TOURS IN LUXOR

Mara House

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TOURS IN LUXOR

"From the moment our flight landed at Luxor airport, Mara was looking out for us. She had arranged to have her driver meet us at the airport, and look after the transfer. (We later saw her racing off to the railway station to meet other guests coming by train.) When we were checked in and settled, Mara sat down with us and asked about the “style” of Luxor experience we were looking for. Did we want the experience of Ancient Egypt? Were we looking to for contemporary religious history or ancient astronauts? Or simply to experience modern day Egypt? And according to our answers she recommend a range of tours and sites to visit. She took an overwhelming array of choice and crystallised it down to a manageable itinerary for us. We did two tours through Mara - the West Bank and the Abydos/Dendara tour. In each case the guide was excellent, and shielded us from the local hassle. The driver was safe and professional, but still Egyptian and delightfully charming." - Michael October 2011

Some stories of Ancient Egypt here...

I have two wonderful guides and each day we have a tour going out from Mara House, sometimes two tours to different locations. I have spent time with my guides to ensure you see the most important places in each Temple, places which are outside the regular teachings of the guides as well as the most important things in each location. There is no time lost in looking at workshops, factories or bazaars. For most people staying at Mara House this trip is the dream of a lifetime - I want you to experience the best - I have no problem with recommending you places for shopping and Amr loves taking people out and showing them around, just not during Tour time.

Non-residents of Mara House are welcome on our tours.

Special tour prices with child reductions

There are no shopping trips during ANY Mara House Tours.

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Karnak & Luxor Temples - 325 Le per person

Statue of Ramses II at Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple is dedicated to Creation and Luxor Temple is known by many people 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)

Does (above) suggest that the Ancient Egyptians knew what sperm looked like?

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West Bank - Full Day - 6 sites (500 Le per person)

Inside the tomb of Tutmoses III Valley of the Kings (sbove)

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.

(above) Offerings Table in Medinet Habu Temple

We take you to see the 6 major sites on the West Bank on the same day, as opposed to 2 half days as most tours do. In Winter time we stop for lunch (not included) but in Summer time it is best to see the sites and eat afterwards. We take 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. We visit the Tombs of the Nobles, Medinet Habu Temple and Deir El Medina also known as the Workers' Village (which has two perfectly preserved tombs), and finish up with a brief stop at the Colossi of Memnon.

Judgement Scene at Tombs of the Nobles (above)

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"Mara had recommended an itinerary for the three days of our stay to ensure that we made the most of our time. On all of the tours we were driven in an air conditioned minivan by Mahmoud who was a very experienced and reliable driver. Our Egyptologist guide was Mohammed who was not only incredibly knowledgable, but interesting and entertaining as well. The knowledge which Mohammed imparted to us was invaluable and added a whole new dimension to the experience – far more than we could have gained visiting the sites by ourselves. We toured the West Bank, Aswan, Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as Abydos and Dendera - a lot to pack into 3 days but well worth it!" - Susi July 2012

Abydos & Dendera - Full Day (500 Le per person)

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.......for starters how about the story of Oom Sety?

"We travelled to Egypt in such a special period (Jan 30 - Feb 7, 2011). We're happy to be Mara's only guest during our stay in Luxor. Due to the travel alert, all the guests cancelled their bookings except us. Abydos and Dendara temple are the most impressive temples for our trip. Thanks to Mara who recommend them and arrange the trip for us "- Luca, China Feb 2011

Mystery at Abydos (above)

Flower of Life in the Osirion at Abydos (above)

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. In a 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 approx. 4.30pm.

Part of the newly cleaned and completely intact ceiling at Dendera (above)

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Day Trip to Aswan Full Day (600 LE per person)

This tour leaves Mara House at 6am (breakfast box provided). Going through the town of Esna onto Edfu where you stop to see the Temple of Horus (Horus, the husband of Hathor whose temple is Dendera) and carry on to stop again at Kom Ombo to visit the "Temple of Light & Dark" symbolising polarity. This was the temple where initiates faced their fear of the known and the unknown by traversing the "path of darkness" which is still there today, although badly damaged. Continuing on to Aswan and a boat trip to the famous Temple of Isis or Temple of Love at Philae. Back in Luxor by 6pm.

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Other attractions in Luxor include Balloon Rides, Belly Dancing, Whirling Dervish Show, Sound & Light Show at Karnak Temple, Star Gazing, Horse & Carriage Rides, Fellucca Sailing and Quad Biking.

If you find our tour prices are higher than some others on offer please be aware our tours are quality tours, no shopping, no extras and no disappointment that you did not see everything you could have seen.

I am probably the strongest and most consistent advocate of the Temples at Abydos and Dendera - our guests are always delighted with this experience and with our enthusiastic guides - sadly there are some who go to these temples without a consciously interested guide and I know they miss out on some of the best things to see in those two temples. If you do no other tour with Mara House please, for your own sake, take the Abydos/Dendera Tour with us!

All offers on this website are subject to terms & conditions, E & OE, availability and subject to change if affected by circumstances outside our control. This is the official website of Egypt with Mara and Mara House © 2003 - 2012