Tuesday, April 24, 2018

no 1 on Trip Advisor no 160 review

My wife and I stayed at one of Jane's flats on the west bank called Al Gezera / Horus for the second time ... this time for fourteen nights. Its location is extremely ideal and the flat is very spacious with wonderful views of the west bank from both the living room and its many balconies. What is best about it, however, is the assistance provided by Jane and those who work for her. And how warm and friendly they all are. Almost anything we needed could be provided quickly and inexpensively. Pickup from Aswan? Doable! Day trips to sites near Luxor? Prompt pickups and friendly, safe drivers. Breakfast or dinner every day? Done. A large load of laundry? Done. All of which gave us the maximum amount of time to enjoy the sites of Luxor. And to relax.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Flats in Luxor is now disabled friendly

We have installed a ramp into our ground floor apartment at Al Gezera which means wheelchair users can access the flat independently. Our doors are 30 inches wide and apparently standard wheel chairs are 26 inches wide. So we are the first flats in Luxor to cater for the needs of wheelchair users. If this proves popular we will make changes at our other apartments to make them disabled friendly.

Thursday, January 04, 2018

AirBNB Review

I do like hosting people through AirBNB and they like us

WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE! The place is secluded from downtown Luxor, it’s on the West Bank of Luxor about 10 minutes from The Valley of he Kings, which in itself is extremely impressive. The place is huge! Very clean, and the hosts, who live in the same building, are extremely friendly, wonderful and helpful. You can expect to be totally alone if you’d like to be and have some privacy, while at the same time, the host family that lives in this humongous villa is there to help you with absolutely anything you might need. Talk about the value for the money! It’s highly recommend and when we come back to Luxor (which is a must), we will most definitely come back!

Thursday, December 07, 2017

Trip Advisor Review from Michael and Sean | Flats In Luxor



https://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Al-Gezera-Lounge.jpg 



Trip Advisor Review from Michael and Sean | Flats In Luxor



LUXOR may be the best city in the world!

We had such an amazing time! We had an early flight in from Cairo, my
hangover was terrible! haha. A ride was arranged and waiting, took us
to the amazing 3 bedroom flat with incredible views of the west bank and
valley of the kings. The next few days were a blur of magic and fun.
amazing locations, people and food. A trip of a lifetime. it wouldnt
have been the same without the help of Jane being able to easily help
use line up any and all activities and day trips we could imagine, and
some we couldnt. I will be back 100%

Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Review from my AirBNB guest

The best apartment I could find with the best host. The apartment has everything I needed, very clean, spacious and a plus it is the view to the mountains from the terrace. Jane is the best host ever, she's friendly, always willing to help and made us feel so comfortable that we regret for not staying longer. I totally recommend her apartment.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15729419

Tuesday, October 03, 2017

Flats in Luxor is now HTTPS secure

Flats in Luxor is now HTTPS secure

We have upgraded all our websites to the new internet standard so you can be sure to be safe contacting us.


https://www.flatsinluxor.co.uk/flats-in-luxor-is-now-https-secure/


Tuesday, January 17, 2017

#Robinsons #Squash'd - making drinking water fun

The weather has just turned the cusp of cold winter nights and the warm weather is coming. One of the challenges of a holiday in Luxor is drinking enough water. Summer is especially hot and it can be hard. Warm mineral water is not easy to drink. Here are two tips.

1) If you have a fridge put a bottle of water in the freezer compartment. Cold water tastes better

2) Buy some fruit squash. Now obviously bringing a huge bottle is a tad heavy with limited luggage allowance but there are alternatives. I had one set of guests bring fruit crystals. A very recent set brought this fab little bottle, they left it with me to use up and over 2 weeks of continual use, 3-4 glasses a day I still havent finished it. Robinsons Squash'd  is 66ml and a tiny little bottle. (There may be other manufacturers who do something similar). It is perfect for any hot holiday when you need to add something to a bottle of mineral water.



