An undisputed wonder of the world that’s stood the test of time, and the poster-child of not only Egypt but ancient civilization as a whole, the legendary Giza Pyramids have long drawn visitors from all over the globe.
Dating back an impressive 4,500 years, the three main pyramids – Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure – officially stand as the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
And even though they’ve been around for literally thousands of years, they – and the Sphinx which sits around the corner – remain a bucket-list-worthy destination to this day.
Over 14 million visitors make their way to this Cairo landmark annually, but with so much history, and so much mystery behind them (scientists still aren’t exactly sure how they were built!), to really get the most out of your visit, there’s nothing quite like the Egyptologist-led Giza Pyramids tours.
From discussing the ancient Pharaohs to uncovering the secrets of their burial chambers, these insightful tours roll back the curtain on the fascinating stories of Ancient Egypt – revealing everything there is to know about the 481-foot-tall Pyramid, the burial chambers and tunnels, and the tales behind it all.
Don’t feel like reading ahead? Book your Giza Pyramids tour:
Where are the Giza Pyramids located? How to get there?
The Giza Pyramids are located on the Giza Plateau, just southwest of modern Cairo in Egypt. The site sits on the western side of the Nile River, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Cairo.
The easiest way to get to the Giza Pyramids is to take a taxi from Cairo. The ride will only take about 25-35 minutes, depending on where you’re staying, and it’s usually very affordable. If you’re driving, put the “Great Pyramids Ticket Office” into your maps.
Alternatively, the M21 bus will drop you off at Mashaal which is a 20-minute walk from the Pyramids – given the Cario desert heat, it’s better to take a taxi or a guided tour. If you’re driving, put the “Great Pyramids Ticket Office” into your maps.
Most tourists prefer to book a guided tour. These usually include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance tickets to the Pyramids and the Sphinx, so you don’t have to worry about any logistics.
How much do Giza Pyramids tickets cost?
The general admission ticket for the Giza Pyramids costs EGP200 (about US$7). This includes access to the pyramids, the Sphinx, and some of the other structures in the area, such as the Valley Temple.
Tickets to the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu (the largest of the trio) costs EGP400 (roughly US$13), while Khafre and Menkaura cost EGP100 each (about US$3).
These prices are accurate as of August 2023 but may be subject to change.
Giza Pyramids tours – Is it worth booking a tour?
Yes, it’s definitely worth booking a tour if you want to make the most of your time in Giza. After all, how many times will you find yourself at one of the official Wonders of the World?
A guided tour not only takes care of all the logistics (transportation to and from Cairo, entrance tickets and more) but you also get your very own guide who will be able to share fascinating insights and stories about Ancient Egypt and the Pyramids themselves (including the mysteries and legends surrounding these incredible ancient monuments).
What are the best Giza Pyramids tours?
When it comes to Giza Pyramids tours, the “best” kind of tour really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for.
If you want a comprehensive tour that covers all the major sites in and around the Giza Plateau, then a full-day guided tour is probably your best bet. These usually include hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance tickets to the Pyramids. But if you’re more of an adventure-seeker, then you might prefer to go on a camel ride or horseback ride around the pyramids.
With night tours and private tours also available, there’s really something for everyone. Let’s take a look at each of the different options.
Giza Pyramids group tours
The most popular tour option, this style of Pyramids excursion starts with convenient hotel pickup and then takes you on (usually) a half-day highlight reel of Ancient Egypt.
Besides a historian-led walkthrough of the Giza Plateau, where you’ll learn all about the ancient wonders and the legends associated with them, group tours often also include extra sights such as the Memphis site and the Step Pyramid of Sakkara.
Depending on your tour of choice, there’s a good chance you’ll also check off a couple of other quintessential Cairo attractions, such as the Egyptian Museum or the bustling Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
Small group tours are usually the most affordable options (except for free walking tours), however, this means that you’ll be sharing the experience with fellow travelers.
Giza Pyramids walking tours
While some tours do involve camel rides or quad bikes, the best way to get up close and personal with the Pyramids is to explore the fascinating Plateau on foot.
