Saqqara

Pyramid and ruins at Saqqara

Everyone's heard of Giza's Pyramids, but they're not the only pyramids Egypt has up its sleeve.

Day-tripping distance from Cairo, Saqqara is a vast necropolis of tombs and pyramids that were utilized during every era of pharaonic rule.

It's best known for its Old Kingdom Step Pyramid, which shows how the architects of Ancient Egypt advanced their engineering knowledge to finally create a true pyramid shape.

There's much more to see beyond the Step Pyramid, though, with some of the surrounding tombs, such as the Mastaba of Ti, showcasing some of the finest tomb paintings you'll see in the country.

Nearby, the pyramid site of Dahshur is home to the Red Pyramid and Bent Pyramid, which should be included on any Saqqara visit.