Saturday, January 07, 2017

Luxor Cemetery 30 Dec 2016 by Geoff Olson

Many thanks to Geoff for these links. You may not known that there is a dedicated cemetery in Luxor for foreigners. It is located at Tiba and Geoff has added it to Google Maps should you want to visit. You will need to give any taxi driver directions so make sure you have details on your phone. 25°42'60.0"N
32°46'46. Street 3 Egypt


It was moved to this location in 2009 and the move was actually the subject of a Channel 4 documentary showing the work of Peter Mitchell - The Exhumer. Here is link to his photos



Geoff's photos are here Luxor Cemetery 30 Dec 2016 - Google Drive

If anyone here is interested in visiting contact the guard in advance, his name is Magdi and his number is 0127 7092261.

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Photos Albums

A link to loads of wonderful photos on Picasso taken by one of our guests 



Luxor Photos

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Even more info on the Luxor Pass

We have received a lot of questions, concerning the Luxor Pass: What does it cost, where can I buy it, how can I pay for it, how long does it take to get the pass?
Last Tuesday (22 November 2016), Karin Khalif and Marcel Maesson went to see Ahmed Khalifa, Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Antiquities Office in Luxor, to get some answers
The Luxor Pass:
There are 4 versions of the Pass:
• The Red Pass:
Gives you access to all the museums and (open) tombs in the Luxor area, including (about 10-15 minutes) access to the tombs of Nefertari (QV66) and the tomb of Seti I (KV17)
• The Blue Pass:
Same as above, but without access to Nefertari and Seti I tombs
• The Yellow Pass (For students only):
Gives you access to all the museums and (open) tombs in the Luxor area, including (about 10-15 minutes) access to the tombs of Nefertari (QV66) and the tomb of Seti I (KV17)
• The Green Pass (For Students Only):
Same as above, but without access to Nefertari and Seti I tombs.
All Luxor Passes have a validity of 5 CONSECUTIVE days.
What does the Luxor Pass cost:
The Red Pass: U$ 200,-
The Blue Pass: U$ 100,-
The Yellow Pass: U$ 100,-
The Green Pass: U$ 50,-
Where can I buy the Luxor Pass:
To purchase a Luxor Pass, you will need a passport photograph and a photocopy of your passport details page. Take these to the Department of Foreign Cultural Relations at the Ministry of Antiquities in Zamalek or from the Public Relations Office in the Luxor Inspectorate, which is behind the Luxor Museum on the east bank of Luxor, behind the Museum. The office is open 9:00 am to 4:30 pm each day, Monday to Friday.
How can I pay for the Luxor Pass?
In Cash only. Although the tickets are priced in US Dollars, Mr. Ahmed Khalifa told us, that they accept Euros too. The Red Pass (U$ 200,-) will cost you € 180,-. If you do the math, the following prices would apply (although these can be different, depending on the exchange rate $ - €):
The Red Pass: € 180,-
The Blue Pass: € 90,-
The Yellow Pass: € 90,-
The Green Pass: € 45,-
How long does it take to make the pass?
The pass will be made on the spot, so it shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes.
NOTES:
• The pass can ONLY be paid for in US Dollars or Euros. You CANNOT pay in Egyptian Pounds or any other foreign currency.
• There is NO possibility to pay with Credit or Debit Card
• You have to bring your passport and a pass photo. If you do not have a pass photo (which can be easily obtained in Luxor), bring a copy of your passport. This will be attached to the back of your Luxor Pass.
• Students have to bring their University pass or other proof of being a student.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Is Luxor, Egypt a good choice for a holiday destination?

With all the hard work you do you deserve the best kind of holiday, something to enthral the kids, broaden the mind, find out about other cultures and history with guaranteed sun. Luxor, Egypt meets all those criteria, but wait a minute isn’t Egypt dangerous.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri


Well actually that is more about media perception than the reality. On my Trip Advisor listing you can read independent reviews from real people that have visited recently, and without exception have had a trouble free relaxing and culturally rich holiday. The British gov website reports 865,000 Brits visited Egypt and all the tourist areas are green.

A huge choice of apartment at Flats in Luxor

I have lived here for 13 years running self-catering holiday apartments for independent tourists www.flatsinluxor.co.uk . With my Egyptology qualifications I am able to advise people on the things that will appeal to all ages and interests. Kids that want to see battles, families, animals in tomb scenes. Adults interested in architecture and the arch before the key stone. History buffs who are interested in all aspects from Pre dynastic Egypt to the Golden Age of the new Kingdom, to Greek to even Roman remains.

