"Can't wait to get back! " - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Thanks to the lovely Ave "Can't wait to get back! " - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: I arrived before the rest of my family from an East Bank hotel, I was picked up by captain Ali and taken over to the West Bank where I met Jane, her husband Mahmoud and Little Mahmoud. They took me to the Goubli Apartments where I was amazed by the size of the rooms and the fact that our flat (Maat) opened onto the pool! A big point for my 9 year old who was delighted. i got settled in then Jane took me to the airport to pick up my husband and daughter , all very easy and dinner was on the rooftop when we returned. Great service!
The flats have a great view of the Theban Hills which you can enjoy from the flats or the roof terrace where you can have your meals cooked by the excellent chefs. Mahmoud kept us entertained and tried to teach us some arabic. You just order food the day before or a few hours in advance and its ready for you when you wish. reasonably priced too.
It is much better than staying in a hotel as you have your own freedom, its great to be in the middle of local life, people tending their fields, animals etc and seeing the real Egypt.
Jane and her team could not be more accommodating, organising any trips we wanted or just a taxi for the day so we could visit sights at our leisure. We are keen on all the history, I am a fellow student with Jane at Uni of Manchester, Egyptology Online Course, so very easy to see the sites with them on the doorstep. But equally just as good for members of the party who are not so obsessed! To lounge by the pool or to take the ferry to the East Bank to sample the delights over there.
We cannot wait to go back in November, look forward to seeing you all soon.

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No visas on arrival in Egypt, says government - Bikya Masr : Bikya Masr

No visas on arrival in Egypt, says government - Bikya Masr : Bikya Masr: An Egyptian Cabinet official told Bikyamasr.com that although no official date for the new regulations has been given, the new rules could be implemented as early as next week.

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Egyptian Visa changes

further update strong rumour is suggesting this from Sept 20th!!!!!!


I suggest that you check this out if travelling here and get a visa in advance. Western visitors to Egypt must obtain visas before arrival | Al-Masry Al-Youm: Today's News from Egypt: Mohamad Hegazy said a new government decree will require that all visitors apply for a visa from an Egyptian embassy abroad.

Hegazy did not explain the motives behind the new measure or say when the new regulation will take effect.

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Update
One of my guests who ALWAYS gets her visa in advance says.

All you need to do is download a form from the Egyptian consulate site fill it in send it off with postal orders and passports, of and paid return envelopes-its all on the site. ours have never taken more than a week to 10 days.
It was 15GBP for visas per person, then cost of postage and return, both recommended recorded or tracked at very least

Another guest says

Getting a visa in the UK is easy and if you are in London its just a quick visit in the morning with your documents and you can pick it up in the afternoon.

Saving The Temple of Amenhotep III at Thebes (ft Dr. Hourig Sourouzian) - YouTube

Saving The Temple of Amenhotep III at Thebes (ft Dr. Hourig Sourouzian)

This video is a bit old but it is so nice and I only just found it!

Well located, great self-catering flats on the West Bank - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

New review on Trip Advisor, we now have 77 reviews from our lovely guests. Thank you all so much. It really makes a difference when people are deciding whether to stay that they can check reviews. Well located, great self-catering flats on the West Bank - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: “Well located, great self-catering flats on the West Bank”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 29, 2011 NEW

I stayed in one of Jane's flats for two months during this summer and was really pleased that I did. Her flats are ideally located on the West Bank, extremely close to most of the major historical sites as well as being a short walk from the ferry to take you across to the bustle of the East Bank. Jane herself is extremely helpful and Mohammed who works in the flats is a fantastic guy who runs errands to make your stay more comfortable. It is also a bonus having a swimming pool at the flats which you can access anytime!

Stayed July 2011, traveled solo

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Our Glaciologist at Flats in Luxor

I just had to take this photo of our glaciologist leaving Flats in Luxor about to go shopping. Yes I know he looks as thought he is about to attempt the Eiger. He said he didn't need his ice axe but had a snow shovel in his pack. We are not quite sure whether to believe him or not.

He is on a dig using the equipment they would normally use to investigate glaciers to investigate tombs, Fascinating stuff. So he can look down obviously but only a certain depth but also whilst in a burial chamber can look across to see if there is anything at the same level. I have no idea what Flinders Petrie or Howard Carter would make of the advances in Egyptology.

Give your kids a jump start with an Egyptian holiday.

Egyptology features as part of the UK National Curriculum and children love mummies and pyramids. Having an Egyptian holiday can really spark their interest and help them at school.

