Marie Collins Vaughan
Based in Luxor and Cairo in Egypt & Cork in Ireland
English
Trip budgets start at $500/night
Marie Collins Vaughan
Ask me about
My Story
I first came to Egypt as a tour leader. The instant the warm air hit my face as I stepped off the plane, I instinctively knew: I’m home! Sounds crazy, I know, but that’s how it happened. In 2003 I moved here, and twenty-five years later, I still live and work here, hosting special guests and organizing every journey personally—end to end—through a country I know not as a visitor, but from the inside.
Egypt isn’t somewhere I sell. It’s somewhere I’ve built a life, a business, and a long web of trusted relationships. I’ve watched sites open, close, change, and reopen. Egypt is a country I have always felt safe in. I know how access really works, how timing matters, and how a journey can either skim the surface or quietly transform someone. It saddens me to see stories on social media of people having frustrating experiences through poor planning—or thinking they can hop on a plane and figure it out as they go. It’s not that simple.
Alongside Egypt, Ireland remains my other true home. I was born and raised there, and arranging journeys through Ireland is second nature—rooted and intuitive. Going over the options with you until we find the perfect routes and locations that match your interests is one of the most satisfying parts of my work—especially if you’re drawn to faeries, history, or folklore.
Travel Style
I design journeys in Egypt and Ireland only—the two places I know completely.
I start by working with you to create an itinerary that matches your interests, pace, and curiosity. From there, I take care of everything—planning, bookings, timing, transport, drivers, guides, and on-the-ground coordination—so the journey runs smoothly from arrival to departure. Apart from the usual access to major sites, when requested I arrange private or out-of-hours visits to key locations—from the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx to the Osirion at Abydos and the Sekhmet Chapel at Karnak—so you experience Egypt in a way most visitors never do. Decisions are made calmly and in real time, based on lived experience rather than headlines, giving you confidence every step of the way.
I also provide practical guidance before you arrive, covering the everyday questions—what to wear, how and when to tip, and local customs and expectations—so nothing feels uncertain once you’re here.
I can arrange to have your entry visa ready on arrival, fast-track you through airport procedures, and clarify all essential details in advance.
Ireland is approached with the same care—stories, landscape, and atmosphere rather than box-ticking. Routes flow naturally, my contacts welcome you, and places are experienced as personal rather than just viewed.
I don’t offer global planning. I offer a truly personalized itinerary, certainty, and continuous care on the ground in two countries where those things genuinely matter.
Stay connected
Reviews (2)
David M.
14 days ago
I am a well travelled tourist and in my 60’s, but I can honestly say I have never experienced such an eye for detail and care in scheduling an itinerary and comfort of travel in my life. Egypt is exotic and perceived to be very alien from western culture so most first time travellers will have many anxieties and fears, but Mara (Marie) provides a full service experience and the most experienced and honest guides. The result is a magical travel experience focused on absorbing the unique grand ancient history of Egypt and not worried on the logistics of a seemingly chaotic system. Her secret sauce is privileged private access to sacred sights and experiences that other agencies cannot match or deliver. I still wonder at how she delivered my amazing full itinerary at a far lower price than some large package tour operators I initially researched.. If you are looking for the best experience at the best value matched to your special needs for travel to Egypt Mara is all you need.
Oliver D.
14 days ago
I highly recommend Mara to organise your visit to Egypt. With any type of trip from full on sightseeing to relaxing in nature, you can be sure she will deliver an unforgettable and hassle free experience.
Together we planned a 2 week trip with my main focus being the many ancient sites. Mara managed to fit in my specific itinerary with places I never knew I needed to visit and the pacing was excellent from start to finish. You can really just let her do the work for you and enjoy.
Starting in Cairo and firstly moving into the western desert for nature safari, the tour operator she recommended was excellent and my desert guide was wonderful. I spent a further 2 days moving to camp in the white desert by 4x4, stopping at the black desert and crystal mountain. The food, hospitality and personal service were all excellent. I recommend this experience if you can spare the time for it, it is extremely worthwhile with natural beauty you can only find in Egypt.
Arriving back to Cairo, I met with our Egyptology guide Mahmoud, who is kind and extremely knowledgeable. He clearly takes pride in sharing the beauty of Egypt past and present. Great guy. He made things really enjoyable and went the extra mile for everything you can imagine. Also, he will give you a wealth of understanding of hieroglyphics and the deeper meaning behind iconography, which I think is really crucial to get the most from your visit.
