Varies by group size

Transit Tour to Saqqara

Turn a mundane layover into a once-in-a-lifetime Egyptian expedition. Our Private Cairo Transit Tour is meticulously designed for travelers with limited time who refuse to miss the wonders of the ancient world. From the moment you clear customs at Cairo International Airport (CAI), we handle every logistical detail, ensuring a stress-free journey through the “City of a Thousand Minarets” and back to your terminal in time for your flight.

Tour Overview

This curated transit experience bridges the gap between the Old Kingdom’s architectural marvels and the vibrant pulse of modern Cairo. You will stand before the world’s oldest pyramid, walk the halls of Egypt’s first capital, and lose yourself in the sensory explosion of a medieval bazaar.

  • Duration: Flexible (Recommended for layovers of 6–8 hours).
  • Pickup/Drop-off: Cairo International Airport (Terminals 1, 2, or 3).
  • Transport: Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
  • Guiding: Expert English-speaking Egyptologist (Other languages available upon request).

Detailed Itinerary: From Airport to Antiquity

1. Seamless Airport Welcome & Departure

Your adventure begins the moment you land. Our representative will meet you at the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Skip the taxi queues and step into a private, climate-controlled vehicle. We monitor your flight status in real-time to ensure your tour starts and ends precisely on schedule.

2. Saqqara: The Birthplace of the Pyramid

Just 30 kilometers south of Cairo lies Saqqara, the vast, ancient burial ground that served as the necropolis for the Old Kingdom capital, Memphis.

  • The Step Pyramid of King Djoser: Marvel at the first pyramid ever built. Designed by the legendary architect Imhotep in the 27th century BC, this structure represents a pivotal moment in human engineering—the transition from mud-brick mastabas to stone monuments.
  • The Djoser Complex: Explore the surrounding funerary complex, including the Great South Court and the Heb-Sed Court, where the King once celebrated his jubilee.
  • Imhotep Museum: View rare artifacts recovered from the Saqqara sands, showcasing the artistic mastery of the early dynasties.
  • Memphis: The First Capital of Egypt

Next, we journey to Memphis, the legendary city of King Menes. Once the strategic and religious center of the ancient world, it now stands as an open-air museum.

  • The Colossus of Ramses II: Stand beneath the feet of the massive, fallen limestone statue of the great Pharaoh, a masterpiece of Egyptian sculpture.
  • The Alabaster Sphinx: View the second-largest sphinx in Egypt, carved from a single block of translucent calcite.

4. Authentic Egyptian Culinary Break

Experience the flavors of Cairo with a traditional lunch. We steer clear of “tourist traps” to bring you authentic local cuisine.

  • Menu Highlights: Freshly made Falafel, savory Shawarma, and traditional Koshary.
  • Selection: Your choice of grilled meats or vegetarian Egyptian delicacies, served with fresh tahini and baladi bread.

5. Islamic Cairo & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

We transition from the silence of the desert to the bustling heart of Medieval Islamic Cairo.

  • Guided Walking Tour: Walk through the historic Al-Muizz Street, home to the highest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world.
  • Khan El-Khalili: Navigate the labyrinthine alleys of Egypt’s most famous souq (market). Whether you are looking for hand-crafted copper, aromatic spices, or gold jewelry, this bazaar is a treasure hunter’s paradise.
  • El-Fishawy Cafe: Conclude your tour with a legendary cup of Egyptian mint tea at the oldest café in the city, famously frequented by Nobel laureate Naguib Mahfouz.
  • Round-trip transfer from Cairo Airport.
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide.
  • Authentic Egyptian lunch.
  • Bottled water throughout the day.
  • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Entry visa to Egypt.
  • Tipping the tour guide and the driver
  • Entry into the interior of pyramids (optional).
  • Personal expenses and tipping.
  • Saqqara pyramids site
  • The step pyramid complex
  • Imhotep Museum
  • Islamic Medieval Cairo
  • El-Muizz street
  • The old medieval mosques
  • Khan Elkhalili tourist bazaar

Why Book This Transit Tour?

FeatureYour Experience
Time ManagementWe guarantee your return to the airport 2-3 hours before your flight.
Private LogisticsNo waiting for group buses; your schedule is our priority.
Expert InsightsOur Egyptologists go beyond dates, sharing the stories and myths of the Pharaohs.
CustomizationHave a specific interest? We can adjust the pace to suit your preferences.

Traveler Tip: To save time during your transit, we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency (EGP) for entrance fees, or we can assist you in using the official credit card payment systems at the gates.

Price is quoted per person in USD

  • Solo Traveler: $ +70% of adult rate
  • 2 to 3 people: $200
  • 4 to 6 people: $180
Feel free to share your comments with us so we can make your tour tailored to your liking by adding or removing tours from the itinerary to suit your preference and requirements.
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Flexible Booking

Book as soon as possible with the assistance of our knowledgeable staff.

Secure Payment & Deposits

Make monthly little deposits for your Holiday Package. Final Payment due 20 days prior.

Expert-Led Assurance

100% led by a licensed Egyptologist, not a no local guide. Guaranteed expertise

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Read Before You Go

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Prices: Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Price varies depending on your group size

0 – 05.99 Free of Charge
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12+ pay full tour price per adult person.
Notes: Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 2 Children in one Room)

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