Tomb of Ay in Valley of King


Lots more are described in my guide book Hidden Luxor.

There are loads of non-historical activities available as well, fishermen wanting to make a big catch, bird watchers, star gazers, horse riders and scuba divers. Whatever your interests and activities Egypt offers it and I can arrange it for you. So for your next holiday contact me jane.akshar@flatsinluxor.co.uk and let me make your dreams come true.

Luxor Temple from a hot air balloon

Monday, June 20, 2016

Guides at Ramadan – Flats in Luxor – Making dreams come true in Egypt

Guides at Ramadan – Flats in Luxor – Making dreams come true in Egypt:



A review from our guest



Jane, Mahmoud and all of their staff went out of their way to make sure my stay went exceptionally well. Very much appreciated. I came into Egypt during a very hot time, which I am far from used to, so Jane made sure that I had the coldest room and right next to the pool so that I could keep cool. The AC worked very well (in Egypt this is not always the case).

I also have food allergies and cannot eat a few other things; fortunately the staff all made sure that my heals were gluten free, and extremely good tasting too. Gluten free eating in Egypt is difficult at best. The driver which they had for me also brought me grocery shopping for snack food as well.

The best part of staying there though was their tours. There were specific out of the way and non-standard places I wanted to see. Fortunately Jane is an expert at such things. Also I wanted to do things such as collect some nile water on the way back, pick up a stone from the outside of each site and so forth, and the staff were just fine with, and even helped out with my odd idiosyncrasies :D. Najar was my driver, and he made sure that I always made it to the places I needed to go, parked in the shade, and offered a stop for water and groceries if needed.

The guide they set me up with was Hussein, and he was very knowledgeable about the temples and tombs, even the newly opened ones. He had more information than previous guides on a couple of places which I had been to before, and had read quite a bit on. I really like the level of his expertise.

They both also made sure to find me the most suitable bathrooms possible during our journeys out of town. This is more important than one may realize in Egypt….

Then Mahmoud and the driver which he found took me on a desert trip to try to find… one particular spot in a wadi. Easier said than done, but we combed the wadi very well. Also a bit of walking and exploring. Fortunately also a lot of patience for the tourist not used to the sun. They both knew the area quite well and were able to check each smaller valley within the larger one. I didn’t have GPS coordinates for where I wanted to go, but through research Jane found the right ones for the area, and then from their knowledge of that part of the desert Mahmoud and his driver narrowed it down further.

I prefer private guides and drivers over the go into each place rushed with 20 other tourists. They were able to do this extremely well. The prices of FlatsinLuxor for these services same or lower than others and their company, drivers, nor guides take a percentage when you purchase items. Yes, most other guides and drivers (even regular taxi) in Egypt, get a percentage of everything you buy, so that the prices are raised accordingly, due to per-arranged deals with the stores and people.

I also noticed I was treated better and with more respect during this time in Egypt, over my last time. This was due to the local people in Egypt thinking well of Jane, Mahmoud, Hussain and Najar. They are seen more as friends and family, instead of just a company transporting tourists in and out.

Btw, their wifi is great (rare in Egypt)

Highly recommended!

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Map of Luxor:Flats in Luxor using What3Words

Map of Luxor:Flats in Luxor: Luxor does not have names for all its streets which is why we like to meet you and take you to your apartment. If you need an address for visa purposes Flats in Luxor, West Bank, Luxor is enough unless you are staying on the East Bank of course :).

The new app what3words is absolutely perfect for us, here are our locations using that





Nubian Eco Village
Goubli
Arabesque

Al Gezera

Al Khemia Villa

Friday, February 19, 2016

Cairo, train, camels from Flats in Luxor

Tours from Flats in Luxor
This unique piece of marketing highlights that Flats in Luxor isn't just Luxor nor is it just accommodation. We often arrange entire tours of Egypt for people who want a quality, independent and completely tailored itinerary.

Jane Akshar and Mahmoud Jahlan can work with you to suggest places that fit YOUR interests and time available.

In Cairo we have excellent guides with good Egyptology and can recommend hotels all over the city from 3* cheap and cheerful to 5* dead posh. 

As the picture shows transport from camels to trains can be used for transfers, though most people go for internal flights where available.

