Hotel Information

Trip joining point: Sultan Hostel - Istanbul
Start time day 1: 8.00am
Address: 21 Akbiyik Caddesi, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Website: www.sultanhostel.com/
Email: bookings@sultanhostel.com

Alternative Accommodation

Except in Istanbul, we provide a free service for booking pre-trip accommodation and airport transfers can be reserved. Please ensure this is done ASAP after booking or at least 4 weeks prior to your departure date or as soon as you have booked your flights.  All prices listed for pre trip accommodation & airport transfers are approximate.

Accommodation
All accommodation will be reserved in either dorm facilities or on a shared twin basis (between 2 people of the same sex from your trip) unless you are a couple or you have requested a specific type of room. If dorm or sharing options are not available we will reserve a single room at the relevant rate. We will always try to provide the most economical option for you. If you are arriving early in the morning and you would like to check in immediately, you may have to reserve your room for the previous night to ensure direct check in, otherwise you may have to wait until normal check in times.

Your tour leader will collect your Local Payment on Day 1.
Local Payment is part of your overall tour investment and is the easiest and most economical way to get hard currency to the middle East to help run your trip. It goes toward a variety of day-to-day local costs which cannot be pre-paid. This is payable to your tour leader on departure in English Pounds Sterling cash, Euros cash or US Dollars cash only. Scottish Pounds, Australian & New Zealand dollars are not accepted.

The Local payment is a guaranteed amount, set before your tour departs. We will not ask you to contribute more once the tour is underway, as can happen with group kitty systems.

Passport and Visa Requirements

Please bring 3 photocopies of your passport details page and one passport photo to give to your tour leader. You'll need at least three blank pages in your passport, which must be valid for at least nine months. If you have dual nationality you can only use one passport. Passports with an Israeli stamp or any indication of travel to Israel must be replaced.

Visas - Visas are needed for most countries and we usually obtain them en route at a total cost of approx US$70. Please ensure that you bring sufficient US Dollars to pay for these as follows:
Turkey - Visas are issued upon arrival in Turkey at a cost of £10 for British and US$20 for Australians. New Zealand passport holders do not pay for their visas. South African passport holders MUST obtain visas for Turkey BEFORE they travel.
Syria & Jordan - All nationalities need a visa. We pre-book these and collect them on the border as a group visa so you do not require a visa before you join the tour. Syria costs US$20 and Jordan US$15 - $20 both to be paid in US$ cash only. This price includes entry and departure taxes and reduces our time at the borders considerably.
Lebanon - The visa for Lebanon is included in the price of the optional excursion (US$75). You will need to bring a photocopy of the personal details page of your passport and your tour leader will apply for the visa en-route.
Egypt - A single entry Egyptian visa costs US$15 or £10 for most nationalities and is obtainable on entry into Egypt, or from the Egyptian Consulate at a cost of approximately £15. On northbound trips from Cairo to Istanbul there is a departure tax of EP 50 (approx $10USD or £5) at the ferry terminal when we cross to Jordan.

South African passport holders MUST obtain visas for Egypt BEFORE they travel.

Travel Insurance:

It is a compulsory requirement that you have adequate travel insurance before you join any Trip and at the very least are insured for all necessary medical expenses and repatriation costs incurred overseas. We believe that your safety and holiday enjoyment are very important. It is a mistake to think that "it will never happen to me". We can arrange comprehensive travel insurance for you if you wish, please consult us or visit our website for further details.If you are arranging your own travel insurance and are considering undertaking any of the so-called "hazardous activities", please ensure that your policy provides the appropriate cover, as some of these activities may be excluded from standard travel insurance policies. Please also be aware that the levels of cover of some policies may not fully insure you for the specific activities you may choose to undertake e.g. White Water Rafting is covered under some policies but only up to a maximum Grade 3. In Africa - all White Water Rafting that is available is Grade 3+, so please check all of the policy details beforehand. It is essential that the travel insurance that you have arranged is designed to cover all, often hazardous activities that are on offer.

It is a condition of booking that it will not be possible for you to join the trip if you cannot produce details or information to prove you have adequate travel insurance at the start of your trip.

