Trip Notes EGYPTIAN DISCOVERER. Ramadan. Day 1 Start Cairo

Transcription

1 Trip Notes Trip Code: AED Country: Egypt Amended: January 2013 Edition No: OP Valid from: 01 June Dec 2013 EGYPTIAN DISCOVERER HIGHLIGHTS Excellent local guides: all Nile Cruise trips will be led by a qualified Egyptologist! The Nile cruise: we spend 3 nights aboard our 5 star cruise boat The Pyramids of Giza: we spend a full day tracing the evolution of these extraordinary constructions Aswan: Egypt's most southerly city and a busy trading centre Valley of the Kings: we visit tombs in the Valley of the Kings where Egyptian treasure remained undiscovered for thousands of years El Gouna: we stay at a small resort on the Red Sea. There is time here to relax and enjoy a snorkel in the Red Sea. SUMMARY Egypt is a country filled with treasures from a glorious past. This trip is ideal for those wishing to combine visits to the awe-inspiring sites with the comfort and relaxation of a Nile cruise and a stay by the Red Sea. With the help of our excellent guides, we delve into the country's impressive history. We visit Cairo's famous Archaeological Museum, the breathtaking Pyramids and the tombs and grand temples of ancient Thebes. The Nile, Africa's most important river also holds many delights. We sail on a traditional felucca in the vibrant Nubian city of Aswan and take a 3 night cruise down the Nile, visiting Kom Ombo and Edfu on the way. Our journey ends by the Red Sea with time to enjoy the golden beaches and explore the magnificent coral reefs. A varied itinerary and the perfect introduction to a truly captivating land. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This trip has been graded as grade A (leisurely). Leisurely grade trips are suitable for all clients with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Egypt can get hot, especially during our summer, which can cause discomfort whilst travelling. Care should be taken to drink a lot of bottled water. The hottest months tend to be June to September in Egypt where temperatures can reach 38 to 40ºC in southern Egypt. The hotels and cruise boat that we use on this trip are of a high standard. The train journey used is an overnight sleeper train. The facilities used are good by Egyptian standards although they may not be quite up to the Swiss Rail network! Ramadan Please note that the holy month of Ramadan will take place 9 July to 7 August 2013 (dates can shift slightly). This is a time when followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. This can sometimes affect the opening hours of certain tourist sites. However, we will ensure that the itinerary is affected as little as possible if you travel during this period. Food and drink is available to tourists during the day. LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Start Cairo On arrival at Cairo International Airport, for those on the group transfer, a local representative will meet you just before you enter the baggage hall. Exodus Travels Ltd Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: (44) Fax: (44) sales@exodus.co.uk

