Memphis & Saqqara★★
About 30 km south of Cairo lies Saqqara — Egypt's oldest necropolis and home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is about 200 years OLDER than the Pyramids of Giza. Together with the nearby Memphis (the former capital of the Old Kingdom), Saqqara forms a fascinating excursion destination that is much less crowded than Giza.
Step Pyramid of Djoser
Built around 2650 BC by the ingenious architect Imhotep, the Step Pyramid (62 m high, 6 steps) is the oldest monumental stone structure of mankind. It marks the transition from flat mastaba tombs to true pyramids. The surrounding temple complex with its colonnade halls and false facades is elaborately restored and provides a unique insight into the architecture of the Old Kingdom.
Memphis
The former capital of Ancient Egypt (founded around 3100 BC) is now an open-air museum with the impressive lying Colossus of Ramses II. (10 m long, carved from a single limestone block) and an alabaster sphinx. Little remains of the city's former splendor — but the colossus alone is worth the detour.
💡 Tipp
Combine Saqqara, Memphis, and Dashur (with the Red and Bent Pyramids) into a half-day trip. With a private driver/guide from Cairo: 50–70 € for 4–5 hours. Significantly fewer tourists than in Giza and archaeologically at least as exciting.