I should know, I got interested when I was 9 and it has been my hobby and now my work. We can help you with attractions that children will enjoy, even a little bit of homework.

I recommend the Egyptian Echo and Horrible History Awesome Egyptians as pre holiday reading.

HIDDEN LUXOR: LOCAL EGYPTOLOGIST REVEALS EGYPT'S TOURIST GEMS

The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple ... exciting names that most people will know are in Egypt but few would be able to name another site in the town of Luxor where they are found. A lady determined to change all that is Jane Akshar who was born in Sussex and studies Egyptology at Manchester University. Jane has now been living in Luxor for 8 years.

“Luxor is so often offered as a day trip or at best three days and yet there is so much here that people just don't get a chance to see. There are 23 ticketed sites here of major interest to travellers in Luxor. How can you do that in a day? I want to introduce people to the Hidden Luxor.''

Examples of these gems of history are the tomb of Rekhmire in the Valley of the Nobles, the prime minister of Egypt during the empire period with its full range of Egyptian crafts and foreigners bringing tribute, the tomb of Pashedu, a worker in ‘the Place of Beauty’, in the workman’s village, the Assasif tombs from the period of the Black Pharaohs and the wonderful mini museum of Merenptah, possibly the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

Jane, who visited the country for 32 years before she became a resident, first got interested in Egyptology aged 9, loads of reading and seeing the Tutankhamen exhibition as a teenager further stimulated her obsession. Although there is nothing like going Abu Simbel and the Pyramids it was Luxor that captured her heart and her interest. Billed as the world’s largest open air museum it is rich in ancient history and local culture.

Jane is offering an e-book guide, a series of lectures about the sites and their history and a week long study course. Site visits are with local guides reflecting her commitment to providing employment for local residents.

Hidden Luxor the e-book guide to Luxor sites
Hidden Luxor the video series is a set of lectures on the sites with historical background and the latest excavation knowledge
Hidden Luxor the holiday is a week long Egyptology Extravaganza of daily lectures with site visits.
Also available Hieroglyphs Holiday, a full week unlocking the code of the Pharaohs from the eminent lecturer Suzanne Lax-Bojtos
They are all featured on the website www.hiddenluxor.com

BBC News - Fast Track - How do you persuade a workaholic to take a holiday?

This article is so true, I have had many guests who have to work on holiday and who check emails continually. That is why I offer free Wi-Fi at Flats in Luxor. It is just expected these days. BBC News - Fast Track - How do you persuade a workaholic to take a holiday?: "Advances in technology have made all this possible. Most business travellers would argue that wi-fi at hotels is more important than the obligatory turn down service. And so more and more hotels are recognizing this as an opportunity.

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:: Luxor Caravanserai ::

My favourite shop got a new website. :: Luxor Caravanserai ::: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Luxor Travel Tips

After watching my Hidden Luxor video series one of people said they would like to see some Luxor tips as well so I am doing some. Here is the travel tips.

Hidden Luxor Press Release - HIDDEN LUXOR: MANCHESTER STUDENT REVEALS EGYPT'S TOURIST GEMS

The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple ... exciting names that most people will know are in Egypt but few would be able to name another site in the town of Luxor where they are found. A lady determined to change all that is Jane Akshar who was born in Sussex and studies Egyptology at Manchester University. Jane has now been living in Luxor for 8 years.
“Luxor is so often offered as a day trip or at best three days and yet there is so much here that people just don't get a chance to see. There are 23 ticketed sites here of major interest to travellers in Luxor. How can you do that in a day? I want to introduce people to the Hidden Luxor.''
Examples of these gems of history are the tomb of Rekhmire in the Valley of the Nobles, the prime minister of Egypt during the empire period with its full range of Egyptian crafts and foreigners bringing tribute, the tomb of Pashedu, a worker in ‘the Place of Beauty’, in the workman’s village, the Assasif tombs from the period of the Black Pharaohs and the wonderful mini museum of Merenptah, possibly the Pharaoh of the Exodus.

Jane, who visited the country for 32 years before she became a resident, first got interested in Egyptology aged 9, loads of reading and seeing the Tutankhamen exhibition as a teenager further stimulated her obsession. Although there is nothing like going Abu Simbel and the Pyramids it was Luxor that captured her heart and her interest. Billed as the world’s largest open air museum it is rich in ancient history and local culture.

Jane is offering an e-book guide, a series of lectures about the sites and their history and a week long study course. Site visits are with local guides reflecting her commitment to providing employment for local residents.

