ALL inclusive Tour to Giza Pyramids Sakkara from Alexandria Port

Giza and Saqqara from your cruise day is a big win. You get a full-day circuit from Alexandria Port to Cairo highlights in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus the rare combo of a camel ride at Giza and a deep stop at Saqqara. I like that the tour is truly set up as a one-ticket day, with admission fees, lunch, and the camel ride handled for you.

The best part, for me, is the focus on the main wow-points without feeling rushed from site to site, thanks to an Egyptologist guide who explains what you are looking at. One thing to consider is ride comfort can vary depending on the vehicle used for pickup, so if A/C temperature and seat space matter to you, plan to be flexible.

Key highlights at a glance

• Air-conditioned port transfers between Alexandria and Cairo with a set, cruise-friendly day plan
• 30-minute camel ride at the base of the Giza pyramids area
• Guided history stops at the Great Sphinx and Saqqara, including the mummification temple area
• Saqqara Day featuring the Step Pyramid of King Djoser and architect Imhotep
• All-in lunch included at a VIP restaurant, plus bottled water
• Small group size (maximum 30 travelers), which helps keep the pace smoother

Alexandria Port to Giza and Saqqara, what your day really feels like

This is a full-day shore excursion built for cruise schedules, starting from Alexandria Port and running about 12 hours total. The promise is simple: you leave the port, go straight into the Cairo area, and spend the day seeing both of Egypt’s most famous necropolis zones, first at Giza then at Saqqara.

You should picture the day as two “worlds” connected by drive time. At Giza, everything is about monumental scale and quick immersion into iconic shapes: the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus plus the Great Sphinx. Then, at Saqqara, the mood shifts from the big pyramid landmarks to a larger archaeological feel, with older structures and the story of how Egyptian stone-building changed what was possible.

You are not just dropped at entrances and left to wander. An Egyptologist guide stays with you and gives context, which matters a lot at these sites where it is easy to see “cool rocks” without connecting them to what each place represents.

Pickup realities, group size, and staying comfortable for 12 hours

Your start point is clearly handled: a tour representative picks you up from Alexandria Port by the cruise exit door, holding a sign with your name. That small detail helps, because ports can be chaotic and signage is usually a lifesaver.

The tour also caps at 30 travelers, which keeps the group from ballooning. In practice, that usually means you spend less time waiting and more time actually getting to the points of interest.

Comfort is the only real wildcard. One experience described the vehicle as quite old with A/C that swung from freezing cold to warm, plus tight seating. That tells me you should plan for variable comfort, even though the day is described as using a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. If you run cold easily, bring a light layer. If you get warm fast, be ready to adjust clothing.

Giza pyramids and the 30-minute camel ride: the classic moment

Giza is where the day earns its reputation. You get time for panoramic views of the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, and then you get the signature activity: a 30-minute camel ride around the pyramids area at the Sahara Desert base.

A camel ride here is not just a checkbox. It changes your perspective. Standing around flat surfaces is one thing, but being up higher, moving slowly, and watching the pyramids open up around you gives you a different sense of scale. If you have only one chance to experience camels in Egypt, this is the kind of structured time slot that tends to feel worthwhile.

Timing wise, you are given about 3 hours for the Giza portion. That is enough time to take photos, watch the views change, and still have time to cool down or pause when you need a rest. The day plan even includes a stop if needed to rest, which sounds small but is helpful on a long shore excursion.

Practical tip: when the ride is part of your plan, manage your energy early. If you wait until you are already tired, the camel portion can feel more stressful than exciting.

Great Sphinx and the mummification temple stop: more than a photo

After Giza, the schedule moves to the Great Sphinx, which is the other major “you are really here” moment. You get about 1 hour for the Sphinx visit.

What I like about including the Sphinx is that it anchors the day visually and historically. You are not just chasing views of pyramids. You also get time to see a key monument associated with Egyptian beliefs and sacred spaces.

The plan also includes exploring the temple of the mummification. That matters because it gives you more to look at than the Sphinx statue itself. Even if you are not a hardcore archaeology person, this kind of structured stop helps you connect the Sphinx and the broader necropolis world to the way the Egyptians thought about the afterlife and honoring the dead.

If you tend to lose time in big sites, this is where a guide is your best tool. You are more likely to notice meaningful features instead of just moving from one landmark to the next.

Saqqara’s oldest cemetery energy and the Step Pyramid of Djoser

Then comes the second half of the day, and it is a good match for anyone who loves history but also wants variety. At Saqqara (Sakkara), you are visiting Egypt’s oldest ancient cemetery and exploring the sprawling necropolis atmosphere.

You have about 3 hours for the Saqqara portion, including lunch time at a local restaurant before you go deeper into the site. The day plan then focuses on the big signature: the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. This is described as the world’s first stone building, built by the architect Imhotep.