Beginning with the pyramids of dashur and saqqara complex, we visited the bent and red pyramid. Must visit serapeum, very cool.
We visited Cairo museum, which has many interesting things you cannot find in the GEM. The Pharo’s mummies are at another Cairo museum and this was also organised.
We spent a day exploring the Giza plateau, highlight for me was the 3rd pyramid and valley temple. Both are strange and Mahmoud gives you all of the information you need without holding back your own ideas - there is a real mystery and you should explore it for yourself. We also visited the GEM on this day and Mahmoud’s experience helped us quickly navigate to the most important pieces.
In the evening I took a private visit to the pyramid with 3 others and this was a real highlight. We entered under cover of dark (cool!) and saw all areas including those which are usually closed. You have 2 hours so are not rushed. Mara specialises in organising these and it is a great opportunity if this interests you.
We saw Islamic Cairo, explored the streets of the modern city, another great day.
Then onto Luxor with flight and transfers organised by Mara, our guide following along with us. All felt very personal.
The next day, to Luxor and Karnak temples. Both incredible. Then down to Edfu for Kom - Ombo and Edfu temples. Great!
Early start for Abu Simbel - wow. Ending in Aswan. If you have the opportunity to take a small boat to the nature reserve - do. You will see many native and migratory birds.
We saw the famous Aswan dam and then moved onto Philai island temple which is beautiful.
Finally back to Luxor and our stay in Mara house with the wonderful host Amr. The food was impeccable, really delicious. I would highly recommend any traveller to Luxor to stay and eat here for a real taste of family Egyptian cooking and hospitality.
Mara house is beautiful and with a great location just beyond the touristic area, you really feel welcome and at home.
From Mara house we travelled to Abydos to see the temple of Seti I and then onto Dandara temple. Both exude a lovely, calming energy.
Our final full day spent in the Luxor West Bank with Valley of the kings, nobles, workers housing complex and Hatshepsut temple. I specially requested to see the colossi of Agamemnon which are a real treat to see in person, truly of an unimaginable scale. It is really great to spend the full day in the West Bank to take it all in.
Overall an amazing trip, very personal, very well organised - genuinely faultless. Thanks Mara, Mahmoud, Amr!
David M.
14 days ago
I am a well travelled tourist and in my 60’s, but I can honestly say I have never experienced such an eye for detail and care in scheduling an itinerary and comfort of travel in my life. Egypt is exotic and perceived to be very alien from western culture so most first time travellers will have many anxieties and fears, but Mara (Marie) provides a full service experience and the most experienced and honest guides. The result is a magical travel experience focused on absorbing the unique grand ancient history of Egypt and not worried on the logistics of a seemingly chaotic system. Her secret sauce is privileged private access to sacred sights and experiences that other agencies cannot match or deliver. I still wonder at how she delivered my amazing full itinerary at a far lower price than some large package tour operators I initially researched.. If you are looking for the best experience at the best value matched to your special needs for travel to Egypt Mara is all you need.
Oliver D.
14 days ago
I highly recommend Mara to organise your visit to Egypt. With any type of trip from full on sightseeing to relaxing in nature, you can be sure she will deliver an unforgettable and hassle free experience.
Together we planned a 2 week trip with my main focus being the many ancient sites. Mara managed to fit in my specific itinerary with places I never knew I needed to visit and the pacing was excellent from start to finish. You can really just let her do the work for you and enjoy.
Starting in Cairo and firstly moving into the western desert for nature safari, the tour operator she recommended was excellent and my desert guide was wonderful. I spent a further 2 days moving to camp in the white desert by 4x4, stopping at the black desert and crystal mountain. The food, hospitality and personal service were all excellent. I recommend this experience if you can spare the time for it, it is extremely worthwhile with natural beauty you can only find in Egypt.
Arriving back to Cairo, I met with our Egyptology guide Mahmoud, who is kind and extremely knowledgeable. He clearly takes pride in sharing the beauty of Egypt past and present. Great guy. He made things really enjoyable and went the extra mile for everything you can imagine. Also, he will give you a wealth of understanding of hieroglyphics and the deeper meaning behind iconography, which I think is really crucial to get the most from your visit.
Beginning with the pyramids of dashur and saqqara complex, we visited the bent and red pyramid. Must visit serapeum, very cool.