Hidden Luxor the e-book guide to Luxor sites
Hidden Luxor the video series is a set of lectures on the sites with historical background and the latest excavation knowledge
Hidden Luxor the holiday is a weeklong Egyptology Extravaganza of daily lectures with site visits.
Also available Hieroglyphs Holiday, a full week unlocking the code of the Pharaohs from the eminent lecturer Suzanne Lax-Bojtos
They are all featured on the website www.hiddenluxor.com

Testimonails, Reviews and Endorsements

It has been a busy few days on the review front. Lots and lots of endorsements on LinkedIn. Jane Akshar LinkedIn Reviews on Trip Advisor Flats in Luxor Trip Advisor (I do like Syd's request for world peace and a video testimonial from Carl. This is a really nice one that talks about the honesty of a local taxi driver. One that I use and recommend myself.



Thank you to everyone that has reviewed us. Real reviews from real people make a difference and we really appreciate them.

Jane Akshar | LinkedIn

Want to know what real people say about my apartments and more about me. Check my LinkedIn profile. Lots of recommendations for my writing and my flats as well as my past life. Jane Akshar | LinkedIn: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Mahmoud in The uk Slideshow | TripAdvisor™

Mahmoud just came back from a trip to the UK. Part business and part pleasure. He got a chance to go round a UK building site and also to see some DIY super stores. He has come back with brochures & videos and will be putting some of these things he has learnt into practise at our various sites. So improve our flats for our guests.

He also did a tour on a London bus and went to Liverpool Football Club. The funniest thing was he didn't ask the price and had a shisha at Edgware Road, it was £18 GBP!!!!! we only charge our guests 50p lol. So he learnt a lot and it was a pretty full week. Mahmoud in The uk Slideshow | TripAdvisor™: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Testimonials about Flats in Luxor

This summer I have had the delightful students of Swansea University staying with me and a couple of them leave tomorrow and this is what they said about their stay with Flats in Luxor.



and

Great place and great people! - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Great review from a great guest who was here digging. Great place and great people! - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: "the accommodation was clean, spacious and nicely decorated. The staff were extremely helpful with Jane herself being a fascinating and kind person. I will definitely be returning to the flats and recommend to any going to Luxor!

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Great trip. Plenty of opportunities to meet the locals - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Great review on Trip Advisor of Flats in Luxor, from a recent guest. Great trip. Plenty of opportunities to meet the locals - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: "I stayed in May with some friends. I have been to Egypt before to the Red Sea, this was my first trip to Luxor.

I enjoyed seeing the culture of Luxor, visiting the temples and the Valley of the Kings.

The flats are on the West Bank, which is great for seeing the old sites, and just a quick ferry boat ride to the East Bank.

We were well looked after, getting picked up on time to see the sites, plus our own Ferry man we could call to take us to the East Bank.

Had lots of fun doing the ballooning and the quadbiking - everything was organised for us by Jane and Mahmoud which was great.

THey also told us about some great places to eat - £3 for breakfast for two, and just £4 for a pizza in the evenings,at a restaurant overlooking the Nile.

Felt well looked after - we had plenty of indepenedence, but knew we had someone to help us out with anything we wanted to do when we stayed.

Thanks for a great holiday. Will visit again. Prefered it to being in a bubble the Red Sea Resorts.

Stayed May 2011, traveled with friends

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Jane Akshar | LinkedIn Recommendation

A lovely review from a past client on my Linked In profile. I really ought to make better use of LinkedIn. Jane Akshar | LinkedIn: "“I rented one of Jane's Flats in Luxor in October of 2008. While not my first time in Egypt as a solo female traveler, it was the first time I traveled by myself much beyond the confines of Cairo. Jane's properties are first-rate and her knowledge of the archaeological sites is superb. She was able to get me the right connections for both land and water taxis around Luxor and even arranged for a visit to a remote site farther to the south. I felt right at home with Jane, and I look forward to returning to Flats in Luxor for another wonderful time.” July 2, 2011

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

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Great Time Thanks Jane - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Lovely review on Trip Advisor, Luxor specialist lodgings by one of the Swansea crowd. Hope to see them back again soon. Great Time Thanks Jane - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor:
Stayed three weeks with Jane, and if a problem occurred Jane was always on hand with her door open and resolved it.
Lovely apartments, with all the amenities you need. A five minute walk to the ferries to cross the Nile to go over to the Eat bank.
Shops two minutes up the road, where you can buy all your food, drinks, phone cards etc.
Mohammed is always around to help and was a gem, I sooooo wanted to bring him home LOL.
I have only been home 24 hours and looking forward to going back to stay with Jane and the gang.