2 Day 7 On the Nile We will spend the day on our cruise boat, which travels downstream from Aswan to Luxor. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famous for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, and Kom Ombo. The cruise boat has good facilities: a sundeck with sun loungers, bar and small pool, restaurant, gift shop and library - these can all be taken advantage of when the cruise boat is docked or during sailing. The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Aswan to Luxor, watching traditional Egyptian life pass by and the beauty of the verdant lush landscape make this journey special. Please note that we may arrive in Luxor on day 8 depending on cruise itinerary. (BLD) Days 8/9 Visit Karnak and Luxor temples This morning we disembark and head to the East Bank. We visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple Complex. Built over 1500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. Its Hypostyle hall has 134 columns, 23 metres high and 15 metres in circumference! There will be some free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure. (B) Day 2 Visit Citadel and Egyptian Archaeological Museum Today we visit the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4000 BC, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the tour. After lunch we continue with a visit to Cairo's Citadel and lively Khan El Khalili bazaars. (B) Day 3 Tracing the evolution of the pyramids A memorable day tracing the history of Pyramids. The day (and story) starts at Saqqara where we visit the Step-Pyramid that was constructed in 2780BC. From here we head to the little-visited pyramids at Dashour. In particular we will concentrate on the Red and Bent Pyramids - the first 'true' pyramids. In the afternoon we visit the best-known site at Giza on the western outskirts of Cairo. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx: these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century. This evening we travel by sleeper train to Aswan. Dinner is served on the train. (BD) Day 4 Explore the temples and islands of Aswan We arrive at Aswan, the most southerly city in Egypt and the traditional trading post linking Nubia and Black Africa with the Nile River. The desert sands come almost to the water's edge in this quiet but evergrowing city. After we disembark the train and check into our hotel, we take a felucca ride to the botanical garden on Kitchener's Island and to the West Bank for excellent views over the Nile to the city. In the afternoon there is time to relax by the pool or for optional visits to Aswan's Nubian museum (close to the hotel). (B) Day 5 Optional trip to Abu Simbel Today there's the option of a visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km to the south through the Nubian Desert. The road to Abu Simbel is now open or the temples can also be visited by air. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised stone by stone to a new site in the late 1960s by UNESCO as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II now stare east towards the rising sun. Day 10 Valley of the Kings We cross the Nile to the West Bank. Here we see the Valley of the Kings, which contains the once hidden tombs of over 60 Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes the visitor underground, through a series of corridors and ante-chambers that lead us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs - a map of the afterlife to ensure the king's safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. Our guide will attempt to choose three tombs, which represent a range of styles. Tutankhamun's tomb is visited with a separate ticket. We then drive to Queen Hatshepsut's Temple at Dehr El Bahri. Cut from an eastfacing cliff, the temple is famed for its carved reliefs and paintings, as well as its impressive proportions, best viewed from above. The half-day finishes with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon and a view of the Ramesseum - a now fittingly dilapidated epitaph to Ramses II, who built so much for his own glory. The late afternoon will be free to relax after the busy morning. (B) Day 11 Transfer to Red Sea In the early morning leave the Ancient Egyptian sites behind and head along the Nile valley to Qena. We then turn into the Eastern Desert, travelling through a dramatic range of mountains and on to the Red Sea resort of El Gouna - a total distance of about 300 km (approximately 4-4½ hours). (B) Day 12 Full day in El Gouna El Gouna is a small resort offering access to the reefs, coral islands and beaches of the Red Sea. El Gouna has a relaxed feel. We stay in a small hotel close to the marina and there are some nice restaurants and cafes close by. The hotel has pool access and the beach is a short walk from the hotel. Our day is free for relaxation or you can Please note that the excursion to Abu Simbel can require a very early start (3/4/5am). The exact time depends on the flight or convoy departure times from Aswan, and these vary from season to season. (B) Day 6 Sightseeing, Philae/Aswan dam, board cruise boat This morning there is time to visit the Nubian bazaar or to stroll along the corniche. We can also offer an excursion to see the beautiful Philae temple and the impressive Aswan High Dam. In the afternoon we board our 5 star cruise boat. (BLD) 2

