14 Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Seniors

The majesty of the three pyramids at Giza is a sight any traveler to Egypt cannot wait to behold.  Part of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids are impressive in sight and structure, comprising blocks that weigh an average of two tons each.

Step inside the Cheops Pyramid on a seniors’ tour and wind your way through the internal burial chambers, mindful of the small space you are in. Walk around to get a glimpse of these giant structures from all angles and if the mood takes you, take a camel ride after snapping a shot of all three from a popular vantage point.

Standing proudly as protector of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx is a mythological creation of a lion’s body and a man’s head, carved from a single piece of natural limestone and key to Egypt’s art history. Yellow in color, the Sphinx stands 65 feet high and around 200 feet long, and is said to represent Pharaoh Khafre.

One may be curious as to why the Sphinx has no nose, and it seems the original drawings of this fascinating structure didn’t show this feature. The story goes that the Sphinx would present passersby with a riddle, resulting in instant demise if they failed to solve it.

Ancient Thebes, now known as the city of Luxor, stands proudly as the capital of Upper Egypt, most well-known for the impressive Luxor Temple on the east bank of the Nile River. Constructed out of Nubian sandstone, the giant statues of Ramesses that greet you at the entrance make for an impressive welcome, as they pave the way for incredible discoveries beyond.

Walk through the Great Colonnade Hall, partly decorated by Tutankhamun around 1330 BC, marvel at the granite obelisk located just inside the gateway, and bid farewell to this part of history as you make your way along the avenue of sphinxes on your luxury Egypt tour.

From the moment you step foot on the grounds of the Karnak Temple, you will be taken aback by the enormity and grandeur of one of Egypt’s most important open-air museums. The popular and impressive site stands tall as a fortified village of columns, chapels, and pylons that vary in size, color, and design.

A row of sphinxes lines the entrance, with the first, massive temple of Ramesses II showing you inside. Make your way around the large complex, taking a moment to partake in the tradition of walking around the Scarab statue seven times as you make a wish. For something different, experience the spectacular sound and light show at night.

Notably one of the key focuses and reminders of Ancient Egypt, the Valley of the Kings is a highlight on any Egyptian West Bank visit. Examples of some of the country’s key historical citizens and events, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as an important part of Egyptology and today’s archaeological endeavors.

The most famous of all burial tombs in this graveyard of pharaohs is that of King Tutankhamun. Be sure to stop by the Temple of Hatshepsut, which stands at the gateway to the Valley of the Kings. This impressive temple is a fine example of ancient architecture, with three tiers that rise above the desert floor.

The Valley of the Queens is a historical must-see when in Egypt, set as the burial site for the many wives of pharaohs, the royal tombs neatly cut into the sides of the surrounding hills.

The tombs vary in size and brilliance, with some chamber walls bringing stories to life with beautiful and colorful decor, while others remain unfinished, yet simple and intriguing.

The most famous of all queens buried here is Nefertari, the wife of Ramesses II, whose tomb is said to be the most lavishly decorated and one of the largest. Located on the west bank of the Nile, a visit to this sacred site is easily incorporated into an itinerary of Luxor and its surrounds.

This is a massive building exploding with art and history, so give yourself time to explore as much of the Egyptian Museum as possible.

Located across a number of floors, statues, mummies, and relics from various eras line the walkways and rooms of this must-see establishment, with qualified guides taking you from one to the other, sharing a brief history or story that is sure to capture your imagination.

Be sure to take a walk around the room dedicated to King Tutankhamun’s impressive collection, which includes his iconic golden mask and many pieces of jewelry that were buried with him.

Discover the many mysteries in the necropolis of Memphis, the former capital of what was known as Lower Egypt. To this day, the region remains a fascinating site for explorers and Egyptologists.

