Day Tour to Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur from Alexandria: A Journey Through Ancient Egypt
A Day Tour to Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur from Alexandria is a fascinating journey into the heart of ancient Egypt’s history and architecture. These sites, located near Cairo, offer a glimpse into the evolution of pyramid construction and the grandeur of Egypt’s early capitals. From the Step Pyramid of Djoser to the Bent Pyramid and the ancient city of Memphis, this tour is a must for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about Egypt’s ancient past.
Highlights of the Tour
Saqqara: The Step Pyramid of Djoser
Saqqara is home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest stone structure in the world. Designed by Imhotep, the world’s first known architect, this pyramid marks the beginning of monumental stone architecture in Egypt.
Historical Insight: Saqqara served as the necropolis for the ancient city of Memphis and contains tombs and temples from various dynasties.
Memphis: The First Capital of Ancient Egypt
Memphis was the capital of ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom and a center of trade, religion, and culture. Explore the open-air museum, which features statues, sphinxes, and artifacts from the city’s golden age.
Historical Insight: Founded by King Menes around 3100 BCE, Memphis was a thriving city for over 3,000 years and played a key role in Egypt’s unification.
Dahshur: The Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid
Dahshur is home to two of Egypt’s most unique pyramids: the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid. The Bent Pyramid, built by Pharaoh Sneferu, showcases the transition from step pyramids to smooth-sided pyramids. The Red Pyramid is considered the first true smooth-sided pyramid.
Historical Insight: Dahshur represents a critical phase in pyramid construction, offering insights into the engineering challenges and innovations of ancient Egypt.
Why This Tour is Special
This tour takes you off the beaten path to explore some of Egypt’s most significant yet less crowded archaeological sites. With a private guide, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of Saqqara, Memphis, and Dahshur.
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. It lies at the western edge of the Nile River delta. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great,[9] Alexandria grew rapidly and became a major centre of Hellenic civilization, eventually replacing Memphis, in present-day Greater Cairo, as Egypt’s capital. Called the “Bride of the Mediterranean” internationally,[10] Alexandria is a popular tourist destination and an important industrial centre due to its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez.
What You’ll Take Away
This day tour is a journey through the early days of ancient Egypt, offering a deeper understanding of its architectural achievements and cultural heritage. From the Step Pyramid to the ancient capital of Memphis, you’ll leave with a profound appreciation for Egypt’s timeless legacy.