We visited Cairo museum, which has many interesting things you cannot find in the GEM. The Pharo’s mummies are at another Cairo museum and this was also organised.
We spent a day exploring the Giza plateau, highlight for me was the 3rd pyramid and valley temple. Both are strange and Mahmoud gives you all of the information you need without holding back your own ideas - there is a real mystery and you should explore it for yourself. We also visited the GEM on this day and Mahmoud’s experience helped us quickly navigate to the most important pieces.
In the evening I took a private visit to the pyramid with 3 others and this was a real highlight. We entered under cover of dark (cool!) and saw all areas including those which are usually closed. You have 2 hours so are not rushed. Mara specialises in organising these and it is a great opportunity if this interests you.
We saw Islamic Cairo, explored the streets of the modern city, another great day.
Then onto Luxor with flight and transfers organised by Mara, our guide following along with us. All felt very personal.
The next day, to Luxor and Karnak temples. Both incredible. Then down to Edfu for Kom - Ombo and Edfu temples. Great!
Early start for Abu Simbel - wow. Ending in Aswan. If you have the opportunity to take a small boat to the nature reserve - do. You will see many native and migratory birds.
We saw the famous Aswan dam and then moved onto Philai island temple which is beautiful.
Finally back to Luxor and our stay in Mara house with the wonderful host Amr. The food was impeccable, really delicious. I would highly recommend any traveller to Luxor to stay and eat here for a real taste of family Egyptian cooking and hospitality.
Mara house is beautiful and with a great location just beyond the touristic area, you really feel welcome and at home.
From Mara house we travelled to Abydos to see the temple of Seti I and then onto Dandara temple. Both exude a lovely, calming energy.
Our final full day spent in the Luxor West Bank with Valley of the kings, nobles, workers housing complex and Hatshepsut temple. I specially requested to see the colossi of Agamemnon which are a real treat to see in person, truly of an unimaginable scale. It is really great to spend the full day in the West Bank to take it all in.
Overall an amazing trip, very personal, very well organised - genuinely faultless. Thanks Mara, Mahmoud, Amr!
Travel ideas (4)
The Art of Finding Irish Roots: A Genealogy Trail Through Ireland
Many people think an Irish ancestral journey begins on Irish soil—a flight, a rental car, a churchyard, a grave, maybe a pint “in honor of the ancestors.” It is meaningful. But after more than fifteen years of researching my own Irish family history, I know that without careful preparation, those moments rarely reach their full depth. The emotional moment should not be the beginning—it should be the reward.
The Art of Finding Irish Roots: A Genealogy Trail Through Ireland
Many people think an Irish ancestral journey begins on Irish soil—a flight, a rental car, a churchyard, a grave, maybe a pint “in honor of the ancestors.” It is meaningful. But after more than fifteen years of researching my own Irish family history, I know that without careful preparation, those moments rarely reach their full depth. The emotional moment should not be the beginning—it should be the reward.
The Perfect 6-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Luxor in 2026
Is six Days in Egypt enough in 2026? Not nearly! But if six days is all you have, then this itinerary is the exact flow I use for my private clients and for my Fora travelers—the highlights, the right pacing, zero scams, and none of the “shopping tour detours.” Just real Egypt, 2026-ready. Why six days—and why three days in Cairo and three days in Luxor? With six days—and an internal flight—you get: the icons of Cairo (Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, and the antiquities at Tahrir Square); Luxor’s East and West Bank must-sees; the unique masterpieces that are the temples of Abydos and Dendera; and time to breathe, absorb, and actually enjoy it all.
The Perfect 6-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Luxor in 2026
Is six Days in Egypt enough in 2026? Not nearly! But if six days is all you have, then this itinerary is the exact flow I use for my private clients and for my Fora travelers—the highlights, the right pacing, zero scams, and none of the “shopping tour detours.” Just real Egypt, 2026-ready. Why six days—and why three days in Cairo and three days in Luxor? With six days—and an internal flight—you get: the icons of Cairo (Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, and the antiquities at Tahrir Square); Luxor’s East and West Bank must-sees; the unique masterpieces that are the temples of Abydos and Dendera; and time to breathe, absorb, and actually enjoy it all.
Egypt's 2027 Total Solar Eclipse: A Curated Journey
For the 2027 eclipse, demand in Egypt is unprecedented, with Luxor completely sold out. This curated itinerary is built around secured, exclusive access to five-star Cairo hotel rooms and a private Nile charter. A limited number of spaces remain for this journey, which is designed for witnessing a celestial marvel from the most magical places on earth. From VIP airport meets to private visits inside the Great Pyramids, every detail has been pre-arranged for a seamless and profound adventure.