Stayed June 2011, travelled with friends

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Egypt 2010 (Part 4 - Abydos And Dendera) Slideshow & Video

A Facebook friend used Trip Wow to created this great video of Abydos and Dendera. Egypt 2010 (Part 4 - Abydos And Dendera) Slideshow & Video: "TripAdvisor™ TripWow ★ Egypt 2010 (Part 4 - Abydos And Dendera) Slideshow ★ to Naj‘ Abū Ḑāḩī (near Luxor), Dendera (near Al Karnak) and Cairo. Stunning free travel slideshows on TripAdvisor"

Photos from Middle Egypt

Middle Egypt Trip Slideshow: Jane’s trip from Luxor, Nile River Valley, Egypt to 4 cities Kharga, Al Minya, Sohag and Asyūţ (near Asyut) was created by TripAdvisor. See another Egypt slideshow. Create your own stunning free slideshow from your travel photos.

Hidden Luxor e-book, video lectures and now a holiday

With the launch of her study tour of Luxor, Egypt, Jane Akshar has completed her Hidden Luxor trio.

Jane explains

“Luxor is so often offered as a day trip or at best three days and yet there is so much here that people just don’t get a chance to see. Leaving aside local trips like camels and donkeys or fishing and sailing, there are 24 ticketed sites in Luxor, how can you do that in a day. I want to introduce people to Hidden Luxor.”

Her offerings are quite varied, an e-book guide, a series of lectures about the sites & the history and finally a week long study course. Her credentials are impeccable, a lifelong love of all things Egyptological, studying Egyptology with Manchester University, a resident of Luxor for 8 years and a visitor for 32 years she knows what she is talking about. She loves her adoptive homeland and wants to benefit the locals.

Although she conducts the lectures, the site visitors are done with local guides, reflecting her commitment to providing employment to local residents. All the revenue supports her tourism business during the downturn post revolution.

• Hidden Luxor the e-book guide to the various sites in Luxor
• Hidden Luxor the video series, is a set of lectures about the sites with historical background and latest excavation knowledge.
• Hidden Luxor the holiday is a week long Egyptology Extravaganza of daily lectures and sites visit.

They all on the website www.hiddenluxor.com

1 independent review for Luxor holiday apartments, Egypt

This client booked through Responsible Travel and here is there review. 1 independent review for Luxor holiday apartments, Egypt: "Jeremy Martineau review 4 star rating
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Meeting local people, being invited to their homes and seeing the country as they see it and not just as a tourist.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Win the trust of local people, who can be genuinely friendly.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, I know I put a significant amount in to the local economy through individual payments to local people, for services rendered.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic trip, which I have waited 50 years to do.

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Back to the Middle East: Egypt needs your holiday money | Travel | The Guardian

Back to the Middle East: Egypt needs your holiday money | Travel | The Guardian: "So, if tour operators won't run, do it yourself. It's really easy. And your money will go further, and more directly to the people who work for it. Book on Egyptair. Find hotels on the net and contact them. Everybody's offering deals.

And, truthfully, many people in the industry were fed up with the big tour operators. Yes, they provide work for their core employees, but the package tours have meant that the businesses that have traditionally provided peripheral services for the tourists: restaurants, taxis, calèche drivers, shops and small factories have been squeezed almost out of existence. Let's find a new form of tourism, where visitors engage with the country, make their own choices and spread their money – and locals meet them halfway.

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Egypt holidays: Back to the Nile and the Valley Of The Kings before the crowds get there | Mail Online

I managed to get a comment on this article support my beloved west bank. Could you all 'Like' the comment on that Daily Mail page which will keep the comment at the top and help all west bank people. Egypt holidays: Back to the Nile and the Valley Of The Kings before the crowds get there | Mail Online: "Great review of Egypt and I would say to everyone if you want Egyptian democracy please support Egypt by visiting. This review talks about the high end but there are plenty of small family run hotels and self catering apartments, try the West Bank in Luxor.

- Jane Akshar, Luxor, Egypt, 05/6/2011 09:30

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Latest Trip Advisor Review for Flats in LuxorLuxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor

Really nice review from a recent guest. Loved the place - definitely going back ! - Review of Flats in Luxor, Luxor, Egypt - TripAdvisor: "Stayed for 2 weeks at the property - part business, but mostly pleasure. Wonderful building with great facilities (and wonderful staff). It is situated with a lovely view of the mountains, and you get to see an amazing sunset - worth climbing the stairs to the roof for. Only a 5-10 minute walk to the ferry to cross the nile, with only a very rare `Camel ride ?' offer from the locals...

