14 DAY Pyramids to Petra MXEKCA-7

Transcription

1 14 DAY Pyramids to Petra MXEKCA-7 This tour visits: Egypt, Israel, Jordan Head off on this two-week expedition from Cairo to Amman, discovering the wonders of Egypt, Jordan and Israel. After gazing at the mighty pyramids, make like Dora and explore the ancient city of Petra known as the Rose City due to the colour of the stone out of which it is carved. Marvel at the famous rock-cut architecture and relish the awe-inspiring landscape around you. No wonder it s been listed as one of the New Seven Wonders Of The World. The Bucket List More Inclusions Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau Egyptian Museum 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab Discover the 'Lost City of Petra' Float in the Dead Sea Guided tours of Jerusalem & Bethlehem Wadi Rum 4x4 Excursion & Desert Camp Guided tours at major sites (entrance fees not included in Egypt) 13 breakfasts, 1 dinner 7 nights twin-share in 4-star hotels, 5 nights twin-share in 3- star hotels, 1 night in a Bedouin desert camp Airport transfer on arrival Transfers - Eilat to Jerusalem and Jordan border to Amman Transport Awesome English-speaking Trip Leaders

2 Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Cairo, Egypt Touch down and tap into the energy of Cairo, known by locals as the Mother of the World. Whizz past mosques, grand avenues and 19th century palaces with pyramids on the horizon en route to your hotel. Then get to know your crew at tonight s welcome meeting. - Airport transfer Day 2 - Cairo There s old, and then there s the Giza Pyramids. Gawk and marvel, then snap a selfie with the Sphinx. Also: Egyptian Museum and heaps more ancient history. - Egyptian Museum - Giza pyramids & Sphinx Optional activities: - Nile dinner cruise Day 3 - Cairo to Dahab Peace out Cairo, we're off to the Red Sea! Cue four days of coastal vibes and heaps of water play. Day 4 - Dahab Dahab might be Arabic for gold but the beaches here are like a diamond in the desert. Take the warm Red Sea, prime windsurfing conditions and some of the world s most epic dive and snorkeling sites, throw in a blissed-out hippie vibe and, well, we think you ll be pretty happy here. Optional activities (available over the next 4 days): - Diving - Snorkelling - Quad bikes - Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise - Camel ride

3 Day 5 - Dahab Another day in paradise awaits you. Gear up for an eye-opening dive exploration, snare yourself a bargain at the village shops, or grab your goggles and snorkel and hit the world famous Blue Hole. Alternatively, do nothing at all. It s your vaycay. Day 6 - Dahab Fancy a seafood feast, fit for a sheikh? Satiate your appetite with a drool-inducing seafood feast at one of the many beachside restaurants in this superb seaside town. When your tummy is well and truly full, head back to the beach, where your toughest decision will be whether to doze or dip. Day 7 - Dahab Perfect kite-surfing conditions and camels, what s not to like? Take the opportunity to snorkel, swim or burn through the desert on quad bikes. Early risers can get closer to heaven with a hike to the top of Mount Sinai for sunrise. Hungry? Forget farm to table. Here the fish almost leap out of the ocean onto your plate. Day 8 - Dahab to Jerusalem, Israel First stop in the holy land: Jerusalem. At just one square kilometre in size, the Old City jams in 4000 years of history and a trifecta of Jewish, Muslim and Christian sacred sites. Also: tick off a salty dip in the Dead Sea. - Dead Sea Day 9 - Jerusalem Sacred for three religions, this place is kind of a big deal. See the Wailing Wall walk the Via Dolorosa to the Golgotha (where Jesus was crucified) before heading to Mount Zion to see King David s tomb. - Old Jerusalem City Tour

4 Day 10 - Jerusalem to Amman, Jordan Pay your respects at the Mount of Olives - a stone placed on top of a tomb will let them know you stopped by. Gethsemane garden is next. Cue epic #pano views over Jerusalem and more holy vibes as we pit stop in Bethlehem en route to Amman. - Mount of Olives - Gethsemane - Bethlehem Day 11 - Amman to Petra First up, mosaic maps and history lessons in Madaba before taking in views of Moses proportions from Mount Nebo. Then storm a Crusader castle in Karak before arriving in the Lost City of Petra. - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Karak Castle Optional activities: - Petra by Night Day 12 - Petra Dating back to 312 BC, this rose-red city of 80 metre-high twisting sandstone tunnels gives new meaning to the word historic. Explore its palaces, temples and tombs between Indiana Jones flashbacks. Day 13 - Petra to Wadi Rum Start your day with windswept hair, driving across the desert in a 4x4. Tonight, we make like a local with a tra-dish earth-oven feast before bedding down, Bedouin-style, amongst the glowing desert landscape of Wadi Rum. - Little Petra - 4x4 excursion - Overnight in Bedouin desert camp