Famous for the Step Pyramid, Saqqara is well worth visiting as you experience some of the oldest pyramids in Egypt, stepping inside that of Unas and uncovering the tales foretold on the walls of the chamber. Spend some time looking around at the many mastaba tombs of Old Kingdom nobility, taking in the sheer energy of this ancient region 20 minutes south of Giza.

Explore one of the world’s oldest open-air markets as you wind your way through people and produce at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, all the while heeding the call from vendors to come and look. Colors, fragrances, textures, and treasures await all who make the most of this unforgettable trading place.

Stop a while in the souk as you take in the scene of locals crowded around a shisha pipe or sellers taking a break with an Arabic coffee in a traditional coffeehouse. Experience this popular attraction on your own or accompanied by a local guide, who can assist with navigation and negotiations during an Egypt honeymoon or trip for families.

The two rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel stand proudly on Lake Nasser’s west bank as an eternal memorial to King Ramesses II and form part of UNESCO’s “Nubian Monuments” range. The artifacts at Abu Simbel are among the most recognized after the Giza pyramids and tell the tale of the Pharaoh, his wife Nefertari, and their children.

The Great Temple comprises a triangular design, with each room smaller than the previous one, pillars lining the atrium, and hieroglyphs and images depicting the fascinating life of this prominent Egyptian king. Learn about the relocation of Abu Simbel by visiting the small museum near the temple site.

Established in the Greco-Roman period from 332 BC to 395 AD, the Temple of Kom Ombo pays homage to two gods, Sobek and Horus, each provided with a sacred space of honor. Discover legendary tales in Sobek’s House of the Crocodile and visit the small room near the entrance that displays crocodile mummies.

The temple dedicated to Horus, god of the sun, displays vast depictions of falcon heads, as a tribute to the falcon-headed god, and is known as the Castle of the Falcon. It is said that the Temple of Kom Ombo has healing powers, which have seen many people enter it over the years in the hopes of being healed.

One of the best-preserved sites in Egypt, the Temple of Horus is located halfway between Luxor and Aswan, and proves a popular visit for those cruising the Nile.

The temple comprises a large courtyard set behind an impressive entrance and chapel, and the Court of Offerings is flanked by two statues of Horus, one fully intact. Discover the oldest part of the temple, the Festival Hall, and the most sacred part of the facility, the Sanctuary.

Scenes throughout the temple depict stories of battles, marriage, and birth, with incredible attention to detail and glorious exaggeration.

Constructed by Ptomey II, the Philae Temple stands as a shrine in honor of Isis, goddess of magic, healing, and birth, and is located on an island in the most beautiful setting. Access is by tender boat across Aswan’s Low Dam, its magnificence breathtaking from the moment you set eyes upon the complex.

Said to be sacred, the Temple of Isis, as it is also known, also claims to be one of the burial sites of the Egyptian god, Osiris. Pass through the First Pylon that stands at the entrance and discover chambers off the forecourt, with tales of a civilization depicted in hieroglyphs, significant, as they are said to be among the last to be written by ancient Egyptians.

Take some time out after exploring temples and tombs to relax on one of Sharm el Sheikh’s inviting beaches. Swim in the aqua seas off the Sinai Peninsula while enjoying true Egyptian hospitality.

Discover nearby Mount Sinai, said to possibly be the one where Moses received the 10 commandments, and take a day trip to Ras Mohammed National Park to experience rare wildlife, stunning scenery, and a snorkeling experience.

Explore the Sharm Old Market, then cross the desert sands and colored canyons in a 4x4 vehicle as you watch the sunset.

With fantastic ruins and active traditions, Egypt has attracted visitors from around the world for millennia and continues to demonstrate a conviction to preserve cultural heritage.

Whether searching for the wonders of the ancient world, experiencing the Grand Bazaar, visiting a Nubian village, or uncovering archeological treasures at a celebrated museum, you can find the information you need to help envision the right senior trip for you with our Egypt travel guide and travel guide for seniors. You can also find inspiration for your trip with our Egypt tours for seniors.