pace. From Giza, you're driven south to Saqqara to see the Step Pyramid of Djoser — the world's oldest large stone monument and the true starting point of pyramid building in Egypt. Next comes a stop at the scattered ruins of Memphis, Egypt's first capital, where a colossal statue of Ramses II and an alabaster sphinx still mark the site of what was once a thriving ancient city. The day winds down in Khan el-Khalili, Cairo's historic bazaar, for a relaxed wander through narrow lanes lined with jewelry stalls, spice shops and workshops before your driver takes you back to your hotel. Everything is private and flexible from start to finish — your own air-conditioned vehicle and Egyptologist guide for the entire day — making this one of the easiest ways to cover Cairo's essential ancient sites without rushing.