Best first day in Egypt
Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
The plateau in the morning, the museum that holds its story in the afternoon, with one Egyptologist for both.
This private Giza Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum tour pairs the monuments with the objects that explain them. Your Egyptologist collects you from your Cairo or Giza hotel and drives you to the plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu stands with the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. You walk the Valley Temple, where the king's body was received, and end the morning at the Sphinx.
After lunch, if you want it, the afternoon belongs to the Grand Egyptian Museum on the edge of the plateau. It is the largest archaeological museum in the world given to a single civilisation, and it now holds the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb alongside colossal royal statues. Your guide takes you through the highlights and gives each gallery its place in the story you saw outside that morning.
The car, driver and guide are yours alone for the day, so the pace is set by your questions rather than a group's timetable. Entrance tickets to the plateau and the museum are included; going inside a pyramid is an optional extra you can add on the day.
- Travel time
- Short drives within Cairo and Giza
- Time at sites
- Most of the 7 hours, split between the plateau and the museum
- Group
- Private: your party only
- Transport
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Departure
- Morning pickup from your Cairo or Giza hotel
- Meeting point
- Your hotel in Cairo or Giza
- Guide languages
- English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Best time to go
- Start early: the plateau is coolest and quietest in the first hours after opening
- Intensity
- Moderate
What the day includes
- The three pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
- The Valley Temple of Khafre
- Panoramic viewpoint over the plateau
- Guided visit of the Grand Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun galleries
Places you visit
- Great Pyramid of Khufu
- Pyramid of Khafre
- Pyramid of Menkaure
- Great Sphinx of Giza
- Valley Temple of Khafre
- Grand Egyptian Museum
Included
- Private Egyptologist guide
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza
- Entrance tickets to the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Bottled water
- Taxes and service charges
Not included
- Entry inside the pyramids
- Camel or horse rides
- Meals and drinks
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entrance tickets
- Included: Giza Plateau and Grand Egyptian Museum
- Optional / extra
- Entry inside a pyramid; camel or horse ride; lunch
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
- Tour format
- Private
How the day runs
Morning
Hotel pickup
Your Egyptologist and driver collect you from your hotel in Cairo or Giza.
The Giza Plateau
The pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, with time at the panoramic viewpoint for photographs.
Valley Temple and Sphinx
The granite Valley Temple of Khafre and the Great Sphinx beside it.
Midday
Lunch, if you want it
A stop at a local restaurant, paid separately.
Afternoon
Grand Egyptian Museum
A guided route through the museum's highlights, including the Tutankhamun collection.
Return to your hotel
Private transfer back at the end of the day.
Questions about this tour
Is this tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, driver and Egyptologist are for your party only.
Is going inside the Great Pyramid included?
No. Entry inside a pyramid is an optional extra ticket. If it matters to you, choose our Great Pyramid entry tour, which includes it.
How much does it cost for my group?
Prices are per person and fall as the group grows: 1 person $130; 2–4 people $90 each; 5–7 people $75 each; 8–10 people $60 each. All prices are in US dollars.
Is lunch included?
No. You can stop at a local restaurant at your own cost, or skip lunch to keep more time for the museum.
What should I wear?
Light, modest clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Shoulders and knees covered is the safe choice at every site; bring a hat, sunscreen and water.