Mara leads the way...

  • In 2000 Mara spearheaded the consistent message that a visit to the near-pristine temples at Abydos and Dendera was an unmissable experience for visitors – a message that has now become a widespread desire for travelers worldwide.
  • In 2008, Mara's son, Stephen, pioneered the authentic Egyptian home-cooked experience with the Salahadeen Feast, a culinary delight that has set the standard and inspired emulation by various dining establishments.  However, the Feast at Mara House remains the best of all.
  • In 2023, Mara House exhibits the world's sole wall-to-wall photo collection showcasing the remarkable Muhammad Ali Dynasty, spanning from the iconic Muhammad Ali himself to the living grandchildren of King Farouk, who was exiled in the historic army coup of 1952.
    • Mara is also now putting the stories behind the faces on the walls online.  You will find them under the categories "Royal Egypt" and "Women of the Egyptian Harems."
    • Just as visitors are now flocking to Abydos and Dendera, twenty years from now they will be flocking to the palaces, museums, and mausoleums of the Mohamed Ali Dynasty, many of which are now being restored and preserved by the Egyptian authorities.  With Mara's guides, you get to be among the privileged first visitors.

Mara House is so much more than just a place to lay your head for a few nights and our Luxor/Cairo tours are far beyond simple visits to monuments.  If you want to get close to history, to experience it as opposed to just look at the bricks that remain, do three things:

  1. Stay at Mara House and immerse yourself in the traditional food, furnishings, wall hangings, photos, paintings and pictures.
  2. Read the stories relating to the sites you want to visit - read the stories of the people associated with the palaces, temples and tombs
  3. Let our engaging guides take you through the monuments and give you their unique perspectives on them

Secure your unforgettable experience at Mara House – a cozy haven of authenticity.  Due to our intimate size, early booking is advised to ensure you don't miss out on this unique opportunity.