Led by expert Egyptologists, these walking tours are less about the bells and whistles, and more about learning everything there is to know about the Giza Pyramids.
Take your pick from small group walking tours for a social experience, private tours for a more intimate outing, or Giza Pyramids free walking tours (although tips are expected) if you’re looking to save a few bucks.
While every walking tour is slightly different, most will make their way around the three major pyramids, the Sphinx and the Valley Temple, with time to stop for photos at each landmark.
Giza Pyramids quad tours
Reserved for adrenaline junkies, quad bike tours through the Giza Plateau offer an action-packed way to take in the iconic, multiple-thousand-year-old sights.
An experienced tour guide will lead you on a thrilling, bumpy adventure around the Pyramids, away from the snap-happy tourists. You’ll pass by ancient tombs, winding your way through sandy tracks that provide new perspectives on the three major pyramids as well as the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the sweeping desert plains beyond.
Standalone quad tours usually last about 1 or 2 hours, but you can easily extend that to 5 or 6 hours if you combine the ATV ride with a camel ride and/or an on-foot Pyramids tour.
Most Pyramids quad bike tours also include pickup from your hotel in Cairo or Giza, making it a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Giza Pyramids tours with camel riding
For a more tranquil yet equally noteworthy experience, camel riding through the Giza Plateau takes you back thousands of years to when locals traversed the desert before they had motorized vehicles.
On a camel riding tour, you’ll not only get to see the three major Pyramids and the Sphinx in all of their ancient glory, but you’ll also get to take a leisurely ride through the vast desert sands and witness some of the lesser-known monuments and tombs scattered around the Giza Plateau.
Along the way, you’ll be accompanied by a history-savvy guide who’ll share all kinds of insights into Egypt’s ancient history – and you’ll also have plenty of time to stop for envy-evoking photos at each landmark too.
Camel riding tours – as well as the slightly less popular but just as exciting horse riding tours – last about an hour on their own. However, most of the time, they’re combined with quad biking, a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, and a Pyramids walking tour, which takes the whole experience to about half a day long.
Giza Pyramids private tours
With so many tourists (over 14 million every year) making their way to Giza, the infamous World Wonder can, at times, feel quite crowded. So for anyone who’d like to avoid the crowds and see the Pyramids in a more intimate setting, private tours are a great option.
With your own personal guide alongside you the entire time, the experience can be tailored around your needs, which means you can choose the pace, duration and attractions you wish to visit based on what tickles your fancy most.
You’ll also have the added benefit of having a knowledgeable guide for yourself, so you can ask as many questions as you’d like and get to hear all kinds of interesting stories about the monuments.
Finally, with private tours, you can also customize your adventure – keep it as simple as a walking tour around the Plateau, or throw in add-ons like horse riding, camel rides, quad bikes, visits to the Egyptian Museum, a cruise on the Nile in a felucca boat, and so much more.
While they might appear more expensive on face value, group tours are priced per group, not per person – this means they can work out cheaper when you’re traveling with a larger family or group.
Giza Pyramids night tours
By day, the historic monuments of Giza are an incredible sight to behold. But when the sun sets and darkness falls, something magical happens – the Pyramids come alive with millions of twinkling stars in the night sky, giving them a magical vibe that needs to be seen to be believed.
But that’s only the Mother Nature side of the equation. The other half is what the locals have called the “Pyramids Sound and Light Show,” a colorful and mesmerizing laser show that illuminates the Pyramids, all synched up to music. Told from the perspective of the Sphinx, the show’s story takes you on a journey back through the ages, bringing the Egyptian legacy back to life.
With these two amazing experiences combined, Giza Pyramids night tours are quickly increasing in popularity. And with some including dinner, and others including romantic Nile River boat cruises, you’re sure to find something that suits your style.
Are there any Giza Pyramids tours departing from other cities in Egypt?
Yes, in fact, there are many Giza Pyramids tours that depart from a variety of cities across Egypt. Essentially, any major Egyptian tourist destination will offer tours to the Pyramids — they’re the most popular site in Africa for a reason, after all. This includes Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Alexandria.