That architect detail is the kind of thing that makes Saqqara more rewarding than a quick pyramid stop. When you learn who designed what, the site turns from “big ancient work” into a story. It helps you understand why Saqqara is such a turning point in how Egyptian monument building evolved.

You also see Mastabas, including ones named Idut and Mere Ruca. These are not the main headline pyramid, but they add texture. They help you see that Saqqara is not only about one iconic structure. It is a whole landscape of memorial building styles and royal planning.

One more reason this stop works: Saqqara often feels less like a theme-park photo line and more like a place where you can spend a little time observing details. With a guided schedule and set time blocks, you can enjoy that without worrying about getting lost.

Lunch at a VIP restaurant, plus bottled water for the long haul

Lunch is included, served at a VIP restaurant. You also get bottled water as part of the package.

For a shore excursion that is about 12 hours, this is not a small benefit. When you travel from a cruise port, you have less freedom to stop for food when you want. Having lunch handled keeps the day from turning into a scramble.

You can also request a vegetarian option when booking. If you have dietary needs, you should advise them ahead of time, since the tour asks you to share that at booking.

The key mindset for this kind of day: treat lunch as recovery time, not just a meal. Eat early enough in the Saqqara section that you do not feel dragged during the walk and sightseeing.

Price and value: why $135 can make sense for an all-in day

At $135 per person, this tour can feel like good value because the big-cost pieces are bundled into one price. Based on what is included, you are getting:

• Port pickup and drop-off
• Qualified Egyptologist guide
• Entrance fees
• Lunch at a VIP restaurant
• 30 minutes camel ride at Giza
• Bottled water

If you were to price those separately on your own, you would likely find that transportation, admissions, and guided time add up quickly. Even if you are comfortable arranging things independently, an organized day like this saves you the stress of coordinating between sites while also keeping you tied to your ship schedule.

The added value for me is the structure. When the guide is included and admissions are handled, you are paying for less uncertainty. That matters most on shore days, where one timing mistake can turn the whole afternoon into a rush.

What to know before you book, so the day runs smooth

A few details are worth planning for, because they directly affect your experience.

Dress code: smart casual. This is easy to follow, but it is also a clue that the day is planned as a mix of outdoor walking and guided stops, so avoid anything that makes you uncomfortable on uneven ground.

Children: must be accompanied by an adult.

Passport copy: you are asked to send a passport copy by WhatsApp. If you do not want to handle that, make sure you can access WhatsApp and have your passport info ready right after booking.

Tickets: a mobile ticket is provided, and confirmation is received at booking time.

Also, this tour is described as having “Most travelers can participate,” which is a helpful sign for broad suitability. Still, you are spending a long time in transit and at multiple major sites, so consider your own stamina.

Who this tour fits best (and who might prefer something else)

This is a strong fit if:

• You are on a cruise and want a one-day plan that covers Giza and Saqqara
• You want a guide-led experience at the pyramids area and Saqqara
• You specifically want a camel ride included without extra planning
• You like the idea of a small group capped at 30 travelers

You might think twice if:

• Seat comfort and A/C control are dealbreakers for you, since vehicle comfort can vary
• You hate long shore days. This one runs about 12 hours, and both sites take real time

For first-timers to Egypt, it hits a nice balance: the big-icon pyramid zone plus the historically important Saqqara stop with the Step Pyramid of Djoser and Imhotep focus.

Should you book this Giza and Saqqara shore excursion from Alexandria?

If you want a well-paced, all-in day that gets you from Alexandria Port to the big Giza landmarks and then into the deeper story of Saqqara, this is an easy “yes” to consider. The value math works because admissions, lunch, the camel ride, and the guide are included, and the small group size helps keep it from feeling chaotic.

My main caution is comfort variability. The day promises air-conditioning and a comfortable vehicle, but at least one past experience flagged issues with A/C temperature and an older bus feel. If you are sensitive to that, plan for layers and expect some bumps in the ride.

Overall, this is the kind of shore excursion that saves you from decision fatigue. You show up, follow the guide, and spend your time where it matters, at pyramids, the Sphinx, and Saqqara’s Step Pyramid of Djoser.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Alexandria Port?

The tour runs about 12 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Admission fees, lunch in a VIP restaurant, a 30-minute camel ride in Giza, bottled water, port pickup and drop-off, and a qualified Egyptologist guide are included.

Which sites will I visit during the day?

You will visit the Pyramids of Giza (including panoramic views), the Great Sphinx area and the temple of the mummification, and Saqqara, including the Step Pyramid of King Djoser and listed Mastabas.

Is the camel ride included?

Yes. The camel ride included is 30 minutes at Giza.

Is there a vegetarian meal option?

Yes, a vegetarian option is available. You should advise the provider at booking if you need it.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.