My name is Marie Vaughan known to most visitors and Egyptians as simply “Mara”, and I have spent over twenty years living in Egypt, managing Mara House in Luxor, and designing custom travel experiences across the country.
While I do offer basic generic tourist packages consisting of sites that all newcomers should see, I really excel at providing independent-minded travelers with comfortable accommodation, deep cultural insights, and expertly organized itineraries that reveal the true history and spirit of Egypt.
Whether you are looking for a welcoming base for your stay in Luxor or a fully managed tour that takes you beyond the standard tourist tracks, my team and I provide the local expertise and logistical precision necessary for a seamless journey.
Our Core Services
Mara House Hotel Luxor
Mara House is a unique, boutique hotel located in an ordinary Luxor street away from the tourist strip, offering travelers a secure and unique opportunity to experience normal everyday life in Egyptian town. It serves as your personal home away from home while you explore the ancient temples and tombs of the Nile Valley. Known for its distinct architecture and our famous Salahadeen feast, Mara House combines traditional hospitality with the practical amenities independent travelers require.
Explore Mara House and book directly with Mara
Custom & Private Egypt Tours
Navigating Egypt’s historic sites requires careful planning and reliable execution. Drawing on two decades of logistical experience, I design and manage comprehensive tours that cover Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Siwa, Alexandria, the Red Sea area and beyond. Our tours use trusted local guides, private transport, and optimized schedules to ensure you maximize your time without the stress of navigating the tourist crowds alone.
Egypt Tour Itineraries and Possibilities
Opening Closed Doors: Exclusive Access Tours & Special Experiences
For travelers seeking a deeper connection to Egypt’s antiquity, I arrange exclusive, legal access to historic sites and chambers that are strictly closed to the general public. These private, specially permitted viewings allow you to experience Egypt’s most iconic monuments in total isolation, accompanied by elite guides.
Exclusive Access Opportunities into Places most people don’t know about
2027 Total Solar Eclipse: Luxor Experience
On August 2, 2027, Luxor will be the premier global viewing location for the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century. I have personally designed a comprehensive viewing and travel experience centered within the path of totality. Due to extreme local demand, early planning is highly recommended.
Eclipse Itinerary & Secure Placement
Travel Planning, Travel Tips & Advice
Practical preparation is the key to a successful trip to Egypt. I have compiled a store of specific travel tips covering everything from local tipping customs and safety protocols to currency management and packing essentials.
My Approach to Transformative Travel in Egypt
Travel should mean more than a checklist of monuments. It should shift how you see things and stay with you after you leave. This section is a collection of stories – some drawn from my own experience, others from Egyptian legends and traditions – written to give people a sense of the personalities and meanings behind the places they will visit. The aim is simple: so that when you stand in front of a site, you are not meeting it empty-handed, but with something already forming in your imagination. Something for you to build on while taking your own personal situation and journey through life into account.
Spiritual & Transformative Stories of Hidden Egypt
Egyptian History, Culture & Stories
To fully appreciate the temples and tombs of Egypt, you must understand the stories and beliefs behind them. This section offers a collection of educational articles, historical narratives, and cultural insights designed to give you a foundational understanding of both ancient myths and modern Egyptian traditions before you arrive.
The Personal Connection & Reviews
Who is Mara?
Behind Mara House is a personal story of more than twenty years dedicated to hospitality and exploration in Egypt. Learn more about my journey, how I built Mara House in Luxor, and my personal commitment to ensuring every guest experiences the absolute best that this country has to offer.
Guest Stories, Photos & Reviews
The best measure of our hospitality comes directly from the travelers who have stayed with us and joined our tours. Explore guest book entries, unedited testimonials, and real photos shared by independent travelers from around the world.