Whether you’re after a full-day guided tour around Cairo and the Plateau or an overnight getaway that combines the Ancient Wonder of the World with the more modern side of Cairo, there’s sure to be something up your alley.
Giza Pyramids tours from Alexandria
Sitting on the northern coast of Egypt, Alexandria is famous for its warm waters, sun-kissed beaches, and storied history – it was once the capital of Egypt. So it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country — as such, it’s a common departure point for Giza Pyramids tours.
There are a few different options when it comes to day trips from Alexandria — some take you on a full-day guided tour, diving into the history, culture and architecture of Cairo while others offer an overnight getaway, where you can check off activities like the Egyptian Museum, Memphis, the Saqqara (Sakkara) Pyramids, and a Felucca ride (traditional wooden boat) on the Nile.
Given that the cities are only about 225 kilometers apart (about 2.5 hours by car), it’s easy to make the trip in a (long) day.
Giza Pyramids tours from Hurghada
Nestled on the banks of the Red Sea, Hurghada is a lovely seaside resort town that draws tourists with its incredible snorkeling, luxury hotels, and laid-back lifestyle. Despite being rather isolated on the coast (which is exactly why it’s popular), it’s still a common departure point for Giza Pyramids tours.
Typically, day trips from Hurghada involve an early morning transfer to Cairo where you’ll spend the day exploring some of Egypt’s top attractions — this could include stops at the Great Sphinx, the historic mosques of Cairo and, of course, the Giza Pyramids. Some full-day trips also include visits to sites like Saqqara (Sakkara), the Egyptian Museum, and the Hanging Church — some tours even include an optional camel ride around the pyramids!
Given that Hurghada is so far away (5 hours by car), driving tours will leave in the wee hours of the morning (around 1 AM). Alternatively, most excursions include round-trip flights. This allows you to see all the sites in about 8-12 hours.
If you don’t feel like making the long journey to Cario, there are still plenty of things to do in Hurghada — from boat tours to the Hurghada Grand Aquarium, Sand City Hurghada and the Selkhet Papyrus Museum, to name a few.
Giza Pyramids tours from Sharm El Sheikh
A beautiful resort town located on the southern tip of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is a beloved holiday destination (more so for locals than international tours), thanks to its world-class diving, vibrant nightlife, and pristine beaches.
The iconic Mustafa Mosque, which boasts a pair of 72-meter-tall minarets, the colorful Old Market, and the plethora of evening entertainment options at SOHO Square are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.
But if you’re looking to use it as a jumping-off point for tours of the Giza Pyramids, there are plenty of options. While it may not be as convenient or efficient as tours from Cairo (sitting 5-6 hours away by car), you can still find full-day trips that center around the great Giza Plateau.
Giza Pyramids tours from Sharm El Sheikh typically involve an early morning flight to Cairo, where you’ll be met by your guide before embarking on a full day of sightseeing. Depending on the tour you choose, you can expect to visit the Great Sphinx, Dahshur (a necropolis featuring the “bent” and “red” pyramids), the Egyptian Museum, and, of course, the iconic Giza Pyramids.
After a day of sightseeing, you’ll sometimes have the opportunity to explore some of Cairo’s key modern (in relative terms) attractions like the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, before being flown back to Sharm late in the evening.
Are there any combined tours, including Giza Pyramids and other attractions?
Absolutely! In fact, most Giza Pyramids tours combine with the option to be combined with other attractions in the Cairo area. With so much to see in the region – and with people often only visiting for a matter of days and trying to cram it all in – several tours are designed to give you a taste of all the major attractions, showing off as many of the fun things to do in Cairo as possible within a short period of time.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options:
Giza Pyramids & Sphinx tours
Easily the two most renowned attractions in Egypt – and sitting a stone’s throw from each other – Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx both make for quintessential viewing. On any combined tour, you’ll get to spend time exploring the ruins of each site, as well as learning about their history from your knowledgeable Egyptologist guide.