The desert, middle Egypt, scuba diving, Nile cruises and safaris have all been options we have arranged for our guests.

And of course Hidden Luxor with Hussein Omar and his team of guides

BTW if you are wondering where the picture comes from it is based on old tourism posters that Jane Akshar stitched in cross stitch

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Pacific Lutheran University Valley of the Kings Project: THE TOMB OF THE PHARAOH'S ADVISOR.

Pacific Lutheran University Valley of the Kings Project: THE TOMB OF THE PHARAOH'S ADVISOR.: we are, for the moment, switching our attention to a fascinating tomb, KV 48, the burial place of Amenemopet, the vizier (right-hand man) of the warrior pharaoh, Amenhotep II, who ruled Egypt for about 26 years (c.1427-1401 B.C.) during the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom.

Saturday, February 13, 2016

Pacific Lutheran University Valley of the Kings Project: LUXOR

A new big blog to watch, from Donald Ryan and his team (who are staying at Flats in Luxor and give us a mention :) ). 

Pacific Lutheran University Valley of the Kings Project: LUXOR

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

Two lovely new reviews from AirBNB


“The villa was absolutely gorgeous - the pictures don't give it justice! I wish we had planned to stay longer in Luxor just so we could enjoy the villa and pool next door. We were greeted warmly by Mahmoud and his cousin Ahmed. They assisted us with a guide for our site seeing, and arranged for a taxi to pick us up at the airport. My friend Shannon and I were treated incredibly well - we even spent time going out for breakfast with Mahmoud and drinking coffee next to the Nile. I HIGHLY recommend the Nubian Village and Luxor. I can't wait to get back!” Jacqueline


"When we arrived at the airport in Luxor there was someone waiting for us and took us to the flat. Mamood was extremely helpful and made it possible for us to see many more things than we ever thought we would. The accommodations were a little tricky at first as we were on the 4th floor but again Mamood moved us to the first floor once he found out that the steps would be a challenge. Ali our taxi driver was helpful and very informative. He gave great suggestions on what to do and see. When he dropped us at the airport at the end we were sad to say goodbye" Michelle

https://www.airbnb.com/users/reviews

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Map of the Centre of Luxor (East Bank)

There are three really useful maps on this website. West Bank, Luxor Station area and Luxor Sheraton area and little Britian, very helpful

Map of the Centre of Luxor (East Bank)

Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Flats in Luxor (Egypt) - Condominium Reviews - TripAdvisor

Flats in Luxor (Egypt) - Condominium Reviews - TripAdvisor: We stayed at Janes flats on the east bank and it was great. We also visited the West Bank where Mahmoud met us off the ferry (twice) and took us to visit jane, we swam in the pool, Mahmoud took us to Habu temple and drove us right round to show us the tombs of the nobles. Jane and Mahmoud go out of their way to make sure you have a great time, and are very well informed, they are a mine of information. Their caretaker at our flats (haghag) was also very helpful and very friendly. I can't wait to go back!

Sunday, December 06, 2015

Goubli Apartments Luxor (Egypt) - Guest house Reviews - TripAdvisor

 Because of Trip Advisor crazy policy we have several listings as well as the main No 1 spot, so I almost missed this lovely review.

 

Goubli Apartments Luxor (Egypt) - Guest house Reviews - TripAdvisor: Elegant, enormous 3-br, 2-bath flat, huge rooms and nicely furnished, with wraparound balcony that overlooks Deir el-Bahari (Hatshepsut temple) and the mountains, surrounded by farm fields with camels and donkeys -- perfect setting, near all the West Bank archeological sites. Staff was extremely accommodating and genuinely friendly, couldn't have been better. Our food was excellent and very inexpensive, and we could eat on the roof, overlooking Hatshepsut's temple, or our two balconies or our dining room. This is a genuinely, purely Egyptian experience, not a lavish Euro-style hotel, and a great, great value. Also Jane Akshar is a highly knowledgeable Egyptologist, and eager to help. She will arrange the best guides and drivers in Luxor, at very low prices but with guaranteed expertise. I'm in Egyptology myself, so I can confirm that Jane's guides know their stuff. This is NOT the typical packaged-tour experience. This is for people who really care about ancient Egypt and want to absorb all they can, of past and present both.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Redecoration at Goubli

