Quad Bikes in Luxor

Great family fun in Luxor, quad bikes in the desert near Medinet Habu, Luxor. Real safaris no man made tracks.

We arranged this for a lovely set of guests, the kids were more confident than the parents.

Visita Virtual a la Tumba de Djehuty - YouTube

Djehuty TT11 fantastic graphical video showing the tomb

Travelmag - Luxor’s little luxuries

Great article about a real Egyptian holiday. I especially loved the comment about hassle "Yes there is a little of the sometimes overpowering ‘banter’ between tourists and those locals who rely on them for survival. And sometimes this banter seems overpowering. But in a way it is no worse than being on a tube with fifty grumpy commuters who speak the same language, live in the same part of the city and can barely raise a smile to each other or even give up their seat for a pregnant lady. Nowhere is perfect." Travelmag - Luxor’s little luxuries: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Mabrouk to Captain Ali

Captain Ali has had a baby daughter!

Mabrouk to Captain Ali

Hallowen in Luxor

Many of my American friends have started talking about their plans for Halloween, well we did a party one year and great fun it was. Yes even Luxor can have Halloween :)

Is it safe to travel to Egypt now? State Department, Embassy Warnings - National global travel | Examiner.com

Nice to see Luxor is recognised as calm, whoop whoop. Is it safe to travel to Egypt now? State Department, Embassy Warnings - National global travel | Examiner.com: If you can travel to Egypt, you will be faced with smaller crowds and cheaper hotel rooms.

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Nile Cruise | Sailing Boat Cruises on the River Nile | Egyptian Cruises

Nile Cruise | Sailing Boat Cruises on the River Nile | Egyptian Cruises: When you charter a boat from us for a Nile Cruise because the crew is at your command they go the extra mile. Just had some guests who had a birthday on-board and the the crew made a cake and held an impromptu party. Looks like great fun Nile sailing.

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Want to get away from Christmas?

Want to get away from Christmas?: Bah Humbug, Scrooge had a point :)

Christmas not for you, want to ignore the festive season, you can. Although we cater for Christmas in Luxor we understand that not everyone wants to join in. We have had people recovering from family problems who would rather not have Christmas shoved down their throats. No Christmas dinner thank you, no Merry Christmas, no decorations. They want to get away from Christmas. Of course non Christians (Muslims, Sikhs and Buddhists) don’t really want to celebrate this very Western festival. This is not a problem at Flats in Luxor. Our Christmas parties are totally optional and our Nubian Eco Village is a peaceful tranquil family free zone. In fact it is a totally touristic event in Luxor as the Egyptian Christians do not celebrate Christmas on 2th December but 6th January so apart from tourists nobody in Luxor is celebrating anything. Which means you can just have a normal holiday and ignore Christmas totally.

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Bah Humbug - Want to ignore Christmas

Christmas not for you, want to ignore the festive season, you can. Although we cater for Christmas in Luxor we understand that not everyone wants to join in. We have had people recovering from family tragedy who would rather not have Christmas shoved down their throats. No Christmas dinner thank you, no merry christmas, no decorations. They want to get away from christmas

Cross Egypt Challenge, a 1700 km scooter ride throughout Egypt

They are going to be in Luxor on 21st October, what fun! Cross Egypt Challenge, a 1700 km scooter ride throughout Egypt: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Visiting Egypt after the revolution - TNT Magazine

Visiting Egypt after the revolution - TNT Magazine: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Youm7 English Edition | Egyptian minister of tourism heads to Resa Exhibition in France

Egypt makes big push for French tourism. Youm7 English Edition | Egyptian minister of tourism heads to Resa Exhibition in France: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Christmas in Luxor - Are the Luxor sites open Christmas Day?

Luxor does not close anything for Christmas Day, 25th December, in fact as the locals are a mixture of Muslim and Coptic Christians there is no local that celebrates anything on that day. Coptic Christians follow the old calender (also known as the Julian or Coptic calender) and celebrate Christmas 13 days later than the West which uses the Gregorian calender. Muslims whilst they revere Jesus as a prophet do not celebrate his birthday, in fact birthday celebrations are not common full stop. So there is nothing happening on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day except at tourist establishments. Hotels and restaurants seeing the demand have started offering gala dinners to their guests and decorating the buildings but do not expect anything more than that.

New Year is likewise, it is not a local holiday as the Muslim and Coptic new years fall on different dates and even then there is no tradition of celebrations. So only expect celebrations in tourist establishments.

There is no effect on site openings, indeed the sites never shut not even for Eid, the only event that does effect the sites is closing times during Ramadan. Opening times remain the same.

Christmas in Luxor

Looking for a get away at Christmas, guaranteed sunshine, lots of famous sites to see and direct flights to Luxor from many European airports.

Luxor is the quiet sleepy part of Egypt, if you want city life go to Cairo, if you want discos go to the Red Sea but if you want history, Luxor is the only place to stay in Egypt. With 24 ticketed sites as well as local culture we have enough to fill a complete 2 week holiday.

Give your children a head start as Egypt figures on the British national curriculum. We have lovely family apartments in our Al Gezera and Goubli buildings with in-house restaurant at Goubli and many local places close to Al Gezera.

Luxor is the home of Tutankhamen, Hatshepsut and Nefertari and it can be your home for a fabulous Christmas holiday

Cheap flight Luxor - Book cheap flights to Luxor - airberlin.com

Coming from Germany to Egypt, fly direct with Air Berlin. They are offering really good deals at the moment and you avoid the hot spots of Cairo. Luxor is peaceful and quiet, the worlds biggest open air museum, so plenty to do and see. The home of Tutankhamen, it has an excellent Museum of selected and cared for items, Karnak, Hatshepsut and Luxor temples as well as many others. the Valley of Kings, Queens and Nobles, the workman's village and the recent restored Carter House. Cheap flight Luxor - Book cheap flights to Luxor - airberlin.com: Get exceptional prices on cheap flights to Luxor with airberlin: We are continually expanding our route network on an annual basis. As the only hybrid carrier in Europe, we offer bargain flights to countless locations around the world coupled with first-class levels of service. Fly to your dream vacation from our departure points in Germany

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Egypt second quarter tourism drops 35 percent

So true, sadly so true. Egypt second quarter tourism drops 35 percent: “It’s better than nothing,” he said. “We do have some tourists, but they only stick to certain places; right now for example, Luxor and Aswan are really suffering badly.”

When it comes to families who reside in cities like Luxor and Aswan, which are located in the southern part of Egypt, tourism is often their main, if not only, source of income.

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"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"