This is the most common combination tour, usually lasting at least 3 or 4 hours (including time for hotel pickup and drop-off). Some tours, however, last a full day – with lunch included – and can include stops at the Egyptian Museum or Sakkara (or a Nile River felucca ride) as well.
Giza Pyramids & Citadel tours
You’ve no doubt heard all about the Pyramids. But did you know that the Citadel of Cairo – or Saladin’s Citadel, as it is commonly known – dates back close to 1,000 years itself?
Sitting atop Mokattam Hill and boasting incredible views of the city, this historic fortification on the east bank of the Nile remains criminally underrated. Yet, as the home of the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, and the title of the former center of Egyptian rule, it’s a must-see attraction in Cairo.
On most Giza Pyramids & Citadel tours, you’ll get to explore both sites in detail with an experienced Egyptologist guide waxing all kinds of stories of yesterday. Plus, with optional stops at Islamic Old Cairo, the Khalili Bazaar, or the Egyptian Museum, you can get a solid overview of the city.
Giza Pyramids & Egyptian Museum tours
Wielding the title of the oldest archeological museum in the Middle East, the Egyptian Museum of Cairo is home to some 150,000 artifacts from Ancient Egypt (officially the most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world), ranging from Tutankhamun’s treasures to royal mummies, the Statue of the Dwarf Seneb and his Family, and everything in between.
On most of the Egyptian Museum combination tours, you’ll get to explore the venue’s myriad rooms and galleries with an expert guide pointing out all sorts of priceless artifacts. It’s a history lesson that perfectly complements the ancient Pyramids of Giza.
Giza Pyramids & Alabaster Mosque tours
Also known as The Great Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, this unmissable landmark — the most visited mosque in Egypt, in fact — towers some 45 meters (148 ft) above the city, and its Alabaster stones (from which it draws its name) makes it an architectural feat that stands out from the majority of Cairo’s buildings.
On the outside, the two 82-meter-tall minarets and distinctive domes are postcard-worthy. But it’s often the courtyard, with its massive central fountain and 47 arched doorways, that steals the show. Step inside, however, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful collection of decorated walls, stained-glass windows, and colorful tilework.
Depending on which combo tour you choose, you might also get to visit the Hanging Church, the Khan Market, or the Egyptian Museum on the same day.
Hot tip: climb to the top of one of the minarets for panoramic views over the entire city, including the Giza Plateau.
Giza Pyramids & The Hanging Church tours
Believed to have been built in 690 AD, The Hanging Church (sometimes called the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa) is an ancient Coptic Christian house of worship, located smack-bang in the middle of the Old Cairo neighborhood.
What makes this landmark so special is its unique structure – it was built right on top of the ruins of a Roman fortress from the 4th century AD, which, as the name suggests, makes it look like it’s almost suspended in mid-air.
Since the Hanging Church doesn’t require too much time to visit properly (half an hour should do the trick), it’s often combined with the Egyptian Museum, Alabaster Mosque, or a Nile River felucca ride – and a Giza Pyramids tour, of course.
Giza Pyramids & Cairo Tower tours
Standing 187 meters tall and dishing up panoramic views of the Egyptian capital in every direction, the Cairo Tower on Zamalek island (which splits the Nile in two) is officially the tallest modern-era structure in the city.
From its observation deck, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views over Cairo and its historic sites – with the Giza Plateau in one direction and the New Cairo City landscape in the other. And if that wasn’t enough, it also houses a revolving restaurant (on the 14th floor at a height of 160 meters) for anyone keen for a dinner with a side of some truly stunning views.
The Tower is just a 25-minute drive to the Pyramids, making it a great activity to add to your day of Giza sightseeing.
Can you go inside the Giza Pyramids?
Yes, each of the three main Giza Pyramids – Khafre, Khufu & Menkaure – are open for exploring, with different chambers and tombs that you can check out.
You’ll need to pay an additional fee for the privilege (EGP400 for Khufu and EGP100 each for Khafre and Menkaura) but it’s well worth it, especially considering all the information you’ll take in at the hands of your local guide.
What will you see on a Giza Pyramids tour?
