Full-Day Saqqara Tour: Journey Through Ancient Egypt

Your unforgettable journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned transfer from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. We'll head southwest of Cairo, about 40 km, to reach the vast necropolis of Saqqara. Saqqara is truly an open-air museum, showcasing the sweep of ancient Egyptian history. It served as a primary burial ground for Memphis, one of ancient Egypt's most vital cities, and its name likely derives from Sokar, the god of this necropolis. Here, you'll encounter the magnificent Step Pyramid of Djoser, dating back to around 2630 BC. This revolutionary structure, built for King Djoser, stands as Egypt's oldest existing colossal stone building, a testament to the ingenuity of its architect, Imhotep. Beyond Djoser's groundbreaking monument, Saqqara is home to the pyramids of significant Old Kingdom pharaohs from the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties. You'll have the chance to see the Pyramid of Unas (Wenis), famous for housing the oldest burial chamber decorated with the "Pyramid Texts." These ancient inscriptions were vital spells designed to protect the king on his perilous journey to the afterlife. Saqqara isn't just for kings! It's also filled with the tombs of Old Kingdom noblemen, adorned with exquisitely beautiful scenes and texts that offer a window into daily life and beliefs of the period. You'll also find tombs from later periods, including the First Intermediate Period, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. Notably, the tomb of Horemheb, the general who became pharaoh, is here, though he was ultimately buried in the Valley of the Kings. One of Saqqara's most captivating sites is the Serapeum, a labyrinthine series of underground galleries. This was the sacred burial place for the Apis Bulls, considered incarnations of the god Ptah. When an Apis Bull passed away, it was interred with immense honors, awaiting the discovery of its successor. Even Egypt's Coptic era is represented in Saqqara, with the remnants of the Monastery of Apa Jeremiah, which was in use until the eighth century AD. Today, the modern Imhotep Museum at Saqqara displays a wide array of artifacts found at the site, spanning its immense chronological history. After immersing yourselves in ancient wonders, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Following your meal, you'll have some free time for shopping, where you can browse local goods and negotiate directly with vendors for unique souvenirs. Finally, we'll ensure a comfortable return to your accommodation in Cairo or Giza, leaving you with lasting memories of Saqqara's incredible history.