3 join an optional full day's snorkelling trip to a coral island and reef, with lunch of salad and fish freshly cooked on board. We ask that passengers are very careful not to damage the reef and refrain from removing or taking home any coral. Snorkelling equipment of variable quality is available locally. Qualified divers should bring their BSAC or PADI certification card and logbook if they want to dive. (B) Day 13 End El Gouna El Gouna is 30mins from Hurghada and its international airport. Please note that a flight from El Gouna to Cairo is not included in the land-only price of this tour. (B) For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will arrive in the UK the same day. ACCOMMODATION We use comfortable 4/5 star hotels (Egyptian Classification) on a twinshare basis. The Basma Hotel in Aswan is located on the East Bank on Aswan's highest hill, directly opposite the famous Nubian museum. All the rooms have balconies with views of the Nile or the surrounding desert. The facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a choice of bars and restaurants, a huge swimming pool and all set amid well-maintained gardens. In Cairo we now use the Grand Pyramids Hotel. Located only minutes from the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Pyramids offers an oasis of calm in this busy part of Cairo with its immaculate lush garden, which surrounds the large pool. All rooms are en suite. At Luxor we use the Iberotel. Just outside Luxor, this excellent hotel is close to all the major sights and features a floating pool that juts out into the Nile. All rooms are en suite. Cruise boat We sail the Nile on the Solaris 2, a wonderful 5-star cruise boat. Recently refurbished, this cruise boat offers great facilities with a swimming pool, reading room, gift shop, restaurant and two bars. Each of the en suite bedrooms is fully air-conditioned and has a wide picture window. Please note that exact sailing/excursion times may vary but 3 nights aboard the boat (Aswan - Luxor) are guaranteed. As with all Nile cruise boats doing this journey, we have to pass through Esna lock and all boats can experience delays here. All cruise boats may also spend some time moored on the bank of the Nile and departure and arrival times vary depending on lock delays and sailing speed. Sleeper Trains These are air-conditioned and deemed first class by Egyptian standards with 2 berth sleeper cabins and bunks. The train has toilets and a lounge, and provides an evening meal but it is basic by western standards. Single Accommodation: The price of a single room is 190 (approx. US$340): this does not including the sleeper train. Please reconfirm the price with your sales consultant for your particular departure, as prices may be higher at peak times. Extra Accommodation: This can be arranged in Cairo pre or post tour. Please speak to a consultant at the time of booking if you would like additional accommodation. FOOD & TRANSPORT Food All breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners (and a meal in the evening of the sleeper train) are included. All breakfasts and dinner on the sleeper train are included. We suggest you allow (approx. US$ ) for meals not included. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pittabread, felafel, beans, aubergine and other vegetables, pickles, salads and the like. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept that the options may be somewhat limited. Please note that on the 23rd Dec departure there is a compulsory gala dinner that is already included into the price. Transport Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and Egypt's roads are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use cruise ship, train and felucca - camel is optional! WEATHER AND SEASONALITY On certain dates when it is not possible to travel on the M/S Solaris 2, we will travel on the M/S Nile Dolphin or a cruise boat with similar facilities. Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30's, and those who are affected by heat may wish to avoid the period between June and September. The winter months can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20ºC, night time minimum is 8ºC. In the summer these temperatures are 35ºC and 22ºC respectively. Daytime temperatures are on average 3 or 4 degrees higher in Aswan. 3

4 JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 13 days, normally depart London Sun, return Fri Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of British Midland (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. Internal flights during the trip are normally with Egypt Air. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. JOINING THE TRIP IN CAIRO 13 days, normally start Cairo Sun, end El Gouna Fri Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Cairo in the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 3pm. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, the cost is 30 (approx. US$50) based on 2 persons. and is payable before departure. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about (approx. US$25-30) should you decide to make your way independently. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. We train all leaders. We provide refresher training with a focus on Responsible Tourism, so our leaders can educate our clients locally on helping to preserve the way of life in their area. After the "Tahrir Square" revolution in 2011, numbers of tourists visiting Egypt has been at its lowest for years. By visiting Egypt we are directly contributing to rebuilding this ailing industry and giving local businesses and communities a boost during this difficult time. We also use local leaders and they get additional refresher training on a regular basis. They will give a short briefing on Responsible Tourism issues on arrival to help you understand the local issues and how you can help. Many of our leaders are qualified Egyptologists and all are extremely keen to promote local ways of life and traditions. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visas are required by all non-arab nationalities and currently cost 15. It is recommended that you obtain your visa on arrival (at the airport if arriving by air or the port if arriving by ferry - at Nuweiba port the local guide will assist.) Although it is recommended that you obtain your visa on arrival, if you would like to obtain your visa before departure, the address of the Egyptian Embassy in London is 2 Lowndes Square, SW1. Tel: Visas are now generally available for same day collection, although this should NOT be relied upon. Opening hours are to for applications, to for collection of passports after the visa has been issued. Postal applications direct to the embassy for visas are not recommended as the service takes 15 to 20 days. Please note that recently Egyptian officials have also requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them whilst in the country. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies, and Hepatitis B The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. Local Time GMT +2hrs (though please check for the time difference during Ramadan). Egypt also has a summer time similar to the UK, when clocks are advanced one hour between May and September. 4