Crew and Adventure travel

We usually have two crew, whose duties are extensive and quite demanding. Their challenges include driving and maintaining the expedition vehicle to a very high standard, organising visas and border crossings, accommodation, finding the best deals, pre-booking some excursions and guides, helping with shopping and cooking, keeping up with the party animals and making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Adventure travel is not an exact science. It is this very unpredictability which makes it such a rewarding experience. Occasionally we must amend our itineraries to take into account changing local circumstances. In such situations we'll always try to minimise any disruption, but you need to bear in mind that from time to time events occur outside our control. While our crew are experienced and knowledgeable of the countries through which we travel, they are not guides as such. The diversity and extent of the history and cultures in this region are second to none. At the most important historical sites we visit, we have the benefit of locally trained guides who have spent many years and have vast experience of such sites.

Overlanding and Security on tours:

Security - There is a lockable safe bolted onto the floor of the truck beneath a false floor. This is for your money belts, passports and smaller valuables. The company does not take responsibility for clients personal items. In certain areas a roster will be drawn up to guard the vehicle. A money belt that can be concealed is better than a bum bag or wallet that hangs from the neck. We advise you do not take items of value that are not essential to your journey.

Vehicle Equipment - All our Trucks / Buses are equipped for your comfort with the following:
Comfortable coach seats with removable seat bases for easy access to your baggage throughout the day
12 Volt charging system for recharging camera /video batteries
Internal & external lighting system
Onboard stereo with adaptors for MP3, MD or personal CD walkmans
Inter cab buzzer for communication with the crew
Extra storage space for excess baggage and souvenirs
Easy to reach overhead racking for day bags and cameras
Lockable safe for storage of money and valuables
Professionally compiled expedition medical kit
Cooler boxes for food and drinks
On board library
Camp stools
Roomy 2 person tents
Large water carrying capacity
Large storage facilities for dried, tinned & fresh food
Extensive cooking equipment & facilities

Accommodation on tours

We camp with 2 person tents in campsites and the desert and stay in hotel/pensions in shared rooms. We will camp around 60% of the time and about 40% in small pension type hotels.  Most places have showers and if they are hot, that's a bonus! It must be remembered that the hotel/hostel/pension accommodation we use is an integral part of the countries through which we travel and can suffer from common problems such as, electrical failure, plumbing faults and other technical difficulties. The variety of accommodation is a totally unique experience, including tents, hotels, simple village pensions and riverboats.

When we bush camp you will need to take one of the truck shovels with you to make your own toilet. Make sure you dig a suitable hole behind a bush and cover it and your toilet paper up properly afterwards. Most nights on the trip you will be able to shower.

The Felucca sail boats have changed little in thousands of years. Still constructed by hand in small boat yards by skilled artisans on the side of the Nile in Aswan and made entirely of wood, they are powered by the wind alone. Sailing by Felucca on the Nile is slow and peaceful, but also quite basic. You will be sleeping on board at night with only a canopy between you and the stars. There is no toilet on board, however, the felucca crew will moor up on the river bank overnight and erect a small toilet tent in the evening. At any other time you will need to take a shovel from the Felucca and make a quick toilet on the banks of the Nile!

What to wear and woman travellers:

People in the regions we pass through are generally conservative, especially about matters concerning sex and women.  Muslim countries simply are not the place to make a feminist statement.  Attitudes range from fairly liberal on the Red Sea, to very conservative in some of the small towns and areas of Syria and Jordan.  If you are not prepared to fit in with the social code of the area the chances are you will be harassed.

What to wear -Dress conservatively.  Keeping your arms, shoulders and legs covered will go a long way to prevent causing offence and hassle to you. This is true for men as well as women. Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like.

Health Matters:

Health and Hygiene on the trip - Your crew will talk to you about cooking, washing cutlery, cleaning etc. We purify our drinking water where necessary. To join the expedition you should be in good general health. We must be told if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are on any regular medication.

Vaccinations - There are no compulsory jabs needed although it is advisable to be immunized against; Tetanus; Polio; Typhoid, Meningitis and Hepatitis A.

Consult your doctor or a medical clinic.
Clinics do not always give detailed medical advice over the phone. It is best to phone for their opening hours and make an appointment.

