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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topAccordingly you should allow approx £25 for gratuitites for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Egyptian Pounds and Jordanian Dinar.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We recommend that you bring your money in cash, £GBP, US$ or Euros which are readily changeable. You may be able to order Dinars from your bank.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: You may also bring an ATM card, as these are available in main towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards are rarely accepted.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques are difficult to cash.
Additional Information: Scottish pound notes or Northern Irish pounds are not accepted.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Egypt | Jordan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.70 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £0.75 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 | £4.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £6.00 | £10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £8.00 | £15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £12.00 | £20.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Jordan: The following information relates to EU passport holders and those who are travelling on group flights arranged by Explore:
Subject to a minimum group size of 5 persons, free visas can be arranged on arrival for all clients if Explore receive your passport details a minimum of 10 days before arrival. Unfortunately we will not know until the commencement of your tour whether the minimum number is attained, therefore we recommend that you allow JD20 (approx £20) in case an individual visa will need to be purchased on arrival. Please note those on the group flight will be met by a Representative to take you through the immigration process. Due to the new security procedures in the airport the representative may not be able to meet the group immediately, so please wait for the rep to come through and assist you with the group visa. This could take up to 30 minutes, perhaps longer depending on the number of tour groups coming through, so please be patient. If you proceed through without the representative, you may affect whether the group can still use their group visa and have to pay for your own individual visa, so please wait until the representative has been let through to assist you.
The following information relates to EU passport holders and those who are travelling on non-group flights or Land Only:
Clients extending their stay, or who for any other reason will not be departing on group flights, will be required to purchase an individual visa on arrival. Visas can be bought on arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia Airport or any border crossing point (current cost JD20, approx. £20).
The Jordanian government levies on all travellers a departure tax of JD8 per person. For travellers departing by air this is usually included in the taxes on the airline ticket and thus nothing will be collected from you at the point of departure. For those travellers departing by land and sea, this will be collected by the immigration authorities at the port of departure from Jordan.
Egypt: A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required by all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained easily on arrival in Nuweiba, the cost is $15. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Alternatively, visas can be obtained through your travel agent or through Explore’s visa service.
All nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas in which we travel. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topJordan: During April-November days are generally sunny and hot without rain (some showers December-March) with temperatures around 32°C. Spring and autumn evenings can be cool and night temperatures can drop suddenly especially in the desert. Expect cold nights in winter (December-February) when temperatures can drop to around zero degrees celsius. Some rain should also be expected at this time of year.
Egypt: Winter in Egypt is cool and dry, November-March average day temperature 18°C. Summer temperatures April-October average 32°C, but can rise to 40°C. Winter nights are cold in the desert. Please note that night time temperatures on Mt Sinai can fall well below zero during winter months – please pack accordingly. Water temperatures in winter and early spring in the Red Sea are low and as one would expect of coastal areas wind can be moderate to high.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a day sack. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember – hotel porters are not always available, so don't overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topLightweight clothing is essential in mid- summer, with a sun-hat and neck protection, though a sweater and light jacket are advisable. Winters in Jordan and Egypt are cold, so please bring suitable warm clothing. We recommend a waterproof jacket in winter. Temperatures at the summit of Mount Sinai can drop very low in the winter, to freezing and below (November to April), so if you intend to witness sunrise from the summit please pack warm clothing including a hat and gloves.
Back to topEgypt and Jordan are Muslim countries and you should dress with respect for local customs. Women are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Moslem towns – loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes or boots for the Mount Sinai ascent and Petra, trainers and sandals.
Back to topA small torch, mosquito repellent, personal water bottle and plenty of suncream.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topRAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
In case the ferry is cancelled from Aqaba to Nuweiba, we will take a bus from Aqaba and cross into Israel overland, and then into Egypt.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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