5 - Dinner Optional activities: Camel ride Day 14 - Wadi Rum to Amman Rise and shine, it s back to Amman. Should you stay or should you go? Your call, but we re outta here. Accommodation On your trip you will stay primarily in quality, three and four-star hotels on a single or twin-share basis, depending on what you have booked. You will also get to experience a night in a desert camp at Wadi Rum. The camp features twin-share tents, with beds, pillows and all sheets & blankets provided, along with an en-suite bathroom. Please note: the bathroom facilities are basic (hey, you're in the desert!) but it's all part of the amazing experience you will have! Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Cairo - Egypt Nile dinner cruise (includes belly dancer, Darwish dance & live music) US$55 Dahab- Egypt Diving in Dahab: Intro dive (for beginners) US$48 1 or 2 dives (for certified divers) US$41 per dive 3 to 5 dives (for certified divers) US$38 per dive 6 or more dives (for certified divers) US$36 per dive Blue Hole: includes transportation, lunch, snorkel mask US$45 Camel ride US$30 Desert safari (quad bikes) US$58 Day trip to St Catherine & Mt Sinai US$55 *minimum 4 people to operate Wadi Rum - Jordan

6 Camel ride (1 hour) JOD 20 Meals Breakfasts are included every day on most trips (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions there may be some hot food available as well. Included evening meals are in local restaurants or your place of accommodation. In most cases table water is provided with the meals, and if you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Customer Service Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Important note on Ramadan: As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during this time. Some Optional and Included Activities may also be affected. Despite some of these restraints, Ramadan is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and

7 excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following: When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Other Information Finances Currency Egypt - the currency unit in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres. Jordan - the currency unit in Jordan is the Jordanian dinar (JD or JOD), which is divided into 100 piastres. Israel - the unit of currency in Israel is the Israeli new shekel (ILS or NIS), which is divided into 100 agorot. British pounds, Euros and US dollars are easily exchanged in Egypt, Jordan and Israel and are an alternative to using ATMs. US dollars cash can also be used for some purchases in Jordan. Please note: You may not be able to exchange other currencies. Changing Money Cashpoints/ATMs are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something s Please note: Credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities. It is advisable you notify your bank or credit card issuing company of your intention to travel as for security reasons, banks and cred Upon arrival at Cairo airport it is advisable to cash up about EGP 200. This will cover any expenditure on your Cairo sightseeing da and give you flexibility until you need to change more money where you can get a better exchange rate.

8 On your trip you will be given the opportunity to change money at either a bank or hotel. Bear in mind for the end of your trip that changing Egyptian pounds, Jordanian dinar and/or Israeli shekel back into dollars or other major currencies can be complicated and Spending Money Based on past experience, we recommend at least EGP (approx USD 55-70) per day in Egypt and JOD (approx U Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits! Tipping Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping is an important way of life in Egypt, Jordan and Israel and is some When travelling with Topdeck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budge Topdeck Top Tip: it is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in the unlik Insurance It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insu Passports & Visa Some countries may refuse you entry if there is not at least six months validity on your passport after your departure date from their Egypt Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Egypt. Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. T Please note: Egyptian authorities alone control entry to their country. Topdeck CANNOT guarantee you will be allowed to enter Egypt.

9 IMPORTANT NOTE: Your booking includes a transfer from the airport to your joining hotel on Day 1. On flight arrival in Cairo, follow the signs for immigration and baggage collection. You will be met by a Topdeck representative (holding a Topdeck sign) before you clear immigration who will assist you with obtaining your visa and progressing through customs. On occasion, our representative is not able to meet you before immigration. If this is the case, you need to purchase your entry visa from one of the bank stalls just before immigration, then proceed through immigration yourself. NOTE: not all nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt (please ensure you check with the Egyptian Embassy before travel). Our representative will then meet you before you collect your luggage. The transfer to the hotel can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. In order to make sure a representative is at the airport to meet you, you will need to contact your Topdeck with your flight details at least five days before you travel. If you have any difficulties finding the Topdeck representative and you have already cleared immigration at Cairo airport, please contact us on one of the local Egyptian mobile numbers listed in the General Information section of this document. If for any reason you need to make your own way to the joining hotel, the address of our usual hotel is listed in this document. You can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. However, note that on occasion, we move our groups to different properties. If you need to make your own way, please confirm the hotel location prior to departing the airport by contacting us on one of the local Egyptian mobile numbers listed in the General Information section of this document. Jordan All visitors to Jordan require an entry visa, however you MAY be eligible to obtain this visa on arrival for FREE at the Allenby Bri RESTRICTED COUNTRIES: If you are from a restricted country, you must obtain your Jordan visa prior to arriving or you will be denied entry. You must conta NOTE: Jordanian authorities alone control entry to their country. Topdeck CANNOT guarantee you will be allowed to enter Jordan. Israel When visiting Israel, most (but not all) nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the border at no charge. However, if you want to NOTE: Israeli authorities alone control entry to their country, and you may find Israeli immigration and customs to be more rigorous and th Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don t leave it until the last minute.