Medical Kits - We carry professionally compiled medical kits with emergency First aid material and antibiotics. However, the crew is not entitled to recommend or prescribe any medicine and we advise a health check with your GP and Dentist before you start your journey.

Personal Medicines - We advise you bring along your own small medical kit to include; antiseptic ointment; antihistamine cream; nurofen or equivalent pain-killer; eye drops/bath; anti diarrhoea treatment; sun block; after sun/moisturiser; rehydration sachets; plasters; suitable antibiotics as recommended by your doctor for infected cuts and to treat severe dysentery.

Malaria - The areas through which we travel are considered to be malaria free.

Currency and Money matters:

Tipping and Bargaining - Tipping is usually expected. Called 'baksheesh', it is often more than a reward for services well done, but, as wages are extremely low, it is an accepted means of supplementing an income. Keep small change on you so as not to incur a large demand when it is seen you can afford more.  All prices are negotiable, especially in souqs and bazaars.  Many travellers find it a hassle having to bargain for everything you wish to buy, but prices are usually inflated so accept the tea or coffee offered, sit down, and if you are not happy, move on to another place.  You are under no obligation to buy and don't be intimidated.

Spending money - For personal spending, budget on £80 - £120 per week to cover you for some meals out, drinks, local crafts and souvenirs. Of course this varies person-to-person depending on how much you eat out, drink, and how many souvenirs you buy.

Budget on optional side trips separately.

Currency - It is best to take half of your money in US Dollars / Euros or Pounds cash and the other half can be a Credit or Debit card with a PIN number to use in ATM machines.  If you are going to use a card of any sort please inform your bank before you travel that you are taking a trip to the Middle East. If you do not bring a card then you will need to bring your spending money all in cash. If you are concerned about carrying to much cash then Travellers cheques are advisable, but we have had feedback from travellers that they wished they never took them as they are difficult to change and often get charged 2% to 5% commission and you will also need to bring your purchase receipt.

It is easy to get local currency from ATM machines in Egypt and in some places in Syria and Jordan BUT you can only withdraw local currency, sometimes only small amounts of about $50 at a time, many machines will charge you for a withdrawal and sometimes machines run out of cash or are not working. So always have some cash US$/Euro/or GBP as a back up.

Make sure that all your notes are in good condition. Old, torn or marked notes are often refused. Do not bring $100 notes unless they are in excellent condition and post 1996. Scottish Pounds are not accepted in Middle East.
Bring about US$100 in cash to pay for visas and border crossings ( this should be in small denominations 20's & 10's).
There is a secure safe for money on board the truck.

Things to buy - One of the highlights of a Middle East trip are the covered souqs and bazaars.  There are numerous handicrafts and souvenirs including kilims (rugs), carpets, pearls, silver, gold, clothing, woven bags, olive and cedarwood carvings, silk, jewellery boxes, backgammon boards, leather goods, incense plus much more.

Budget on optional side trips separately.

Reading guides and maps:

Guide Books - Middle East, Istanbul to Cairo, Turkey, Syria, Jordon, Egypt - Lonely Planet.- Arabic (Egyptian) Phrase Book - Lonely Planet

Maps - GEO Centre's World Map Series of Middle East

General Reading -
-  Journey to the Orient - Gerard de Nerval
-  Khul-Khal: Five Egyptian Women Tell Their Stories Nayra Atiya
-  Pillars of Hercules - Paul Theroux
-  Mirror in Damascus - Colin Thubron
-  The Hidden Face of Eve; Women in the Arab World

Packing list for trip

The less you take the less you have to pack, wash and lug home and you can always pick up extras along the way. You will be travelling in the heat, lazing on beaches and camping in the cool, so bring clothes for all climates; rough stuff is best. You can get laundry done along the way.
Weather Warning - Climatic variations are quite dramatic in the Middle East. November to March in both Turkey and Syria can sometimes be extremely cold in parts with snow in places. Generally May/June and September/October are good months to travel. In July and August midday temperatures can reach 35 to 40 degrees Centigrade, but nights in the desert and at altitude in Cappadocia can be quite cold so bring clothes for all seasons. However, pack extra warm clothes if travelling in Turkey from October to April.
Clothes