Jane herself is an amazing character, with so much local knowledge and also so much specialist knowledge on all things Ancient Egypt. Nothing was too much trouble and she organised some trips which I will remember for the rest of my life - Hot air ballooning at sunrise over the Nile, Quad biking into the desert, etc. Awesome !

This is the real Egypt, in a really great way ! So go for it....
Room Tip: The ground floor is best for the pool !

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Luxor Egyptology Course

3rd November 2011, 6 day course in Luxor $1,500 excluding flights, visa and insurance including guides, lectures, site visits, half board and accommodation.

Jane Akshar presents a course on Luxor.


The structure of the course will be an evening lecture followed by a morning visit with an Egyptian guide. This enables you to get high quality Egyptology knowledge whilst still giving work to the locals. The guide is one I use regularly who has an MA in Egyptology and he will attend the evening lectures.

Here what people say about the course.


The course will also include some local cultural tours such as camel rides, felucca sailing.
Accommodation and half board are included in one of Flats in Luxor high quality apartments.
Day 1
• Arrival in Luxor
• Evening Meal
Day 2
• Breakfast
• Donkey Ride over the Ridge
• Lecture on Luxor Temple
• Visit Luxor Temple
• Lecture on Karnak
• Evening Meal
Day 3
• Breakfast
• Karnak Temple
• Open Air Museum
• Lecture on Valley of Kings, tomb of Ay and the Carter House
• Evening Meal
Day 4
• Breakfast
• Valley of Kings
• Tomb of Ay
• Carter House
• Camel Ride
• Lecture on Medinet Habu, Sennefer and Rekhmire and Roy and Shu Roy
• Evening Meal
Day 5
• Breakfast
• Medinet Habu
• Sennefer & Rekhmire
• Roy & Shu Roy
• Lecture Ramasseum, Assasif Tombs and Pabasa
• Felucca Sunset Dinner Cruise
Day 6
• Breakfast
• Ramasseum
• Assasif Tombs
• Pabasa
• Lecture Deir el Medina, Merenptah and Pashedu
• Party Dinner Night
Day 7
• Breakfast
• Deir el Medina
• Merenptah
• Pashedu
• Depart for flight back

Please email me jane.akshar@flatsinluxor if you wish to book this special tour of Luxor

Bed and Breakfast Suites in Luxor for Odd Shaped Families

Looking for accommodation in Luxor, Egypt that gives you separate bedrooms without paying single supplements?

You are a family of three and want three separate bedrooms on your Luxor holiday?

You are a single person who does not want to pay single supplements?

A married couple who love each other dearly but one snores, so you want two bedrooms.

Bed and Breakfast in Luxor, suites for odd shaped families.
We have the cost effective holiday solution for single parents, teenage brother and sister, argumentative siblings, two friends. No single supplements.

We don’t care how odd shaped your family is, you don’t even have to be a family. Three friends having a girl’s holiday get three bedrooms in our suites.

Our bed and breakfast suites can give you everything from one bedroom to three bedrooms and the price you pay is per person we don’t mind how many bedrooms you have. Yes that is right no more sharing with your kids. A good night’s sleep even on holiday with a snoring partner. No more having to put your teenage girl with her inquisitive little brother.

Single parent holidays, yes perfect for single parents, especially with older children.

The price per person per week is $280 USD (approx £175 GBP) and that is for half board, yes breakfast and evening meal is included in the price. Discounts for children under 6 and big groups.

The bed and breakfast suites are in our Arabesque House, there are four suites
- Three bedroom sleeps 6
- Two bedroom with lounge annex sleeps 6
- Two bedroom sleeps 4
- One bedroom sleeps 2

Meals are served on the roof terrace with a fabulous view of the Theban Hills and temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahri.

Contact jane@flatsinluxor.co.uk for full details.

PS EasyJet fly direct to Luxor from Gatwick

Property Investor Show confirms Egypt is on the up

The increasingly positive mood in Egypt, regularly reported in the general media and clearly evident in investor enquiries during the build up to the recent Property Investor Show, shows no sign of abating.

The consensus opinion that the emergence of a new democratic nation and creation of a freer market will bring more prosperity to Egypt is being reflected in developer and agent enquiries to the show - with developer For Free Company,
Building and Tourism Development, Egypt being another addition to the confirmed October exhibitors.


"... Enquiries, particularly those from the UK investment community remain at very healthy levels confirming buyer confidence in the long-term future of Egypt – a future which looks even more positive now than in 2010.