10 Also bear in mind that the validity of the visa often runs from the date of issue rather than date of entry into the country. Please check with the appropriate embassies prior to departure as requirements do change periodically. Departures Taxes In addition to the visa fees indicated above, you will also need to pay the following departure taxes when exiting these countrie Egypt - 2 EGP Israel NIS (at Allenby Bridge border crossing) Transport Depending on your trip, you could be travelling in a modern air-conditioned coach or mini-buses, a traditional Nile sailing felucca, Importantly we own all of our coaches, meaning we can be sure they are well serviced and of a high standard. The quality of all oth Important information about borders crossings between Egypt, Israel and Jordan Please note: borders can close and/or crossing procedures and fees can change without notice. Topdeck, and our partners in Egypt, Jordan and Is Leaving Egypt, entry into Israel is via the Taba border, approximately 2 hours drive from Dahab. This will be a very early morning You will then walk a further 200m to the Israeli border. Once at the Israeli border you walk through Israeli immigration and custom Once clear of immigration and customs you will be met by our Israeli crew and vehicle - look for them holding a Topdeck sign. Yo Leaving Israel & Entering Jordan To leave Israel and enter Jordan, you will drive to the Allenby Bridge border crossing. Your Israeli guide will go as far as possible w (Do not lose this as the Jordanians will ask for it at their immigration when you obtain your Jordanian visa.) Once you have passed through Israeli immigration, you walk through the duty free to wait for the shuttle bus to take you to the Jord At the Jordanian border you will normally be met by your Jordanian Topdeck Trip Leader prior to proceeding through immigration. If our Jordanian Trip Leader is unable to meet you prior to immigration, due to security controls, you will need to proceed REMINDER: we need your passport details and departure details from Jordan to be able to assist you in obtaining your Jor Health & Safety

11 We want to make sure you're having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medica If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while tr Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottle Vaccinations We recommend that you ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date. Please consult a m Safety note If you are arriving a few days before the start of your trip, please be advised not to accept offers from people to visit specialty shops General Information Power Most hotels in Egypt, Israel and Jordan uses the same two-prong plug as used in Europe (CEE 7/16 standard) and a single adapter w Voltage Throughout Egypt, Israel and Jordan the voltage is a uniform v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country y Contact Us Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you a In Egypt Tamer Adel - Operations Manager Mobile: +(20) Mariam Kamal - Operations Mobile: +(20) Osama Yousef - Topdeck Representatives Supervisor Mobile: +(20) In Israel and Jordan Al-Thuraya Travel and Tours - Local handlers Phone: +(962)

12 Other emergency contacts: Ms Sholpan Geegeeh: +(962) In Cases of Emergency While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have m Emergency Contact Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help* Please call from within Australia, from within New Zealand, from within North America, 0 * Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out over these times. What to bring The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might wan We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as Please note: Due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience. 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes 1 pair of smart-casual shoes 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops 2 pairs jeans/trousers 2 pairs shorts/skirts 4 shirts/t-shirts 2 sweaters/jumpers Smart casual evening wear 1 rainproof jacket Underwear and socks! General things to pack: Swimming costume

13 Beach Towel Toiletries Hat & Sunscreen Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.) Washing powder Insect repellent Conversion plug Optional things to pack: Torch Travel pillow Travelling in winter While the daytime temperatures can be mild in the winter months in the region, the evenings are generally cold, especially in Upper The hotels do not cater for winter temperatures as well as they perhaps could so we recommend you bring something warm to sleep Sleeping bags A sleeping bag will not be required for your trip. Final checklist Passport (with visas if required!) Airline e-ticket Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug