Cairo Pyramids, Sakkara & Memphis Tour: An Honest Review
So, you’re thinking about seeing some great old things in Egypt? Very cool! This review covers the “Cairo Pyramids, Sakkara, and Memphis Private Tour with Lunch”. Maybe this might just help you make a decision. It’s almost like I’m telling you about my time, what I liked, things I didn’t, and whether or not I believe it’s really worth your money and time. It’s important, that you get the best experience when you travel all that way to see some really neat historical stuff, right?
Giza Pyramids: Up Close and Personal
Basically, the Giza Pyramids were the main reason I picked this tour. Actually, standing there, looking at the Great Pyramid is almost unreal. Pictures never give you that whole feel, you know? You really sense that there is history that has happened there. The guide was pretty knowledgeable, maybe just a little too knowledgeable. He was telling stories about pharaohs and how the pyramids were built, really going back in time, I guess. That part was amazing, that is, learning things and looking at these huge structures that have stood there for a super long time.
There’s almost an option to go inside one of the pyramids, but it’s an extra cost and, to be honest, really it’s hot and cramped. It can get very busy in there, so maybe just think if you are okay with enclosed spaces before you go ahead and go inside. It’s truly something, but just maybe be ready for not a lot of space.
We also got to see the Sphinx, that is, that statue with the human head and a lion’s body. I’ve always wanted to see it. Very cool! That’s maybe one of the iconic images of Egypt. Anyway, the guide told us stories and legends about it, so it gave us some context about things that were there. I really had a nice time just walking around, snapping pictures, and very much soaking it all in.
Sakkara: Stepping Back in Time
Next up was Sakkara, and, honestly, this was very cool but in a different way compared to Giza. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the main thing here, which is almost the oldest complete stone building complex in Egypt. Very cool!
It’s, like, a different vibe from Giza. There are fewer crowds and you are able to walk around. There are, like, tombs and structures that just feel older. It’s almost more mysterious, in a way. The guide really knew a lot about the history. He explained the purpose of the Step Pyramid and that’s its place in Egyptian history. I really found it neat just hearing about the development of pyramid building.
Actually, one of the highlights in Sakkara, for me at least, was seeing some really awesome old writings and decorations inside one of the tombs. Like, I can’t even imagine all the hands that touched these old places. You could almost see just glimpses into the past.
Memphis: A Capital’s Echoes
Memphis, that is, the old capital of Egypt, was the last place we went to before going back. It’s kind of, I think, smaller and quieter compared to Giza and Sakkara, yet there is just something about standing in the middle of what was once a big city.
The open-air museum has a few statues and things that have been found. That is, the huge statue of Ramses II is just amazing! You can walk around it. Anyway, it shows what a big deal he was back then. There’s also this alabaster Sphinx. It’s, you know, smaller than the one at Giza, yet there are features that are really well done. To be honest, I think I wish we could have stayed a bit longer. The place has history.
Lunch and Logistics: What to Expect
So, the tour has lunch, it almost did the job of filling my tummy! Actually, it was at a local place and it was pretty good. There were things I hadn’t seen or heard of before. I think, typically there were different Egyptian dishes, like kebab, salads, and bread, basically just food I don’t get at home. It wasn’t very fancy, you know, yet it was real food. Maybe it was a nice break from just looking at historical spots.
As a matter of fact, transportation during the day was just fine, in an air-conditioned car. Very important because it gets toasty, you know, especially in the summertime. The driver did very well, to be honest, in the crazy Cairo traffic. He got us to where we needed to go without very many problems.
That said, a word about the guides. You get what you get, that is, I believe! Like your experience could vary, arguably, just depending on who you get. I actually liked the guide. He knew some things and really cared about Egypt’s past. That is just awesome! Sometimes he talked a little too much, but really he had an answer for every question I had. He had some interesting stories!
Is This Tour Right for You? A Final Thought
Okay, so, should you book this “Cairo Pyramids, Sakkara, and Memphis Private Tour with Lunch?” I believe so! That said, here is my take. If you intend to just see the major spots and want an idea of Egypt’s history without the annoyance of handling transportation or looking for places to eat, that is awesome. The tour lets you just really focus on the locations and really what they have to offer. I would consider it a convenient way to visit. Now if you intend to save some money and are okay just figuring out all the steps on your own and eating wherever you can find food, it almost may not be worth it.
Also, the “private” part makes it enjoyable. That is awesome! You can move around when you want and the tour changes to what you’re really keen to see. No big bus or crowds that you need to contend with, which is just better in my view. Very cool! Now it’s just a question to ask. “Does it justify the expense?”. If you ask me, the answer would be “Yes”! You learn some history and memories for years and years into the future.