- Warm clothes (for Mt Sinai & winter)
- Jacket
- Sweat shirt / jumper
- Jeans
- Socks
- Sandals/flip flops/jandals/thongs
- T shirts
- Shirts (to cover shoulders)
- Skirts / long trousers (to cover knees)
- Swimsuit
- Cool clothes
- Underpants
- Shorts
- Shirts

Medical kit - (bring your own basic kit, our vehicles carry a comprehensive one)

- Paracetamol / Aspirin
- Plasters
- Rehydration sachets
- Insect repellent containing Deet
- Suntan cream and blockout / Lip balm
- Vitamin tablets

 Personal Effects

- Sleeping Bag; 2 to 4 season bag
- Sleeping mat / thermorest
- Small day-pack or day bag
- Hat and sun-glasses
- Camera
- Money belt or pouch
- Reading Books
- Personal Walkman
- Torch and spare batteries
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss.
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Moisturiser
- Soap (in a container)
- Towel
- Tampons (enough for the trip)
- Razors

The easiest and best way to travel is as lightly as possible, taking just what is necessary. Most people make the mistake of bringing too much luggage.

Dive the Red Sea

It is possible to refresh your scuba skills or literally “dive head first“  by learning this amazing underwater sport for the first time. Egypt is renowned for offering some of the best & cheapest diving around - but please bear in mind that depending on the time of year and / or time & weather constraints - it will not always be possible to undertake certain dives / courses at the locations visited. So - why not think about becoming certified or refreshed prior to undertaking your trip - giving you more time to enjoy the amazing underwater world once you are on trip!!! You can reduce the time needed to do this course by doing the class work and pool sessions in your country of origin.

Many people become interested in diving when they arrive at either the Red Sea Coast in Egypt. For the novice 1st time diver - there is the opportunity to experience a Tryout¯ or Intro¯ dive. No prior skills or knowledge are required and you will be fully guided by a trained and certified Dive Master / Instructor to a maximum depth of 10 metres. For those of you already certified - but haven't dived for over 6 months - a Refresher¯ dive will re cap you skills and get you back into the water safely. You may also need to do a refresher dive if your log book isn't available. Certified divers have the opportunity to advance their skills or just dive for fun - and should take along their personal log books and certification cards with them.

IMPORTANT: New rules and regulations have been introduced by PADI for anyone wishing to undertake certain dive courses (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue). It is no longer permitted for dive centres to hire or lend course manuals / materials to students. Therefore most dive centres are either selling the various required manuals / materials or including them in new structured pricing. It is necessary for all dive centres to stock the required course materials - but at times they may be out of stock ( especially as a lot of the dive centres are isolated and away from suppliers) It is recommended to purchase these required materials prior to travelling to Egypt - which is also useful if you would like to read and start to fill in the Knowledge Review section at the end of each chapter. This would assist with speeding up the course and allowing more time for diving when you arrive in Egypt.

Just as a guide - the materials below are required for the courses listed:  Most retail for around £30 to £40 in the UK for a course pack. Buying items separately will be more expensive than buying them together. RDP = Recreational Dive Planner  eRDP = Electronic

Open Water Diver -          PADI Open Water Diver Manual or Multimedia  /  Deluxe Data Carrier  /  RDP Wheel or Table or  eRDP
Advanced Open Water Diver - PADI Adventures in Diving or Multimedia  /  Deluxe Data Carrier  /  RDP Wheel or Table or eRDP
Rescue Diver  -                PADI Rescue diver Manual  /  Diving Accident Management Work Slate

There are additional / recommended materials that could be of use for your desired course. For more course, product and sales information log onto www.padi.com.

The prices listed for diving in the Egypt, are approximate and inclusive of all costs (air, use of equipment, services of certified Dive Master / Instructor & Int. recognised Certification - upon successful completion of your dive course) other than those stated above.

                                                                                               (GB£)                           (US$)

-PADI Open Water Dive Course (4-5 days)*                  £150                              $262
-PADI Advanced Open Water Course (2 days)              £110                              $192
-Open Water Referral (class work & confined water sessions completed and referred by another PADI dive centre)