5 If travelling to Abu Simbel, we strongly recommend flying. Travelling by road takes a few hours and at some points the road is in poor condition. Tour of Philae, High Dam & Obelisk 31/$50 (valid for 6 clients +) Sound and Light show at Philae 23/$37 (valid for 6 clients +) Luxor: Sound and light show, Karnak Temple 14/$20 Half day bicycle hire west bank 3/$5 Half day taxi hire west bank 9/$15 Entrance for additional tombs on the West Bank approximately 21/$34 El Gouna: Full day boat and snorkelling trip to coral island with lunch 22/$35 When booking and paying for these tours locally a 3% charge will be added for all payments by credit card. Tipping (leader and local staff) 'Baksheesh' is part of Egyptian life, and small tips are expected by most of the people working in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway porters, restaurant staff etc). Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 6 and 20 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. There will be a local leader (Egyptologist) and drivers and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), with an exchange rate of 9.5 to the UK and 6 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. The Egyptian unit of currency is the Pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, and we do not recommend you to get Egyptian currency prior to departure. Money can be changed at the airport on arrival or at the hotel in Cairo. When you leave Egypt it is possible, though not easy, to re-exchange Egyptian Pounds into foreign currency. It is advisable to bring your personal spending money in small denomination travellers cheques or cash. Any hard currency (e.g. UK, US$. Euro etc.) is acceptable at banks in Egypt. Hotels can also usually change money at a good rate, and they are often quicker than banks. We suggest that you take some money in cash, as hotels will often not accept travellers cheques. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques There are ATM machines in many parts of Egypt and you can use Visa, MasterCard and Switch using your normal PIN number. Although they are accepted in most tourist bazaars, please do not rely on any credit cards in Egypt. It is possible to purchase larger items such as carpets with Visa, American Express and some other major cards. Extra Expenses and Spending Money See 'Food' and 'Visas'. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) Prices are in GBP and US$ and are approximate conversions from local currency. Cairo: Sound and light show, Giza 21/$34 (valid for 6 clients +) Entrance fee for Great Pyramids 12/$19 Entrance fee for Mummies room at Egyptian Museum 12/$19 Aswan: Abu Simbel flight excursion approx. 200/$305 Abu Simbel road excursion approx. 58/$93 (valid for 6 clients +) In order to simplify this process for our clients, Exodus has agreed with our team of tour leaders to recommend a 'tipping kitty' for all trips to Egypt. Your tour leader will explain this at the start of the holiday, and will collect the suggested sum from those who wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping on behalf of the group. While your participation is highly recommended, it is not compulsory. Your leader can provide details of the distribution of the money as required. For groups of 12 or more clients, the contribution is suggested as 40/US$65 per person. For groups of less than 12 clients, the contribution is suggested as 50/US$75 per person. Tipping your Leader If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, 3/US$4-5 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point. The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Trousers or long dresses for women (Egypt is a Muslim country and there are times you may be asked to cover up) Warm sweater (November to March) or a light sweater (April to October) Warm jacket or fleece (November to March only) Long sleeved shirts (for evening and/or sun protection) Sunhat Daypack/soft holdall Suntan lotion Sunglasses and lipsalve Lightweight walking shoes Light wet weather top Optional items: Camera Swimwear Binoculars (recommended for use whilst sightseeing) Torch (useful in the temples/entering the pyramid in Saqqara) Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. 5

6 Reading List: There are numerous guidebooks to choose from. Both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide cover Egypt; others, which we have read and found useful, are listed below. Guide to Egypt Michael Haag Excellent readable guide with much detailed sightseeing information and useful practical sections. Fodor's Guide to Egypt Hoddor & Stoughton A typical Fodor guide. The Search For Ancient Egypt Thames and Hudson A very interesting summary of the re-discovery of Ancient Egypt. An Introduction to Ancient Egypt T. G. H. James Another fairly exhaustive archaeological guide. Mt Sinai Joseph Hobbs For fiction try: The Map of Love Ahdad Souief Shortlisted for the1999 Booker prize. The Nobel Prize-winning novelist Naguib Mahfouz is also well worth readin If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials', JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay by cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 6