Guided Tours in Egypt – hard to tell what I actually need

Guided Tours in Egypt: Do I Really Need a Guide or Can I Go It Alone?

Hello,

I’m traveling to Egypt in February and have three experiences I’d like to explore with a guided tour: the Memphis pyramids, Giza, and Luxor’s West Bank.

When I search for tours, I see options that include just a driver (the cheapest), with higher priced packages that cover a guide, all entry tickets, and sometimes additional perks.

I’m not on a strict budget, but I don’t want to pay more than necessary. Are guides truly worthwhile, or can I fully appreciate the monuments without a guide? If I choose to have entry tickets included, am I overpaying compared to purchasing them at the gates? Or is it simpler to have everything arranged in a single tour package to minimize hassle? I’ve also heard that the official website for some sites can be finicky.

Appreciate any insights or recommendations.