Egypt's 2027 Total Solar Eclipse: A Curated Journey
For the 2027 eclipse, demand in Egypt is unprecedented, with Luxor completely sold out. This curated itinerary is built around secured, exclusive access to five-star Cairo hotel rooms and a private Nile charter. A limited number of spaces remain for this journey, which is designed for witnessing a celestial marvel from the most magical places on earth. From VIP airport meets to private visits inside the Great Pyramids, every detail has been pre-arranged for a seamless and profound adventure.
From Early Morning at the Sphinx to a Private Night in the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid gives me goosebumps every time. But a private entry transforms that awe into a story you’ll tell for years. I’ve spent over two decades in Egypt making this rare access possible, and I never tire of seeing the happy glow on faces exiting the Great Pyramid of Cheops. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a passage into time/space itself.
From Early Morning at the Sphinx to a Private Night in the Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid gives me goosebumps every time. But a private entry transforms that awe into a story you’ll tell for years. I’ve spent over two decades in Egypt making this rare access possible, and I never tire of seeing the happy glow on faces exiting the Great Pyramid of Cheops. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a passage into time/space itself.
The Art of Finding Irish Roots: A Genealogy Trail Through Ireland
Many people think an Irish ancestral journey begins on Irish soil—a flight, a rental car, a churchyard, a grave, maybe a pint “in honor of the ancestors.” It is meaningful. But after more than fifteen years of researching my own Irish family history, I know that without careful preparation, those moments rarely reach their full depth. The emotional moment should not be the beginning—it should be the reward.
The Art of Finding Irish Roots: A Genealogy Trail Through Ireland
Many people think an Irish ancestral journey begins on Irish soil—a flight, a rental car, a churchyard, a grave, maybe a pint “in honor of the ancestors.” It is meaningful. But after more than fifteen years of researching my own Irish family history, I know that without careful preparation, those moments rarely reach their full depth. The emotional moment should not be the beginning—it should be the reward.
The Perfect 6-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Luxor in 2026
Is six Days in Egypt enough in 2026? Not nearly! But if six days is all you have, then this itinerary is the exact flow I use for my private clients and for my Fora travelers—the highlights, the right pacing, zero scams, and none of the “shopping tour detours.” Just real Egypt, 2026-ready. Why six days—and why three days in Cairo and three days in Luxor? With six days—and an internal flight—you get: the icons of Cairo (Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, and the antiquities at Tahrir Square); Luxor’s East and West Bank must-sees; the unique masterpieces that are the temples of Abydos and Dendera; and time to breathe, absorb, and actually enjoy it all.
The Perfect 6-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Luxor in 2026
Is six Days in Egypt enough in 2026? Not nearly! But if six days is all you have, then this itinerary is the exact flow I use for my private clients and for my Fora travelers—the highlights, the right pacing, zero scams, and none of the “shopping tour detours.” Just real Egypt, 2026-ready. Why six days—and why three days in Cairo and three days in Luxor? With six days—and an internal flight—you get: the icons of Cairo (Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, and the antiquities at Tahrir Square); Luxor’s East and West Bank must-sees; the unique masterpieces that are the temples of Abydos and Dendera; and time to breathe, absorb, and actually enjoy it all.
Egypt's 2027 Total Solar Eclipse: A Curated Journey
For the 2027 eclipse, demand in Egypt is unprecedented, with Luxor completely sold out. This curated itinerary is built around secured, exclusive access to five-star Cairo hotel rooms and a private Nile charter. A limited number of spaces remain for this journey, which is designed for witnessing a celestial marvel from the most magical places on earth. From VIP airport meets to private visits inside the Great Pyramids, every detail has been pre-arranged for a seamless and profound adventure.
Egypt's 2027 Total Solar Eclipse: A Curated Journey
For the 2027 eclipse, demand in Egypt is unprecedented, with Luxor completely sold out. This curated itinerary is built around secured, exclusive access to five-star Cairo hotel rooms and a private Nile charter. A limited number of spaces remain for this journey, which is designed for witnessing a celestial marvel from the most magical places on earth. From VIP airport meets to private visits inside the Great Pyramids, every detail has been pre-arranged for a seamless and profound adventure.
Travel photos