We had a bit of a disaster at Goubli when the toilet in the Neith flat developed a leak. The whole unit had to be replaced but there was water damage in the reception. Redecoration was badly needed, I love the new colours Mahmoud has chosen

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Ministry of Antiquities New nobles tombs opening plus Horemheb and Tuthmosis III

Ministry of Antiquities Press Office... - Ministry of Antiquities



 Antiquities Minister, Dr. Eldamaty is to open three New
Kingdom Tombs next Thursday November 5, 2015 in front of their visitors
for the first time since their discovery at Qurnat Marey' Area – Luxor.
The Ministry of Antiquities also celebrates the reopening of two other
tombs; that of Horemheb and King Thutmosis III at the Valley of the
Kings after the termination of their regular maintenance works.


Eldamaty clarified that the three tombs that will be opened for the
first time are among the most important tombs of the Nobles at this
period and they are: Tomb TT 40 of " Imn hotep – Hwy" Deputy of King
Tutankhamun in Kush and Governor of the South Lands, Tomb TT 277 of "
Imnement" who carried the title of the godfather of Imn hotep III
palace, in addition to Tomb TT 278 of " Amunemheb" who was the keeper of
Amun Re Cattle in the New Kingdom.
Eldamaty added that this step
comes within the Ministry's general plan to open new archaeological
sites for encouraging tourism.
On the other hand, Dr. Mostafa Wsiry
General manager of Luxor Archaeological Area said that the two tombs of
Ramses III and Ramses IX will be closed in order to terminate the
lighting project there.

All these openings coincide with the
celebrations of Luxor Governorate of its national day (4-11-2015). A
number of activities will take place at this day and will be witnessed
by the Minister of Antiquities accompanied by a number of Ministers and
public figures. Among the activities are a pharaonic ballet performance
organized by the Cairo Opera House at in front of Hatchepsut Temple. The
Egyptian Armed forces will also participate with a military music
performance touring the whole country in addition to pop dancing and
fireworks.

©Ministry of Antiquities, Press Office

Friday, October 23, 2015

Review on Airbnb

Jane's Profile - Airbnb: Words can barely describe the wonderful experience that I had with Jane. The room was fabulous and the setting was lush and green. I felt safe and very well cared for. The staff did an amazing job or arranging excellent tours and ensuring that my needs were met. It is very close to all of the sites of Luxor. I have recommended to all of my friends that they stay with Jane while in Luxor and I hope others make that decision as well.

Monday, September 14, 2015

BENEFIT CONCERT IN AID OF THE SUNSHINE PROJECT 23 Oct

23 October at 19:30–22:30 at Luxor Culture Palace, Jolie Ville (Movenpick) Road, Awamia, Luxor



BENEFIT CONCERT IN AID OF THE SUNSHINE PROJECT: Ahmed Harfoush, the amazing Egyptian Jazz Entertainer has very kindly offered to perform a Benefit Concert to raise money for the children of The Sunshine Project Orphanage here in Luxor.

ALL proceeds from this FANTASTIC, NOT TO BE MISSED event will go directly to the Sunshine Project.

Tickets are priced at 50 LE each but any monetary donation above this price will be very gratefully received.

To book for this exciting evening please call 01061 480 265 or send a private message to Theresa Clarke or Barbara Clarke, with your name and how many tickets you require. Tickets will also be available at The Sunshine Project Village in Awamia.

We would like to give a HUGE "THANK YOU" to Ahmed Harfoush and his team for this wonderful gesture.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Flats in Luxor (Egypt) - TripAdvisor

Flats in Luxor (Egypt) - TripAdvisor: My husband and I used Flats in Luxor for private transfer and we also decided to book a tour for the Valley of Kings and Cairo due to our short schedule. Jane and Mahmoud were so welcoming and reliable; they made us feel looked after and were our 'go-to' contacts in Egypt. We especially enjoyed our Cairo tour- great guide! The flats look beautiful, although we didn't stay there for this trip. We were lucky enough to meet with both Jane and Mahmoud on our trip, though.

Stayed July 2015, traveled as a couple

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Website down, should be restored in 24 hours

Grrrr my websites have been hacked and are currently down. My hosting service are fixing it and 'normal service will be resumed' ASAP