A Giza Pyramids tour takes you back in time to the heart of Ancient Egypt. Led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide, you can expect to explore the Giza Plateau (either on foot or on camelback or quad bike) and stand before the three iconic pyramids – the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure.
If your tour (and ticket) allows it, you can even venture inside the pyramids to discover their chambers and hidden passages.
From there, you’ll also get to see the Great Sphinx, a massive limestone statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion. Thought to be about 4,500 years old, dating to around 2500 BC, it’s much larger than it appears in the photos – measuring some 240 feet (73 meters) long and close to 66 feet (20 meters) tall.
As you walk through the area, you’ll usually visit the Valley Temple as well — an underrated landmark of the pyramid complex, the Temple feels like an underground city as you walk next to the giant limestone pillars.
If you have time, you might pop into the Solar Boat Museum where you’ll find the ancient ceremonial boat of King Khufu.
What is included in a Giza Pyramids tour?
Every Giza Pyramids tour is a little different, however, most of them will include entrance fees to the main sites at the Giza Plateau, an experienced Egyptologist guide you’ll escort you in and around the site, and transportation (usually a private air-conditioned car) to and from your hotel.
Depending on your tour, you might also have entrance tickets to the Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure included (remember, these don’t come standard though, so make sure you double-check before booking).
Other extras — such as lunch, additional activities like camel rides or the Sound and Light Show, and entrance to the Solar Boat Museum — might also be included. It’s best to double-check the details before you book your tour.
How long does a Giza Pyramids tour take?
The shortest tours of the Giza Plateau, which are usually just walking tours around the grounds, take about two to three hours. If you opt for a package that includes a quad bike or camel ride, or extra activities like the Sound and Light Show, then you should plan to spend four or five hours (or longer) at the complex.
You also have several full-day trips to choose from, which last up to 12 hours. If you’re taking a full-day tour, chances are you’ll also get to visit other nearby sites such as Sakkara (home of the Step Pyramid), the Egyptian Museum, and landmarks in Downtown or Coptic Cairo.
Finally, if you’re visiting from another city, such as Alexandria, Hurghada, or Sharm El Sheikh, you can book longer excursions that include a visit to the Giza Plateau as part of a multi-day trip that shows off the very best that Egpyt has to offer.
How much does a Giza Pyramids tour cost? How to book a tour?
The cost of Giza Pyramid tours varies greatly, depending on what you want to include. The basic walking tours are usually the most affordable — starting around US$20 per person — while more elaborate day trips can easily set you back upwards of US$100.
Private tours are more expensive, however, these are often priced per group, so they actually can be a better option if you’re traveling with friends or family.
The best way to book a tour is to do so online and in advance through sites like TourScanner. This way, you can compare all the different options (and see the prices and reviews) making the booking process quick and easy.
If you prefer to visit independently, Giza Pyramids tickets can’t be purchased online on the official website. You’ll need to buy them on other third-party websites or at the ticket office at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit the Giza Pyramids?
The Giza Pyramids are open year-round, however, the best time to visit is usually between October and April. This is when the weather isn’t quite as scorching – in fact, after dark, it can actually get quite chilly, so it’s best to pack something warm.
As for the time of day, the earlier you can visit the better. This is because the crowds will start to build as the day goes on. Plus, this way, you can tick off your sightseeing in the morning and have the rest of the day to explore other parts of Cairo.
Travel tips
- As one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, tours can book up quickly. So, as soon as you know your travel plans, it’s best to start looking for Giza Pyramids tours and book in advance.
- Wear comfortable clothes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking on the rocky ground. On that note, wear something that covers the shoulders and knees as a sign of respect as well.
- Bring your own water bottle or buy a few from vendors near the entrance of the site – you’ll need them in this heat!
- For the best bang for your buck, consider a combo or day tour that includes the Giza Pyramids and other Cairo sights, like the Egyptian Museum, Khan al-Khalili Bazaar or Felucca ride on the Nile. This way, you can get the most out of your time in Cairo!
- Don’t forget to bring some sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat too – the sun is no joke in Egypt!