This page was last updated on 12 Oct 2008
TOURS IN LUXOR
When comparing our tours with others please make sure you are comparing like with like, when it comes to number of sites on the itinerary, time allowed there, ticket prices included or not, guide included or not, and whether there are any compulsory shopping trips involved (as is nearly always the case). Many people complain about little time given in the sites because of shopping trips they are taken on (remember if the bus goes you have to go also!!)
I very much regret that in view of the rapidly changing rates of currency the tours offered here are subject to constant changes in price in line with the international fluctuations of currencies. For the same reason I am not taking advance bookings for tours for the moment but will organise tours on request for guests on arrival.
I hope this will be a temporary situation!
Karnak & Luxor Temples
Karnak Temple dedicated to Creation and Luxor Temple, known by many today as Schwaller De Lubitz's Temple of Man. The border wall of Karnak Temple undulates like a wave (first time I saw it I thought it was because of subsiding foundations.....subsiding very regularly!!!!) to portray the Nun (Void or Ocean) out of which rose the earth (the Temple)............read more
Our Tour to Karnak & Luxor begins at 9am. If you are not staying at Mara House we will pick you up at your hotel/accommodation at 9.15am. First stop is Karnak Temple, which hopefully will be relatively quiet as the early morning tours from the cruise ships etc. will have left by the time we arrive. There are two entry tickets required in Karnak Temple...one for entry to the Temple grounds and main temple and the second is for the open air museum (many tours do not go here). Both tickets are included in Mara's Tours.
We take a break for lunch (not incl. in price) and then visit Luxor Temple which will take around 1 hour depending on how long you want to stay here. We will drop you back to your hotel at approx. 2pm.
Prices on request
West Bank
The West Bank to the ancients was one big City of the Dead. Because the sun set on the west bank and rose on the east bank they considered the east bank the place for the living and the west bank the habitat of the dead. The tomb in the Valley of the Kings which I find most intriguing and interesting.....read more
The West Bank Tour with Mara is a full day tour. Unlike most other tours we leave the east bank for the west bank at 9am thereby arriving after the early morning rush has departed back to their cruise boats and hotels. We take our time in the Valley of the Kings, viewing 3 tombs (entry to Tut-ankh-Amon's tomb is extra), then onto Deir El Bahri known as the Temple of Hatshepsut and a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Now we are ready for a break and light lunch (not incl. in price) near the Nile.
After lunch we visit the Tombs of the Nobles, the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and Deir El Medina also known as the Workers' Village, finishing off back at Mara House around 4pm. The exact time taken in each place is left up to our guests as we want to ensure you see everything you want to see. How much information you get from the guide is also up to you, as some people prefer a little information and time to soak up the atmosphere, while others prefer to be given all the egyptologist or metaphysical information.
There are no shopping trips included unless the guests request it.
Prices on request
Abydos & Dendera
My personal most favourite temples in all of Egypt! I never cease to get goosebumps when I enter these two temples. Maybe it is because they are the least visited and so still contain such a palpalable feeling of sacredness, serenity and mystery. So many secrets here not yet discovered, so much knowledge not yet translated.......read more
The Abydos/Dendera tour is a full day tour with an expert Egyptologist Guide. If you are not staying at Mara House we will pick you up at your hotel at 7.30am. Leaving with the police convoy at 8am in the morning in private air-conditioned minibus it is an adventure all the way. The changing scenery is a joy to behold but it is also a good idea to take a pillow for a nap! There is no time to stop for lunch if you want to spend real time in the temples so lunch is a packed lunch eaten in transit. First we pass through Qena to Abydos and then double back to Dendera, arriving back in Luxor at between 5 and 6pm.
Prices on request
******************************
See what our guests said Travel Tips
Sacred Tours in Egypt Nov. 2008
I am delighted to announce a very special event in Egypt this November with a lady of unusual insight - Melissa Goldberg and Freddy Silva. Please visit her website for full details.
Abydos and Dendera Temples have always been very special to me and, of course, the story of Oom Sety (sure wasn't her father Irish!!!) has fascinated me from the moment I heard about her, so I am especially looking forward myself to being with Melissa on this journey and learning more about Oom Sety and in particular - Abydos.