Guest Book

Top care and service



"First time in Egypt for us. Mara sorted every detail out for us. We chose her Meritataten package, basically Western Valley tombs and temples one day, then Dendara and Abydos next day. Guide, driver and A/C minibus for our exclusive use.

Then we opted for one day in Cairo, one of Mara's package deals. Pyramids and Cairo Museum. Again, you are picked up from the airport, taken to the apartment, and next morning the guide arrives. Everything is made so easy. We stayed overnight in her large, luxury apartment near Tahrir Square. It is in an iconic Art Deco building right in the centre. An experience in itself.

Even though it was Friday and some protesters were beginning to assemble peaceably, we crossed the square and never once felt in the slightest danger. We had some fascinating conversations about the elections and life in Egypt today. Both guides were excellent.

The sites were quite empty because many tourists on the Cruise boats were staying away. We didn't have to queue for anything. Now is a great time to go.

Back in Luxor, Mara is keen that you don't get hassled, so you can be sure that your guide will not take you to see his cousin's shop or any of the other scams that go on. Her guides know this and approve of this as they want to see the tourist experience improve.

We chose to use a caleche (horse and carriage) all the time we were there and, basically, for about £12 (English) you have his services for the day. The guy we used (recommended by Amr, Mara's manager) was a great character and so obliging. We really enjoyed being able to see the world going on around us and he would occasionally stop off at the horse feed stall in the market en route to top up the stock of green stuff for his horse. You felt you were really a part of the daily life.

Tipping was a concern for us. We knew it was expected, but had no clue as to when or how how. Mara's website has a page on this and it was very useful.

Likewise, we were worried about getting the dreaded upset stomach. This also was catered for as we picked up some tablets on day one and never had to use them.

The whole tipping thing is a complex issue to do with the way that the local economy works, which I won't go into here, but look at Mara's website and there is some useful information there.

The accommodation (our suite) was very comfortable. Big bedroom, lounge with balcony, air conditioning, big fridge with water, beer, wine, etc all at normal local prices so you felt you could just take what you needed and not be concerned about the budget. This is the Mara trademark. She is giving you the experience you would like to have if you could do it yourself.

I could go on. So many things to make your life run smoothly. You only had to ask. In fact if they thought you were unsure about how to get somewhere, then Amr would just go with you to make sure you were ok.

You are, however, in Luxor, not out in some large hotel complex. You will hear the Call to prayer from the mosque a street or two away. You will see people who appear to have few material possessions in the same street, but it is safe. We thought nothing of walking through the town in the evening. It is a great experience if you want to feel what living in Luxor is like.

I can't recommend this enough. If you aren't sure what to do, let them suggest a restaurant or a trip. You won't regret it."